5/6/87
OPR: Admin/Financial Management
1. Purpose. This chapter sets forth Departmental policies, responsibilities, and procedures for the settlement of claims arising after August 31, 1964, for damage to or loss of personal property of Departmental employees. The statutory authority for the settlement of such claims is contained in the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 767, 31 U.S.C. 240).
2. Policy. See Exhibit 1 (451 DM 3).
3. Responsibilities. The responsibility for investigation, processing and settlement under these regulations is the same as that for tort claims as prescribed in SM 451.1. Final settlement will be made by the Solicitor or authorized representative (Exhibit 1, 451 DM 3.9).
4. Procedures.
A. Filing of Claim. Such claims shall be prepared and processed in accordance with the procedures set forth in SM 451.1 and Exhibit 1 (451 DM 3).
B. Format of Claim. The claim shall be prepared in triplicate on Form DI-570 (Employee Claim for Loss or Damage to Personal Property) and submitted through channels to the applicable Tort Claims Officer and in turn to the appropriate Associate Regional or Field Solicitor for consideration. An example of an accomplished Form DI-570 is shown in Exhibit 2.
C. Motor Vehicle Claims. Claims for damage to employee's privately owned motor vehicles, not authorized for Government use and involved in accidents with Government-owned vehicles or privately owned vehicles authorized for Government use, will be filed under the provisions of SM 451.1 in lieu of SM 451.5.4B.
