What do to when your household goods get damaged in transit

You just arrived to Fort Irwin. You are very happy that your household goods have just arrived – finally, a bed to sleep on. As the movers are unpacking, you notice damage to your furniture. Later when you are unpacking your boxes, you notice that many items are broken. What do you do?

The number one thing to remember with submitting a claims is – keep all of your documentation! Keep copies of everything and have proof that you sent it.

Your mover, or transportation service provider, must list all missing or damaged items discovered on the day of delivery on Defense Department Form 1840. They will sign the form, you will sign the form, and they will leave you copies of the form. If you discover additional damage when you are unpacking, you must list it on the reverse of the DD Form 1840, called the DD Form 1840R.

In order to be eligible for the full replacement value program, you must report loss or damage to the TSP within 75 days of the date of delivery. Either (1) logon and file the information on the Defense Property System at www.move.mil, (2) mail the information to the TSP (certified mail return receipt), (3) email the TSP (keep a copy), (4) fax the TSP (keep the confirmation), or (5) bring the form to the nearest military claims offices within 70 days of the date of delivery and we will send it to the TSP.

It is recommended that you file online and follow-up by mailing, emailing, or faxing the information to the TSP. This is NOT filing your claim; it is giving the TSP notice that you will file a claim. Within nine months after the date of delivery, you must send the TSP a list of each item that was lost or damaged and give a general description of the damage. Do not wait to file the claim. If the TSP needs additional information, they will contact you. In addition, the TSP is responsible for obtaining estimates.

The TSP will pay, deny, or make a partial offer on completed, substantiated claims within 60 days of receipt and if you accept the offer, the TSP will complete payment within 30 days of receipt of your acceptance. If you have questions or concerns about the offer given to you by the TSP, the military claims office can review the documentation. You can accept the TSP’s offer on some items, but not others and transfer the unsettled portion of the claim to a military claims office.

If you are dissatisfied with the TSP’s handling of your claim, you may transfer all or part of your claim to a military claims office, but will not be entitled to FRV. Military claims offices pay based on depreciated replacement value or repair cost, whichever is less.

The Fort Irwin Claims Office is located in building 288 on Barstow Road, between Second and Third Street, and can be reached at 380-3614. The Transportation Office is located at the Reception Campus, building 105, near Inner Loop Road and First Street, and can be reached at 380-5331.