Airmen now protected from damage incurred during PSC moves

  • Published
  • By Air Force Personnel Center
RANDOLPH AIR FOCE BASE, Texas --  Airmen shipping household goods after March 1will receive full replacement value protection from moving companies or carriers. 

According to Lt. Col Eric Bee, Air Force Claims Service Center, full replacement value, "isn't quite the same as getting all new stuff in every instance when your household goods are damaged by a carrier. Carriers will replace missing items with new items, pay the full cost to replace them or repair damaged items," he said. 

This benefit comes with some changes to the process. 

For instance, according to J.D. Reese, Claims Service Center Operations Division chief, in most cases Airmen can file directly with the carrier or moving company. 

"This claim must be made within nine months of delivery," he said "That's a big change from the two years that most Airmen are used to." 

Airmen may still file a claim with the AFCSC but will only be paid the depreciated value of their damaged or lost goods. Likewise, if they miss the nine month deadline, they can still file a claim up to the two year-point with the AFCSC for the depreciated value of their items. If Airmen are unhappy with what the carrier offers them, they still have the option of filing a claim with the AFCSC. 

Although the timeline for filing a full replacement value claim has lessened, claims are reportedly much easier to file as, among other changes, Airmen are no longer required to get estimates of repair, a process which can be time consuming. Now carriers are required to obtain the repair estimates. Carriers also don't require as much detail about the items because they no longer have to calculate depreciation. 

Additionally, effective May 15, Air Force members and civilians moved by the Air Force may file a Department of Defense Form 1840R on-line by logging on to claims.jag.af.mil and listing the damage within 70 days of delivery. 

Customers who file a DD FM 1840R on-line are not filing a claim but rather putting their carrier on notice that they have noticed or discovered additional loss or damage since delivery. 

Airmen who wish to recover money for lost or damaged goods must both notify the carrier of the damaged or lost goods at delivery or within 70 days of delivery using the 1840R and file a claim within the required nine months time-frame. The period for customers wishing to file against the Air Force for depreciated value is two years. 

According to Staff Sgt. Travis Craig, 39 ABW Legal Office Noncommissioned officer in-charge of civil law, Incirlik's legal office is always willing to assist. 

"We can help the claimant by scanning any needed documentation and e-mailing it to them," he said. "We can also help if they are having a hard time with filing their claim by walking them through the steps. 

Sergeant Craig advises Incirlik customers not to procrastinate in filing their claim as they may miss the deadline of nine months to receive the Full Replacement Value. 

To file a claim against the Air Force under the previous system, Airmen may still file claims at the Claims Web site or call the Claims Service Center at Defense Service Number 312-986-8044 or toll free at 877-754-1212. Local customers may contact a 39 ABW JA representative at 676-6800.