[Title 32 CFR B]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - July 1, 2002 Edition]
[Title 32 - NATIONAL DEFENSE]
[Subtitle A - Department of Defense (Continued)]
[Chapter Vi - DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY]
[Subchapter E - CLAIMS]
[Part 750 - GENERAL CLAIMS REGULATIONS]
[Subpart B - Federal Tort Claims Act]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]


32NATIONAL DEFENSE52002-07-012002-07-01falseFederal Tort Claims ActBSubpart BNATIONAL DEFENSEDepartment of Defense (Continued)DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVYCLAIMSGENERAL CLAIMS REGULATIONS
                   Subpart B--Federal Tort Claims Act



Sec. 750.21  Scope of subpart B.

    This subpart provides information regarding the administrative 
processing and consideration of claims against the United States under 
the FTCA. The FTCA is a limited waiver of sovereign immunity. Under the 
FTCA, an individual can seek money damages for personal injury, death, 
or property damage caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission 
of a Federal employee acting within the scope of employment. The FTCA 
also provides for compensation for injuries caused by certain 
intentional, wrongful conduct. The liability of the United States is 
determined in accordance with the law of the State where the act or 
omission occured.



Sec. 750.22  Exclusiveness of remedy.

    (a) The Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act 
of 1988, Public Law 100-694 (amending 28 U.S.C. 2679(b) and 2679(d)), 
provides that the exclusive remedy for damage or loss of property, or 
personal injury or death arising from the negligent or wrongful acts or 
omissions of all Federal employees, acting within the scope of their 
employment, will be against the United States. This immunity from 
personal liability does not extend to allegations of constitutional 
torts, nor to allegations of violations of statutes specifically 
authorizing suits against individuals.
    (b) Other statutory provisions create immunity from personal 
liability for

[[Page 392]]

specific categories of Federal employees whose conduct, within the scope 
of their employment, gives rise to claims against the Government. 
Department of Defense health care providers are specifically protected 
by 10 U.S.C. 1089, the Gonzalez Act. DOD attorneys are specifically 
protected by 10 U.S.C. 1054.



Sec. 750.23  Definitions.

    (a) Negligent conduct. Generally, negligence is the failure to 
exercise that degree of care, skill, or diligence a reasonable person 
would exercise under similar circumstances. Negligent conduct can result 
from either an act or a failure to act. The law of the place where the 
conduct occurred will determine whether a cause of action lies against 
the Government. 28 U.S.C. 1346(b) and 2674.
    (b) Intentional torts. Although any employee who commits an 
intentional tort is normally considered to be acting outside the scope 
of employment, the FTCA does allow claimants to seek compensation for 
injuries arising out of the intentional torts of assault, battery, false 
imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, and malicious prosecution, 
if committed by a Federal investigative or law enforcement officer. An 
``investigative or law enforcement officer'' is any officer of the 
United States empowered by law to execute searches, to seize evidence, 
or to make arrests for violations of Federal law. 28 U.S.C. 2680(h).
    (c) Government employees--(1) General. ``Employee of the 
Government,'' defined at 28 U.S.C. 2671, includes officers or employees 
of any Federal agency, members of the U.S. military or naval forces, and 
persons acting on behalf of a Federal agency in an official capacity.
    (2) Government contractors. Government (also referred to as 
independent) contractors, are those individuals or businesses who enter 
into contracts with the United States to provide goods or services. 
Because the definition of ``Federal agency,'' found at 28 U.S.C. 2671, 
specifically excludes ``any contractor with the United States,'' the 
United States is generally not liable for the negligence of Government 
contractors. There are, however, three limited exceptions to the general 
rule, under which a cause of action against the United States has been 
found to exist in some jurisdictions. They are:
    (i) Where the thing or service contracted for is deemed to be an 
``inherently dangerous activity'';
    (ii) where a nondelegable duty in the employer has been created by 
law; or,
    (iii) where the employer retains control over certain aspects of the 
contract and fails to discharge that control in a reasonable manner.
    (3) Employees of nonappropriated-fund activities. Nonappropriated-
fund activities are entities established and operated for the benefit of 
military members and their dependents, and have been judicially 
determined to be ``arms'' of the Federal government. These entities 
operate from self-generated funds, rather than from funds appropriated 
by Congress. Examples include Navy and Marine Corps Exchanges, officer 
or enlisted clubs, and recreational services activities. A claim arising 
out of the act or omission of an employee of a nonappropriated-fund 
activity not located in a foreign country, acting within the scope of 
employment, is an act or omission committed by a Federal employee and 
will be handled in accordance with the FTCA.
    (d) Scope of employment. ``Scope of employment'' is defined by the 
law of respondeat superior (master and servant) of the place where the 
act or omission occurred. Although 28 U.S.C. 2671 states that acting 
within the scope of employment means acting in the line of duty, the 
converse is not always true. For administrative purposes, a Government 
employee may be found ``in the line of duty,'' yet not meet the criteria 
for a finding of ``within the scope of employment'' under the law of the 
place where the act or omission occurred.



Sec. 750.24  Statutory/regulatory authority.

    The statutory provisions of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) are 
at 28 U.S.C. 1346(b), 2671-2672, and 2674-2680. The Attorney General of 
the United States has issued regulations on administrative claims filed 
under the FTCA at 28 CFR part 14. If the provisions of this section and 
the Attorney

[[Page 393]]

General's regulations conflict, the Attorney General's regulations 
prevail.



Sec. 750.25  Scope of liability.

    (a) Territorial limitations. The FTCA does not apply to any claim 
arising in a foreign country. 28 U.S.C. 2680(k) and Beattie v. United 
States, 756 F.2d 91 (D.C. Cir. 1984).
    (b) Exclusions from liability. Statutes and case law have 
established categories of exclusions from FTCA liability.
    (1) Statutory exclusions. Section 2680 of Title 28 lists claims not 
cognizable under the FTCA. They include:
    (i) Claims based on the exercise or performance of, or the failure 
to exercise or perform, a discretionary Government function;
    (ii) Admiralty claims under 46 U.S.C. 741-752 or 781-790. Claims 
under the Death on the High Seas Act (46 U.S.C. 761), however, are 
cognizable under the FTCA. All admiralty claims will be referred to the 
Judge Advocate General for adjudication. Admiralty claims against the 
Navy shall be processed under part 752 of this Chapter;
    (iii) Claims arising from intentional torts, except those referred 
to in Sec. 750.23(b);
    (iv) Claims arising from the combat activities of the military or 
naval forces, or the Coast Guard, during time of war.
    (2) Additional claims not payable. Although not expressly 
statutorily excepted, the following types of claims shall not be paid 
under the FTCA:
    (i) A claim for personal injury or death of a member of the armed 
forces of the United States incurred incident to military service or 
duty. Compare United States v. Johnson, 481 U.S. 681 (1987); Feres v. 
United States, 340 U.S. 135 (1950) with Brooks v. United States, 337 
U.S. 49 (1949);
    (ii) Any claim by military personnel or civilian employees of the 
Navy, paid from appropriated funds, for personal property damage 
occurring incident to service or Federal employment, cognizable under 31 
U.S.C. 3721 and the applicable Personnel Claims Regulations, 32 CFR part 
751;
    (iii) Any claim by employees of nonappropriated-fund activities for 
personal property damage occurring incident to Federal employment. These 
claims will be processed as indicated in 32 CFR part 756;
    (iv) Any claim for personal injury or death covered by the Federal 
Employees' Compensation Act (5 U.S.C. 8116c);
    (v) Any claim for personal injury or death covered by the Longshore 
and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 905 and 5 U.S.C. 8171);
    (vi) That portion of any claim for personal injury or property 
damage, caused by the negligence or fault of a Government contractor, to 
the extent such contractor may have assumed liability under the terms of 
the contract (see United States v. Seckinger, 397 U.S. 203 (1969) and 
Sec. 750.23(c)(2);
    (vii) Any claim against the Department of the Navy by another 
Federal agency. Property belonging to the Government is not owned by any 
one department of the Government. The Government does not reimburse 
itself for the loss of its own property except where specifically 
provided for by law; and
    (viii) Any claim for damage to a vehicle rented pursuant to travel 
orders.



Sec. 750.26  The administrative claim.

    (a) Proper claimant. See Sec. 750.5 of this part.
    (b) Claim presented by agent or legal representative. A claim filed 
by an agent or legal representative will be filed in the name of the 
claimant; be signed by the agent or legal representative; show the title 
or legal capacity of the person signing; and be accompanied by evidence 
of the individual's authority to file a claim on behalf of the claimant.
    (c) Proper claim. A claim is a notice in writing to the appropriate 
Federal agency of an incident giving rise to Government liability under 
the FTCA. It must include a demand for money damages in a definite sum 
for property damage, personal injury, or death alleged to have occurred 
by reason of the incident. The Attorney General's regulations specify 
that the claim be filed on a Standard Form 95 or other written 
notification of the incident. If a letter or other written notification 
is used, it is essential that it set forth the same basic information 
required by Standard Form 95. Failure to do so may result in

[[Page 394]]

a determination that the administrative claim is incomplete. A suit may 
be dismissed on the ground of lack of subject matter jurisdiction based 
on claimant's failure to present a proper claim as required by 28 U.S.C. 
2675(a).
    (d) Presentment. A claim is deemed presented when received by the 
Navy in proper form. A claim against another agency, mistakenly 
addressed to or filed with the Navy shall be transferred to the 
appropriate agency, if ascertainable, or returned to the claimant. A 
claimant presenting identical claims with more than one agency should 
identify every agency to which the claim is submitted on every claim 
form presented. Claims officers shall coordinate with all other affected 
agencies and ensure a lead agency is designated. 28 CFR 14.2.



Sec. 750.27  Information and supporting documentation.

    (a) Proper documentation. Depending on the type of claim, claimants 
may be required to submit information, as follows:
    (1) Death. (i) An authenticated death certificate or other competent 
evidence showing cause of death, date of death, and age of the decedent;
    (ii) Decedent's employment or occupation at time of death, including 
monthly or yearly earnings and the duration of last employment;
    (iii) Full names, addresses, birth dates, relationship, and marital 
status of the decedent's survivors, including identification of 
survivors dependent for support upon decedent at the time of death;
    (iv) Degree of support provided by decedent to each survivor at time 
of death;
    (v) Decedent's general physical and mental condition before death;
    (vi) Itemized bills for medical and burial expenses;
    (vii) If damages for pain and suffering are claimed, a physician's 
detailed statement specifying the injuries suffered, duration of pain 
and suffering, any drugs administered for pain, and the decedent's 
physical condition during the interval between injury and death; and,
    (viii) Any other evidence or information which may affect the 
liability of the United States.
    (2) Personal injury. (i) A written report by attending physician or 
dentist on the nature and extent of the injury, nature and extent of 
treatment, any degree of temporary or permanent disability, the 
prognosis, period of hospitalization, any any diminished earning 
capacity. In addition, the claimant may be required to submit to a 
physical or mental examination by a physician employed by any Federal 
agency. Upon written request, a copy of the report of the examining 
physician shall be provided;
    (ii) Itemized bills for medical, dental, and hospital expenses 
incurred, or itemized receipts of payments of such expenses;
    (iii) A statement of expected expenses for future treatment;
    (iv) If a claim is made for lost wages, a written statement from the 
employer itemizing actual time and wages lost;
    (v) If a claim is made for lost self-employed income, documentary 
evidence showing the amount of earnings actually lost; and
    (vi) Any other evidence or information which may affect the 
liability of the United States for the personal injury or the damages 
claimed.
    (3) Property damage. (i) Proof of ownership;
    (ii) A detailed statement of the amount claimed for each item of 
property;
    (iii) An itemized receipt of payment for necessary repairs or 
itemized written estimates of the cost of repairs;
    (iv) A statement listing date of purchase, purchase price, and 
salvage value where repair is not economical; and
    (v) Any other evidence or information which may affect the liability 
of the United States for the property damage claimed.
    (b) Failure to submit necessary documentation. If claimant fails to 
provide sufficient supporting documentation, claimant should be notified 
of the deficiency. If after notice of the deficiency, including 
reference to 28 CFR 14.4, the information is still not supplied, two 
follow-up requests should be sent by

[[Page 395]]

certified mail, return receipt requested. If after a reasonable period 
of time the information is still not provided, the appropriate 
adjudicating authority should deny the claim.



Sec. 750.28  Amendment of the claim.

    A proper claim may be amended at any time prior to settlement, 
denial, or the filing of suit. An amendment must be submitted in writing 
and must be signed by the claimant or duly authorized agent or legal 
representative. No finally denied claim for which reconsideration has 
not been requested under Sec. 750.31 may be amended.



Sec. 750.29  Investigation and examination.

    Subpart A of this part requires an investigation for every incident 
that may result in a claim against or in favor of the United States. 
Where a previously unanticipated claim is filed against the Government 
and an investigation has not already been conducted, the appropriate 
claims officer shall immediately request an investigation. See subpart A 
of this part for specific action required by an adjudicating authority.



Sec. 750.30  Denial of the claim.

    Final denial of an administrative claim shall be in writing and 
shall be sent to the claimant, his duly authorized agent or legal 
representative by certified or registered mail, with return receipt 
requested. The notification of final denial shall include the reasons 
for the denial. The notification shall include a statement informing the 
claimant of his right to file suit in the appropriate Federal district 
court not later than 6 months after the date of the mailing of the 
notification. 28 CFR 14.9(a).



Sec. 750.31  Reconsideration.

    (a) Request. Prior to the commencement of suit and prior to the 
expiration of the 6-month period for filing suit, a claimant or his duly 
authorized agent or legal representative may present a request for 
reconsideration to the authority who denied the claim. The request shall 
be in writing and shall state the reasons for the requested 
reconsideration. A request for reconsideration is presented on the date 
it is received by the DON. 28 CFR 14.9(b).
    (b) Proper basis. A request for reconsideration shall set forth 
claimant's reasons for the request, and shall include any supplemental 
supporting evidence or information. Any writing communicating a desire 
for reconsideration that reasonably appears to have been presented 
solely for the purpose of extending the statutory period for filing 
suit, shall not be treated as a request for reconsideration. Claimant or 
claimant's authorized representative shall be notified promptly that the 
writing is not considered a proper request for reconsideration.
    (c) Effect of presentment of request. The presentment of a proper 
request for reconsideration starts a new 6-month period for the DON to 
act on the request to reconsider. The claimant may not file suit until 
the expiration of the new 6-month period, or until after the date of 
mailing of the final denial of the request. Final denial of a request 
for reconsideration shall be accomplished in the manner prescribed in 
Sec. 750.30. 28 CFR 14.9(b).



Sec. 750.32  Suits under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

    (a) Venue. Venue is proper only in the judicial district where the 
plaintiff resides or where the act or omission complained of occurred. 
28 U.S.C. 1402.
    (b) Jury trial. There is no right to trial by jury in suits brought 
under the FTCA. 28 U.S.C. 2402.
    (c) Settlement. The Attorney General of the United States, or 
designee, may arbitrate, compromise, or settle any action filed under 
the FTCA. 28 U.S.C. 2677.
    (d) Litigation support--(1) Who provides. The adjudicating authority 
holding a claim at the time suit is filed shall be responsible for 
providing necessary assistance to the Department of Justice official or 
U.S. Attorney responsible for defending the Government's interests.
    (2) Litigation report. A litigation report, including a legal 
memorandum emphasizing anticipated issues during litigation, shall be 
furnished to the appropriate Department of Justice official or U.S. 
Attorney.

[[Page 396]]

    (3) Pretrial discovery. Complete and timely responses to discovery 
requests are vital to the effective defense of tort litigation. Subject 
to existing personnel and resources available, appropriate assistance 
shall be provided. The Judge Advocate General should be notified 
promptly when special problems are encountered in providing the 
requested assistance.
    (4) Preservation of evidence. Tort litigation is often accomplished 
over an extended period of time. Every effort shall be made to preserve 
files, documents, and other tangible evidence that may bear on 
litigation. Destruction of such evidence, even in accordance with 
routine operating procedures, undermines defense of a case.



Sec. 750.33  Damages.

    (a) Generally. The measure of damages is determined by the law of 
the place where the act or omission occurred. When there is a conflict 
between local and applicable Federal law, the latter governs. 28 U.S.C. 
1346(b).
    (b) Limitations on liability. The United States is not liable for 
interest prior to judgment or for punitive damages. In a death case, if 
the place where the act or omission complained of occurred provides for 
only punitive damages, the United States will be liable in lieu thereof, 
for actual or compensatory damages. 28 U.S.C. 2674.
    (c) Setoff. The United States is not obligated to pay twice for the 
same injury. Claimants under the FTCA may have received Government 
benefits or services as the result of the alleged tort. The cost of 
these services or benefits shall be considered in arriving at any award 
of damages. For example, the cost of medical or hospital services 
furnished at Government expense, including CHAMPUS payments, shall be 
considered. Additionally, benefits or services received under the 
Veterans Act (38 U.S.C. 101-800) must be considered. Brooks v. United 
States, 337 U.S. 49 (1949).
    (d) Suit. Any damage award in a suit brought under the FTCA is 
limited to the amount claimed administratively unless based on newly 
discovered evidence. 28 U.S.C. 2675(b). Plaintiff must prove the 
increased demand is based on facts not reasonably discoverable at the 
time of the presentment of the claim or on intervening facts relating to 
the amount of the claim.



Sec. 750.34  Settlement and payment.

    (a) Settlement agreement--(1) When required. A settlement agreement, 
signed by the claimant, must be received prior to payment in every case 
in which the claim is either:
    (i) Settled for less than the full amount claimed, or
    (ii) The claim was not presented on a Standard Form 95.
    (2) Contents. Every settlement agreement must contain language 
indicating payment is in full and final settlement of the applicable 
claim. Each settlement agreement shall contain language indicating 
acceptance of the settlement amount by the claimant, or his agent or 
legal representative, shall be final and conclusive on the claimant, or 
his agent or legal representative, and any other person on whose behalf 
or for whose benefit the claim has been presented, and shall constitute 
a complete release of any claim against the United States and against 
any employee of the Government whose conduct gave rise to the claim, by 
reason of the same subject matter. 28 CFR 14.10(b). In cases where 
partial payment will benefit both claimant and the Government, such as 
payment for property damage to an automobile, the settlement agreement 
shall be tailored to reflect the terms of the partial settlement. All 
settlement agreements shall contain a recitation of the applicable 
statutory limitation of attorneys fees. 28 U.S.C. 2678.
    (b) DON role in settlement negotiations involving the U.S. Attorney 
or DOJ. Agency concurrence is generally sought by the Department of 
Justice or U.S. Attorney's office prior to settlement of suits involving 
the DON. Requests for concurrence in settlement proposals shall be 
referred to the appropriate DON adjudicating authority with primary 
responsibility for monitoring the claim. Adjudicating authorities shall 
consult with the Judge Advocate General concerning proposed settlements 
beyond their adjudicating authority.
    (c) Payment of the claim--(1) Statutory authority. Pursuant to 28 
U.S.C. 2672

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and in accordance with 28 CFR 14.6(a), the Secretary of the Navy or 
designee, acting on behalf of the United States, may compromise or 
settle any claim filed against the Navy under the FTCA, provided any 
award, compromise, or settlement by the Navy in excess of $100,000.00 
may be effected only with the prior written approval of the Attorney 
General or designee. Title 28 CFR 14.6 requires consultation with the 
Department of Justice prior to compromise or settlement of a claim in 
any amount when:
    (i) A new precedent or a new point of law is involved;
    (ii) A question of policy is or may be involved;
    (iii) The United States is or may be entitled to indemnity or 
contribution from a third party and the agency is unable to adjust the 
third party claim;
    (iv) The compromise of a particular claim, as a practical matter, 
will or may control the disposition of a related claim in which the 
amount to be paid may exceed $100,000.00; or
    (v) The DON is informed or is otherwise aware that the United States 
or an employee, agent, or cost-plus contractor of the United States is 
involved in litigation based on a claim arising out of the same incident 
or transaction.
    (2) Specific delegation and designation--(i) Payment authority.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Delegated and designated authority        Federal Tort Claims Act
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judge Advocate General...................  Unlimited.
Deputy Judge Advocate General............  Unlimited.
Assistant Judge Advocate General (General  Unlimited.
 Law).
Deputy Assistant Judge Advocate General    $100,000.00.
 (Claims and Tort Litigation) and Deputy
 Division Director.
Head, Federal Tort Claims Branch, Claims   $50,000.00.
 and Tort Division, OJAG.
Commanding Officers of Naval Legal         $25,000.00.
 Service Offices; Officers in Charge of
 Naval Legal Service Office Detachments
 when Specifically Designated by
 Cognizant Commanding Officers of Naval
 Legal Service Offices.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Any payment of over $100,000.00 must be approved by the Department 
of Justice. In addition, the authority to deny Federal Tort Claims is 
double the Federal Tort Claims Act approval authority shown above. The 
Judge Advocate General, the Deputy Judge Advocate General, the Assistant 
Judge Advocate General (General Law), and the Deputy Assistant Judge 
Advocate General (Claims and Tort Litigation) may deny Federal Tort 
Claims in any amount.
    (ii) Territorial responsibility.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Responsible command                       Territory
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAVLEGSVCOFF Newport......................  Maine, Vermont, New
                                             Hampshire, Massachusetts,
                                             Rhode Island, and
                                             Connecticut.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Philadelphia.................  Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
                                             Ohio, and New York.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Washington, DC...............  Maryland, the District of
                                             Columbia, and Northern
                                             Virginia area (zip 220-
                                             223).
NAVLEGSVCOFF Norfolk......................  Virginia (less Northern
                                             Virginia area--zip 220-
                                             223), and West Virginia,
                                             North Carolina (counties of
                                             Currituck, Camden,
                                             Pasquotonk, Gates,
                                             Perquimans, Chowan, Dare,
                                             Tyrrell, Washington, Hyde,
                                             Beaufort, Pamlico, Craven,
                                             Jones, Carteret, and Onslow
                                             only), Bermuda, Iceland,
                                             Greenland, Azores, The
                                             Caribbean, The Republics of
                                             Guatemala, El Salvador,
                                             Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa
                                             Rica, and Panama, Belize,
                                             Colombia, Venezuela,
                                             Guyana, French Guiana,
                                             Surinam, Brazil, Bolivia,
                                             Paraguay, Uruguay,
                                             Argentina, and all Atlantic
                                             and Arctic Ocean areas and
                                             islands not otherwise
                                             assigned.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Charleston...................  North Carolina (less
                                             counties of Currituck,
                                             Camden, Pasquotonk, Gates,
                                             Perquimans, Chowan, Dare,
                                             Tyrrell, Washington, Hyde,
                                             Beaufort, Pamlico, Craven,
                                             Jones, Carteret, Onslow),
                                             and Georgia (less Counties
                                             of Charlton, Camden, and
                                             Glynn).
NAVLEGSVCOFF Jacksonville.................  That portion of Florida east
                                             of the western boundaries
                                             of Gadsen, Liberty, and
                                             Franklin Counties and
                                             Georgia (counties of
                                             Charlton, Camden, and
                                             Glynn).
NAVLEGSVCOFF Pensacola....................  Florida [Pensacola/Panama
                                             City area (zip 324-325)],
                                             Alabama, Louisiana and
                                             Mississippi (that portion
                                             south of Washington,
                                             Humphreys, Holmes, Attala,
                                             Winston, and Noxubee
                                             Counties, and that portion
                                             of the Gulf of Mexico East
                                             of longitude 90 W).
NAVLEGSVCOFF Memphis......................  Missouri, Tennessee,
                                             Kentucky, Arkansas, and
                                             that portion of Mississippi
                                             north of the southern
                                             boundaries of Washington,
                                             Humphreys, Holmes, Attala,
                                             Winston, and Noxubee
                                             Counties.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Great Lakes..................  North Dakota, South Dakota,
                                             Nebraska, Minnesota,
                                             Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin,
                                             Illinois, and Indiana.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Corpus Christi...............  Texas.
NAVLEGSVCOFF San Diego....................  California (Imperial County,
                                             San Diego County, and that
                                             area included in Marine
                                             Corps Base, Camp Pendleton
                                             extending into Orange
                                             County, only), that portion
                                             of Mexico including and
                                             West of the States of
                                             Chihuahua, Durango,
                                             Nayarit, Jalisoc, and
                                             Colima, Pacific Ocean areas
                                             and islands South of
                                             Latitude 45N and East of
                                             Longitude 135W, Ecuador,
                                             Peru, Chile, Arizona, New
                                             Mexico, Oklahoma, and
                                             Nevada (Clark County only).

[[Page 398]]

 
NAVLEGSVCOFF Long Beach...................  That portion of California
                                             in Kern, Santa Barbara,
                                             Ventura, Los Angeles and
                                             Orange Counties (excluding
                                             Marine Corps Base, Camp
                                             Pendleton), Riverside, San
                                             Bernadino, and the China
                                             Lake Naval Weapons Station
                                             Center.
NAVLEGSVCOFF San Francisco................  Northern California
                                             (Counties of San Luis
                                             Obispo, Kings, Tulare,
                                             Inyo, and all counties
                                             North thereof), Colorado,
                                             Nevada (less Clark County),
                                             Utah, and Kansas.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Puget Sound..................  Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
                                             Montanta, Wyoming, and
                                             Alaska.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Pearl Harbor.................  Hawaii, including Midway and
                                             Pacific Island possessions
                                             serviced from Hawaii.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Mayport......................  Claims involving commands
                                             located at Naval Station,
                                             Mayport, Florida.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Guam.........................  Guam, The Trust Territory of
                                             The Pacific Islands, The
                                             Republic of The Marshall
                                             Island, The Federated
                                             States of Micronesia and
                                             The Commonwealth of The
                                             Northern Marianas.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Yokosuka.....................  Japan, Okinawa, Korea, that
                                             portion of the Eurasian
                                             Continent North of latitude
                                             30N and East of longitude
                                             60E, and those Pacific and
                                             Arctic Ocean areas and
                                             islands North of latitude
                                             30N that are East of
                                             longitude 60E and West of
                                             longitude 170w.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Naples.......................  Europe, the African
                                             Continent (excluding that
                                             portion thereof assigned to
                                             NLSO Subic Bay), the
                                             Eurasian Continent
                                             (excluding that portion
                                             thereof assigned to NLSO
                                             Yokosuka and NLSO Subic
                                             Bay), and the
                                             Mediterranean.
NAVLEGSVCOFF Subic Bay....................  Philippines, Hong Kong,
                                             Singapore, Diego Garcia,
                                             and unless otherwise
                                             specified, all Pacific and
                                             Indian Ocean areas and
                                             islands located between
                                             longitude 135E and
                                             longitude 15E; Ethiopia,
                                             Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania,
                                             Mozambique, Swaziland,
                                             Lesotho, and South Africa;
                                             that portion of the
                                             Eurasian Continent South of
                                             latitude 30N and East of
                                             longitude 60E.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Funding. Claims approved for $2,500.00 or less are paid from DON 
appropriations. Claims approved in excess of $2,500.00 are paid from the 
judgment fund and must be forwarded to the United States General 
Accounting Office (GAO) for payment. 28 CFR 14.10(a). Claims arising out 
of the operation of nonappropriated-fund activities and approved for 
payment shall be forwarded to the appropriate nonappropriated-fund 
activity for payment.



Sec. 750.35  Attorney's fees.

    Attorney's fees are limited to 20 percent of any compromise or 
settlement of an administrative claim, and are limited to 25 percent of 
any judgment rendered in favor of a plaintiff, or of any settlement 
accomplished after suit is filed. These amounts are to be paid out of 
the amount awarded and not in addition to the award. 28 U.S.C. 2678.



Sec. 750.36  Time limitations.

    (a) Administrative claim. Every claim filed against the United 
States under the FTCA must be presented in writing within 2 years after 
the claim accrues. 28 U.S.C. 2401(b). Federal law determines the date of 
accrual. A claim accrues when the claimant discovers or reasonably 
should have discovered the existence of the act giving rise to the 
claim. In computing the statutory time period, the day of the incident 
is excluded and the day the claim was presented included.
    (b) Amendments. Upon timely filing of an amendment to a pending 
claim, the DON shall have 6 months to make a final disposition of the 
claim as amended, and the claimant's option to file suit under 28 U.S.C. 
2675(a) shall not accrue until 6 months after the presentment of an 
amendment. 28 CFR 14.2(c).
    (c) Suits. A civil action is barred unless suit is filed against the 
United States not later than 6 months after the date of mailing of 
notice of final denial of the claim. 28 U.S.C. 2401(b). The failure of 
the DON to make final disposition of a claim within 6 months after it is 
presented shall, at the option of the claimant any time thereafter, be 
deemed a final denial of the claim. 28 U.S.C. 2675(a).



Secs. 750.37-750.40  [Reserved]