PCSing? Learn the rules, claims

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 31st Fighter Wing Legal Office
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  This summer promises to be a very busy moving season for PCSing Airmen. To help alleviate any potential loss or damage to household goods Airmen should learn the rules under which their household goods are moved to help prepare themselves for a potential moving claim.

First, Airmen should take stock of what they own and its condition prior to the Transportation Service Provider stepping foot into their home. Airmen should take digital photos or a video of high value items, family heirlooms and also consider keeping such items in their possession during the move.

Having a professional appraisal done on any antique furniture is also a good idea, not just for any potential moving claims, but can come in handy should Airmen suffer a home fire or theft. A professional appraisal establishes the value of the item and can be used in the claims process to help establish any loss in value should the item arrive damaged from the move.

When goods are packed up by the TSP, some high value items may be placed on the high value/high risk inventory. This special inventory supplements the household goods inventory and is used by the TSP to protect these high value items such as currency, coins, jewelry, silverware and silver sets, crystal, figurines, furs, and objects of art. There are very specific rules regarding the use of this special inventory and Airmen should inquire with their TSP or the Air Force Claims Service Center regarding these rules.

Finally, although members are not prohibited from shipping currency and jewelry, the AFCSC strongly discourages this and recommends members move these items personally.

Unfortunately, damage does occur. If members do suffer damage, they should be aware that their property is covered under the provisions of the Full Replacement Value legislation enacted by Congress in 2006. This means that TSPs are required to pay the full replacement value on any items missing or destroyed during your move or replace the item. TSPs are also required to repair any item that can be repaired. They are also responsible for contacting a repair firm, unlike pre-FRV moves when the member was responsible for tracking down a repair firm.

The FRV program is an important benefit for Airmen and comes with some changes to the process that they may not be aware of. First, most Airmen will be required to use the Defense Personal Property System for the claims process. DPS can be accessed online at www.move.mil. Also, the FRV program requires Airmen to deal more directly with the TSP.

For example, the Loss/Damage Report that lists damages and losses Airmen discover after the TSP has completed delivery goes directly to the TSP through DPS. (If DPS is not available for the move, members can file their Loss/Damage Report through the AFCSC website at https://claims.jag.af.mil) Remember that filing a Loss/Damage Report is not the same as filing a claim. The Loss/Damage Report simply puts the carrier on notice that an Airman has discovered additional damage or loss since delivery. The Loss/Damage Report must be received by the carrier within 75 days of delivery. Failure to meet the 75 day deadline could result in no reimbursement for loss or damage to those items not noted at the time of delivery.

Under the FRV program, Airmen are required to file their claim directly against their TSP. This claim must be made within nine months of delivery of household goods in order to receive FRV. If the nine month deadline is missed, claims can still be filed up to two years from the delivery date, but they would receive only depreciated valuation. Members not happy with how their claim processing is proceeding can transfer their claim to the AFCSC 30-days after filing against their TSP for any reason or no reason whatsoever.

Additionally, if negotiating with a TSP and Airmen would like someone within the Air Force to assist them, they can contact the AFCSC for support. Finally, if they receive an offer from their TSP that they believe is unfair, they can transfer the claim to the AFCSC. The AFCSC can only pay depreciated valuation in most situations. However, after paying the claim, the Air Force will file an FRV claim against the responsible TSP and may be able to pay an additional award recovered from the TSP. The AFCSC currently has a 98 percent recovery rate against responsible TSPs.

The AFCSC is available to assist Airmen through the claims process. There is never any long voice mail menu - just call DSN 986-8044 or 1-877-754-1212 and press 1 to talk to an expert. Or email us at AFCSC.JA@wpafb.af.mil.

For more questions regarding claims, or for help navigating the AFCSC website, please contact the Aviano legal office Monday through Friday 0730-1630 at 632-7843.