[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 162 (Thursday, August 20, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51374-51394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15408]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy

32 CFR Part 750

[Docket ID: USN-2018-HQ-0012]
RIN 0703-AB22


General Claims Regulations

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, Department of Defense.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule updates and consolidates the Department of 
the Navy (DON) regulations concerning General Claims Regulations, and 
the processes and procedures to be used for filing specific claims 
against and in favor of the DON. Upon completion of this consolidation, 
the obsolete parts will be removed from the CFR.

DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by 
September 21, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and/or 
RIN number and title, by any of the following methods:
    Federal Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    Mail: DoD cannot receive written comments at this time due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Comments should be sent electronically to the docket 
listed above.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number or Regulatory Information Number (RIN) for this 
document. The general policy is for submissions to be made available 
for public viewing at http://www.regulations.gov without change, 
including any personal identifiers or contact information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Randy Russell, Claims and Tort 
Litigation Division (Code 15), Office of the Judge Advocate General, 
1322 Patterson Avenue SE, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374, telephone: 
202-685-4600.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose of the Proposed Rule

    The revision clarifies the rule for public use and consolidates DON 
claims information into one part.

Revisions Implemented by This Rule

    This rule consolidates 32 CFR parts 751, 752, 755, 756, and 757 and 
their underlying subparts into 32 CFR part 750. Primary revisions are 
deletion of unnecessary information. Although there are no substantive 
changes, many of the sub-parts were clarified to allow a better 
understanding of the claims process.

Legal Authority for This Program

    The Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act (PCA) is 
codified at 31 U.S.C. 3721. Claims for Redress of injuries to property 
by service members are codified at Article 139 of the Uniform Code of 
Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 939. Additional claims statutes are 
codified as follows: The Federal Claims Collection Act (FCCA): 31 
U.S.C. 3711; Third Party Payers' Act (TPPA), 10 U.S.C. 1095; and 
Medical Care Recovery Act (MCRA), 42 U.S.C. 2651(a). DON's General 
Claims Regulations for implementing the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA): 
28 U.S.C. 1346(b), 2671-2672, and 2674-2680; Military Claims Act (MCA), 
10 U.S.C. 2733; and the Non-Scope Claims Act (NSCA), 10 U.S.C. 2737.

Regulatory History

    The DON last updated 32 CFR parts 750 and 751 on October 15, 2008; 
part 752 on October 3, 2007; and parts 756 and 757 on September 19, 
2007. The internal Navy document, JAG Instruction 5890.1A, 
``Administrative Processing and Consideration of Claims on Behalf and 
Against the United States'' (available at https://www.jag.navy.mil/library/instructions/5890_1a.pdf), was originally promulgated on 
January 17, 1991, and updated in February 1992. The JAG Instruction was 
slightly revised in 2005 with changes to the rule in 2007.

Regulatory Analyses

Regulatory Planning and Review Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771

    Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and 
Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) 
direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available 
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select 
regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential 
economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive 
impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance 
of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of 
harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. Executive Order 13771 
(Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs) directs agencies 
to reduce regulation and control regulatory costs and provides that 
``for every one new regulation

[[Page 51375]]

issued, at least two prior regulations be identified for elimination, 
and that the cost of planned regulations be prudently managed and 
controlled through a budgeting process.'' This rule is not significant 
under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review;'' 
therefore, E.O. 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs'' does not apply.

Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801, et seq.)

    Under the Congressional Review Act, a major rule may not take 
effect until at least 60 days after submission to Congress of a report 
regarding the rule. A major rule is one that would have an annual 
effect on the economy of $100 million or more or have certain other 
impacts. This rule is not a major rule under the Congressional Review 
Act.

Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. This rule will not impose any impacts on any entities. This 
means that there will be no economic impacts on any entities. 
Therefore, the DoD under 5 U.S.C. 605 certifies that this rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires 
that agencies assess anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any 
rule whose mandates require spending in any one year of $100M in 1995 
dollars, updated annually for inflation. That threshold level is 
currently approximately $140M. This rule will not mandate any 
requirements for State, local, or tribal governments or the private 
sector.

Collection of Information

    It has been determined this regulation does not impose reporting or 
recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Federalism

    Executive Order 13132 establishes certain requirements that an 
agency must meet when it promulgates a proposed rule (and subsequent 
final rule) that imposes substantial direct requirement costs on State 
and local governments, preempts State law, or otherwise has Federalism 
implications. This proposed rule does not have federalism implications 
that warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment in accordance 
with Executive Order 13132.

List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 750

    Claims, Government employees, Health care, Military law, Military 
personnel, Vessels.

    Accordingly, 32 CFR part 750 is proposed to be revised to read as 
follows:

PART 750--GENERAL CLAIMS REGULATIONS

Subpart A--General Provision for Claims
Sec.
750.1 Scope of subpart A.
750.2 Statutory authority.
750.3 Claims: In general.
750.4 Claims: Proper claimants.
750.5 Claims: Presentment.
750.6 Claims: Responsibility.
750.7 Claims: Settlement and release.
750.8 Claims: Payment.
750.9 Claims: Denial.
750.10 Claims: Single service responsibility.
Subpart B--Claims Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)
750.11 Scope of subpart B.
750.12 Statutory authority.
750.13 Exclusiveness of remedy.
750.14 Definitions.
750.15 Scope of liability.
750.16 Statute of limitations.
750.17 Delegations of adjudicating authority.
750.18 The administrative claim.
750.19 Information and supporting documents.
750.20 Damages.
750.21 Amendment of the claim.
750.22 Settlement and payment.
750.23 Denial of the claim.
750.24 Reconsideration.
750.25 Suits under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
750.26 Attorney fees.
Subpart C--Claims Under the Military Claims Act (MCA)
750.27 Scope of subpart C.
750.28 Statutory authority.
750.29 Claims payable.
750.30 Claims not payable.
750.31 Statute of limitations.
750.32 Filing the claim.
750.33 Applicable law.
750.34 Measure of damages for property claims.
750.35 Measure of damages in injury or death cases.
750.36 Delegations of adjudicating authority.
750.37 Advance payments.
750.38 Final disposition.
750.39 Appeal.
750.40 Cross-servicing.
750.41 Payments related to certain medical or legal malpractice 
claims.
750.42 Attorney fees.
Subpart D--Claims Under the Foreign Claims Act (FCA)
750.43 Scope of subpart D.
750.44 Statutory authority.
750.45 Scope of liability.
750.46 Statute of limitations.
750.47 Filing a claim.
750.48 The administrative claim.
750.49 Damages.
750.50 Foreign Claims Commissions.
750.51 Processing claims.
750.52 Action on forwarded claims.
750.53 Reconsideration, appeal, and suit.
750.54 Payment.
Subpart E--Claims Under the Nonscope Claims Act (NSCA)
750.55 Scope of subpart E.
750.56 Statutory authority.
750.57 Definitions.
750.58 Claim procedures.
750.59 Statute of limitations.
750.60 Officials with authority to settle.
750.61 Scope of liability.
750.62 Claims not payable.
750.63 Measure of damages.
Subpart F--Claims Under the Personnel Claims Act (PCA)
750.64 Scope of subpart F.
750.65 Statutory authority.
750.66 Adjudication authority.
750.67 Proper claimants.
750.68 Claims payable.
750.69 Claims not payable.
750.70 Statute of limitations.
750.71 Filing a claim.
750.72 Computation of payment.
750.73 Notice of decision.
750.74 Reconsideration.
750.74 Carrier recovery claims.
Subpart G--Admiralty Tort Claims
750.76 Scope of subpart G.
750.77 Statutory authority.
750.78 Organization.
750.79 Claims against the Navy.
750.80 Affirmative claims.
750.81 Salvage.
Subpart H--Claims for Property Damage Under Article 139, Uniform Code 
of Military Justice
750.82 Scope of subpart H.
750.83 Statutory authority.
750.84 Claims not cognizable.
750.85 Limitation on claims.
750.86 Complaint by the injured party and investigation.
750.87 Action where offenders are members of one command.
750.88 Action where offenders are members of different commands.
750.89 Reconsideration and appeal.
Subpart I--Claims Involving Non-Appropriated Fund (NAFI) Activities and 
Their Employees
750.90 Scope of subpart I.
750.91 Statutory authority.
750.92 Definitions.

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750.93 Participation in insurance programs.
750.94 Responsibility.
750.95 Negotiation.
750.96 Payment.
750.97 Denial.
750.98 Claims by employees.
Subpart J--Affirmative Claims Regulations (Property Damage Claims)
750.99 Scope of subpart J.
750.100 Statutory authority.
750.101 Claims that may be collected.
750.102 Assertion of claims and collection procedures.
750.103 Waiver, compromise, and referral of claims.
Subpart K--Affirmative Claims Regulations (Medical Care Recovery Act 
and Claims Asserted Pursuant to the Third Party Payers Act)
750.104 Scope of subpart K.
750.105 Statutory authority.
750.106 Responsibility.
750.107 Claims asserted.
750.108 Assertion of claims.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 5 U.S.C. 552; 10 U.S.C. 939, 5013, 
5148, and 7621-7623; 3 CFR, 1984 Comp., p. 201; Article 139, UCMJ; 
E.O. 11476; 3 CFR, 1969 Comp., p. 132.

Subpart A--General Provisions for Claims


Sec.  750.1  Scope of subpart A.

    (a) General. (1) The Judge Advocate General of the Navy is 
responsible for the administration and supervision of the resolution of 
claims arising under the Federal Tort Claims Act (subpart B of this 
part), the Military Claims Act (subpart C of this part), the Foreign 
Claims Act and the International Agreements Claims Act pertaining to 
cost sharing of claims pursuant to international agreements (subpart D 
of this part), the Nonscope Claims Act (subpart E of this part), the 
Personnel Claims Act (subpart F of this part), Admiralty tort claims 
(subpart G of this part), the Federal Claims Collection Act (subpart J 
of this part), and the Medical Care Recovery Act and Claims asserted 
pursuant to the Third Party Payers Act (subpart K of this part).
    (2) The Director, Claims and Tort Litigation is the manager of the 
Navy claims system established to evaluate, adjudicate, and provide 
litigation support for claims arising under the acts listed above 
(except admiralty claims) and is responsible to the Judge Advocate 
General for the management of that system. The claims system consists 
of the Claims and Tort Litigation Division of the Office of the Judge 
Advocate General (Code 15) and three subordinate units: The Tort Claims 
Unit (TCU), Norfolk, Virginia; the Personnel Claims Unit (PCU), 
Norfolk, Virginia; and three Medical Care Recovery Units (MCRUs) in 
Norfolk, Virginia; San Diego, California; and Pensacola, Florida.
    (3) The Director, Admiralty and Maritime Law is the manager of the 
Navy claims system established to evaluate, adjudicate, and provide 
litigation support for claims arising in admiralty.
    (b) This subpart delineates general investigative and claims-
processing requirements to be followed in the handling of all incidents 
and claims within the provisions of this part. Where the general 
provisions of this subpart conflict with the specific provisions of any 
subsequent section, the specific provisions govern.
    (c) Additional guidance on the processing and adjudication of 
claims can be found in JAG Instruction 5800.7 series (JAGMAN) and 
JAGINST 5890.1 series [which may be retrieved at the official website 
of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps at https://www.jag.navy.mil].


Sec.  750.2  Statutory authority.

    (a) Authority applicable to entire part: 5 U.S.C. 301, 5 U.S.C. 
552, 10 U.S.C. 5013, and 5148.
    (b) History: 57 FR 4722, Feb. 7, 1992; 72 FR 53417, Sept. 19, 2007, 
as confirmed at 73 FR 60948, Oct. 15, 2008.


Sec.  750.3  Claims: In general.

    (a) Claims against the United States. Claims against the United 
States shall receive prompt and professional disposition. Every effort 
will be made to ensure an investigation is thoroughly and accurately 
completed, the claimant's allegations evaluated promptly, and where 
liability is established, payment issued as quickly as possible to 
prevent further harm to a meritorious claimant. Similarly, claims not 
payable will be processed promptly and the claimant advised of the 
reasons for the denial.
    (b) Claims in favor of the United States. Potential claims in favor 
of the United States will be critically evaluated and, where 
appropriate, promptly asserted and aggressively pursued.
    (c) Assistance to claimants. Claimants or potential claimants who 
inquire about their rights or the procedures to be followed in the 
resolution of their claims should be referred to the responsible claims 
unit. The unit will provide claims forms, advise where the forms should 
be filed, and inform the requester of the type of substantiating 
information required. Claims unit employees may provide advice on the 
claims process but shall not provide advice or opinions about the 
merits or the wisdom of filing a particular claim.


Sec.  750.4  Claims: Proper claimants.

    (a) Damage to property cases. A claim for damage to, or destruction 
or loss of, property shall be presented by the owner of the property or 
a duly authorized agent or legal representative. ``Owner'' includes a 
bailee, lessee, or mortgagor, but does not include a mortgagee, 
conditional vendor, or other person having title for security purposes 
only.
    (b) Personal injury and death cases. A claim for personal injury 
shall be presented by the person injured or a duly authorized agent or 
legal representative, or, in the case of death, by the properly 
appointed legal representative of the deceased's estate or survivor 
where authorized by State law.
    (c) Subrogation. A subrogor and a subrogee may file claims jointly 
or separately. A medical expense subrogee may pursue a claim when 
permitted under applicable state law.
    (d) Limitation on transfers and assignment. All transfers and 
assignments made of any claim upon the United States, and all powers of 
attorney, orders, or other authorities for receiving payment of any 
such claim, are absolutely null and void unless they are made after the 
allowance of such a claim, the ascertainment of the amount due, and the 
issuing of a warrant for the payment thereof. 31 U.S.C. 203. This 
statutory provision does not apply to the assignment of a claim by 
operation of law, as in the case of a receiver or trustee in bankruptcy 
appointed for an individual, firm, or corporation, or the case of an 
administrator or executor of the estate of a person deceased, or an 
insurer subrogated to the rights of the insured.


Sec.  750.5  Claims: Presentment.

    (a) Written demand. A claim shall be submitted by presenting a 
written statement with the amount of the claim expressed in a sum 
certain, and, as far as possible, describing the detailed facts and 
circumstances surrounding the incident from which the claim arose. The 
Claim for Damage or Injury, Standard Form 95, shall be used whenever 
practical for claims based in tort. Personnel Claims Act claims for 
loss and damage that occurred during a DoD contracted move (Household 
goods) shall be submitted electronically utilizing the USTRANSCOM 
approved claims management system. All other Personnel Claims Act 
claims shall be submitted in writing on the DD Form 1842 and 1844 [both 
forms are available at the website of the United States Navy

[[Page 51377]]

Judge Advocate General's Corps at https://www.jag.navy.mil/organization/code_15.htm]. The claim and all other papers requiring the 
signature of the claimant shall be signed by the proper claimant 
personally or by a duly authorized agent. If signed by an agent or 
legal representative, the claim shall indicate the title or capacity of 
the person signing and be accompanied by evidence of appointment. When 
more than one person has a claim arising from the same incident, each 
person shall file a claim separately.
    (b) Submission of claims. Claims should be submitted to the 
appropriate claims unit (see subparts for addresses), or to the Office 
of the Judge Advocate General, Claims and Tort Litigation Division, 
1322 Patterson Avenue SE, Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, 
DC 20374-5066.


Sec.  750.6  Claims: Responsibility.

    (a) Determining the sufficiency of the claim. Once received, each 
claim will be reviewed and a determination of its sufficiency made. A 
claim is deemed sufficient if it presents a written statement, signed 
by the claimant, stating the amount of the claim in a sum certain and 
describing the facts and circumstances in enough detail to allow the 
Navy to identify the incident so that an investigation can be 
commenced. If the claim is not sufficient as received, it shall be 
immediately returned to the party who submitted it along with an 
explanation of the insufficiency. This does not constitute denial of 
the claim. The claim shall not be considered ``presented'' until it is 
received in proper form.
    (b) Adjudicating the claim. The responsible unit shall evaluate 
every claim promptly and, where liability is established or payment 
deemed appropriate, attempt to settle claims for amounts within its 
adjudicating authority. Negotiation at settlement figures above a 
unit's payment limits may be attempted if the claimant is informed that 
the final decision on the claim will be made at a higher level.


Sec.  750.7  Claims: Settlement and release.

    (a) Fully and partially approved claims. When a claim is approved 
for payment in the amount claimed, a settlement agreement may not be 
necessary. When a claim based in tort is approved for payment in a 
lesser amount than that claimed, the claimant must indicate in writing 
a willingness to accept the offered amount in full settlement and final 
satisfaction of the claim. No payment will be made until a signed 
settlement agreement has been received. PCA claims do not require a 
settlement agreement.
    (b) Release. (1) Acceptance by the claimant of an award or 
settlement made by the Secretary of the Navy or designees, or the 
Attorney General or designees, is final upon acceptance by the 
claimant. Acceptance is a complete release by claimant of any claim 
against the United States by reason of the same subject manner. 
Claimant's acceptance of an advance payment does not have the same 
effect.
    (2) In the case of claims based in tort, the claimant's acceptance 
of an award or settlement made under the provisions governing the 
administrative settlement of Federal tort claims or the civil action 
provisions of 28 U.S.C. 1346(b) also constitutes a complete release of 
any claim against any employee of the Government whose act or omission 
gave rise to the claim.


Sec.  750.8  Claims: Payment.

    Claims approved for payment shall be expeditiously forwarded to the 
appropriate payment authority for payment.


Sec.  750.9  Claims: Denial.

    The final denial of any claim within this chapter shall be in 
writing and sent to the claimant, his attorney, or legal 
representative. The denial notification shall include a statement 
notifying the claimant of the right to appeal or request 
reconsideration of the decision.


Sec.  750.10  Claims: Single service responsibility.

    (a) DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5515.08 (series), ``Assignment of Claims 
Responsibility'' (available at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/551508_2016.pdf) assigns ``single-service 
claims responsibility'' to individual military departments for 
processing claims in specified foreign countries. Claims arising in 
unassigned countries will be processed and adjudicated by the Service 
of the service member whose actions resulted in the claim.
    (b) U.S. forces afloat cases under $2,500.00. Notwithstanding the 
single service assignments above, DON may settle claims under $2,500.00 
caused by personnel not acting within the scope of employment and 
arising in foreign ports visited by U.S. forces afloat and may, subject 
to the concurrence of the authorities of the receiving state concerned, 
process such claims.

Subpart B--Claims Under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)


Sec.  750.11  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 occurred.


Sec.  750.12  Statutory authority.

    The statutory provisions of the 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 
General's regulations conflict, the Attorney General's regulations 
prevail.


Sec.  750.13  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 employees of the Government 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 specific categories of Federal employees whose conduct 
within the scope of their employment gives rise to claims against the 
Government. Department of Defense (DoD) 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.  750.14  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

[[Page 51378]]

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.
    (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.
    (c) Government employees. (1) ``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'' (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 (NAF) 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.  750.15  Scope of liability.

    (a) Territorial limitations. The FTCA does not apply to any claim 
arising in a foreign country.
    (b) Exclusions from liability. Statutes and case law have 
established categories of exclusions from FTCA liability.
    (1) Statutory exclusions. Title 28 U.S.C. 2680 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 subpart F of this part;
    (iii) Claims arising from certain intentional torts enumerated in 
28 U.S.C. 2680(h); and
    (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 will 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;
    (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 (subpart 
E of this part);
    (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 under subpart H of this 
part;
    (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;
    (vii) Any claim against the DON 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.  750.16  Statute of limitations.

    An administrative claim against the United States under the FTCA 
must be presented in writing within 2 years after the claim accrues. 
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.


Sec.  750.17  Delegations of adjudicating authority.

    (a) Settlement authority. (1) The Judge Advocate General; the 
Deputy Judge Advocate General; the Assistant Judge Advocate General 
(Civil Law); the Director, Claims and Tort Litigation; and the Head, 
Tort Claims Branch, Claims and Tort Litigation, have delegated 
authority to settle FTCA claims up to $500,000. Any settlement, 
including aggregate settlements (i.e., all claims arising from a single 
incident) in excess of OJAG's settlement authority ($500,000) require 
approval and written authorization from the Department of Justice--
Torts Branch.
    (2) Individuals with settlement authority under paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section may delegate all or part of their settlement authority. 
Such delegation shall be in writing.
    (b) Appeal authority. Adjudicating authorities have the same 
authority as delegated on paragraph (a) of this section to act on 
appeals.

[[Page 51379]]

Sec.  750.18  The administrative claim.

    (a) Proper claimant. See Sec.  750.4 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 a 
determination that the administrative claim is incomplete.
    (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. In such cases, a lead agency will be designated.


Sec.  750.19   Information and supporting documents.

    (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; and
    (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.
    (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, and 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; and
    (v) If a claim is made for lost self-employed income, documentary 
evidence showing the amount of earnings actually lost.
    (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; and
    (iv) A statement listing date of purchase, purchase price, and 
salvage value where repair is not economical.
    (b) Failure to submit necessary documentation. If claimant fails to 
provide sufficient supporting documentation, claimant should be 
notified of the deficiency. If after a reasonable period of time the 
information is still not provided, the appropriate adjudicating 
authority should deny the claim.


Sec.  750.20  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.
    (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.
    (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 TRICARE payments, shall be 
considered. Additionally, benefits or services received under the 
Veterans Act (38 U.S.C. 101-800) must be considered.
    (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. 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.  750.21  Amendment of the claim.

    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.  750.24 may be amended. 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.


Sec.  750.22  Settlement and payment.

    (a) Settlement agreement. A settlement agreement, signed by the 
claimant, must be received prior to payment in every case in which the 
claim is either:
    (1) Settled for less than the full amount claimed, or
    (2) The claim was not presented on a Standard Form 95.
    (b) 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

[[Page 51380]]

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. All settlement agreements shall 
contain a recitation of the applicable statutory limitation of attorney 
fees.
    (c) Payment of the claim. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2672 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 $500,000.00 may be 
effected only with the prior written approval of the Attorney General 
or designee.


Sec.  750.23  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 may 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.


Sec.  750.24   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.
    (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.  750.23.


Sec.  750.25  Suits Under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

    (a) Time limit for filing suit. 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. The failure 
of 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.
    (b) Venue. Venue is proper only in the judicial district where the 
plaintiff resides or where the act or omission complained of occurred.
    (c) Jury trial. There is no right to trial by jury in suits brought 
under the FTCA.
    (d) Settlement. The Attorney General of the United States, or 
designee, may arbitrate, compromise, or settle any action filed under 
the FTCA.


Sec.  750.26  Attorney fees.

    Attorney 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.

Subpart C--Claims Under the Military Claims Act (MCA)


Sec.  750.27  Scope of subpart C.

    (a) General. This section prescribes the substantive bases and 
special procedural requirements for the settlement of claims against 
the United States for death, personal injury, or damage, loss, or 
destruction of property under the MCA:
    (1) Caused by military personnel or civilian employees of the DON 
(hereinafter DON personnel). For the purposes of this section, DON 
personnel include all military personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps, 
volunteer workers, and others serving as employees of the DON with or 
without compensation, and members of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration or of the Public Health Service when serving 
with the DON. DON personnel does not include DON contractors or their 
employees; or
    (2) Incident to noncombat activities of the DON. Claims for 
personal injury or death of a member of the Armed Forces or Coast 
Guard, or civilian officer or employee of the U.S. Government whose 
injury or death is incident to service, however, are not payable.
    (b) Territorial limitation. There is no geographical limitation on 
the application of the MCA, but if a claim arising in a foreign country 
is cognizable under the Foreign Claims Act, the claim shall be 
processed under that statute.
    (c) Suit. The MCA authorizes the administrative settlement and 
payment of certain claims. The United States has not consented to be 
sued.


Sec.  750.28  Statutory authority.

    10 U.S.C. 2733, as amended, commonly referred to as the MCA.


Sec.  750.29  Claims payable.

    (a) General. Unless otherwise prescribed, a claim for personal 
injury, death, or damage or loss of real or personal property is 
payable under this provision when:
    (1) Caused by an act or omission determined to be negligent, 
wrongful, or otherwise involving fault of DON personnel acting within 
the scope of their employment; or
    (2) Incident to noncombat activities of the DON. A claim may be 
settled under this provision if it arises from authorized activities 
essentially military in nature, having little parallel in civilian 
pursuits, and in which the U.S. Government has historically assumed a 
broad liability, even if not shown to have been caused by any 
particular act or omission by DON personnel while acting within the 
scope of their employment. Activities incident to combat, whether or 
not in time of war, and use of DON personnel during civil disturbances 
are excluded.
    (b) Specific claims payable. Claims payable by the DON under the 
MCA shall include, but not be limited to:
    (1) Registered or insured mail. Claims for damage to, loss, or 
destruction, even if by criminal acts, of registered or insured mail 
while in the possession of DON authorities are payable under the MCA. 
This provision is an exception to the general requirement that 
compensable damage, loss, or destruction of personal property be caused 
by DON personnel while acting within the scope of their employment or 
otherwise incident to noncombat activities of the DON. The maximum 
award to a claimant under this section is limited to that to which the 
claimant would be entitled from the Postal

[[Page 51381]]

Service under the registry or insurance fee paid. The award shall not 
exceed the cost of the item to the claimant regardless of the fees 
paid. Claimant may be reimbursed for the postage and registry or 
insurance fees;
    (2) Property bailed to the DON. Claims for damage to or loss of 
personal property bailed to the DON under an express or implied 
agreement are payable under the MCA, even though legally enforceable 
against the U.S. Government as contract claims, unless by express 
agreement the bailor has assumed the risk of damage, loss, or 
destruction. Claims filed under this paragraph may, if in the best 
interest of the U.S. Government, be referred to and processed by the 
Office of the General Counsel, DON, as contract claims;
    (3) Real property. Claims for damage to real property incident to 
the use and occupancy by the DON, whether under an express or implied 
lease or otherwise, are payable under the MCA even though legally 
enforceable against the DON as contract claims. Claims filed under this 
paragraph may, if in the best interest of the U.S. Government, be 
referred to and processed by the Office of the General Counsel, DON, as 
contract claims;
    (4) Property of U.S. military personnel. Claims of U.S. military 
personnel for property lost, damaged, or destroyed under conditions in 
Sec.  750.29(a) (1) and (2), occurring incident to service, not payable 
under the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act, are 
payable under the MCA;
    (5) Health care and Legal Assistance Providers. Claims arising from 
the personal liability of DON health care and legal assistance 
personnel for costs, settlements, or judgments for negligent acts or 
omissions while acting within the scope of assigned duties or 
employment are payable under the MCA. See Sec.  750.41.


Sec.  750.30  Claims not payable.

    (a) Any claim for damage, loss, destruction, injury, or death which 
was proximately caused, in whole or in part, by any negligence or 
wrongful act on the part of the claimant, or his agent or employee, 
unless the law of the place where the act or omission complained of 
occurred would permit recovery from a private individual under like 
circumstances, and then only to the extent permitted by the law.
    (b) Any claim resulting from action by the enemy or resulting 
directly or indirectly from any act by armed forces engaged in combat.
    (c) Any claim for reimbursement of medical, hospital, or burial 
expenses to the extent already paid by the U.S. Government.
    (d) Any claim cognizable under:
    (1) Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act, as 
amended. 31 U.S.C. 3721.
    (2) Foreign Claims Act. 10 U.S.C. 2734.
    (3) 10 U.S.C. 7622, relating to admiralty claims. See subpart G of 
this part.
    (4) Federal Tort Claims Act. 28 U.S.C. 2671, 2672, and 2674-2680.
    (5) International Agreements Claims Act. 10 U.S.C. 2734a and 2734b.
    (6) Federal Employees' Compensation Act. 5 U.S.C. 8101-8150.
    (7) Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. 33 U.S.C. 901-
950.
    (e) Any claim for damage to or loss or destruction of real or 
personal property founded in written contract [except as provided in 
Sec.  750.29(b)(1) and (2)].
    (f) Any claim for rent of real or personal property [except as 
provided in Sec.  750.29(b) (1) and (2)].
    (g) Any claim involving infringement of patents.
    (h) Any claim for damage, loss, or destruction of mail prior to 
delivery by the Postal Service to authorized DON personnel or occurring 
due to the fault of, or while in the hands of, bonded personnel.
    (i) Any claim by a national, or corporation controlled by a 
national, of a country in armed conflict with the United States, or an 
ally of such country, unless the claimant is determined to be friendly 
to the United States.
    (j) Any claim for personal injury or death of a member of the Armed 
Forces or civilian employee incident to his service.
    (k) Any claim for damage to or loss of bailed property when bailor 
specifically assumes such risk.
    (l) Any claim for taking private real property by a continuing 
trespass or by technical trespass such as overflights of aircraft.
    (m) Any claim based solely on compassionate grounds.
    (n) Any claim to which the exceptions in 28 U.S.C. 2680 apply.


Sec.  750.31  Statute of limitations.

    Claims against DON under the MCA must be presented in writing 
within 2 years after they accrue. In computing the 2 year period, the 
day the claim accrues is excluded and the day the claim is presented is 
included. If the incident occurs in time of war or armed conflict, 
however, or if war or armed conflict intervenes within 2 years after 
its occurrence, an MCA claim, on good cause shown, may be presented 
within 2 years after the war or armed conflict is terminated. For the 
purposes of the MCA, the date of termination of the war or armed 
conflict is the date established by concurrent resolution of Congress 
or by the President.


Sec.  750.32  Filing the claim.

    (a) Who may file. Under the MCA, specifically, the following are 
proper claimants:
    (1) U.S. citizens and inhabitants;
    (2) U.S. military personnel and civilian employees, except not for 
personal injury or death incident to service;
    (3) Persons in foreign countries who are not inhabitants;
    (4) States and their political subdivisions (including agencies);
    (5) Prisoners of war for personal property, but not personal 
injury; and
    (6) Subrogees, to the extent they paid the claim.
    (b) Who may not file. (1) Inhabitants of foreign nations for loss 
or injury occurring in the country they inhabit; and
    (2) U.S. Government agencies and departments.
    (c) Where to file. The claim should be submitted by the claimant to 
the Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Claims and Tort 
Litigation (Code 15), 1322 Patterson Avenue SE, Suite 3000, Washington 
Navy Yard, DC 20374-5066, or to Tort Claims Unit Norfolk, 9620 Maryland 
Avenue, Ste. 205, Norfolk, VA 23434. Alternatively, the claim may be 
submitted to the commanding officer of the naval activity involved, if 
it is known, or to the commanding officer of any naval activity, 
preferably the one within which, or nearest to which, the incident 
occurred.
    (d) Claim form. A claim is correct in form if it constitutes 
written notification of an incident, signed by the claimant or a duly 
authorized agent or legal representative, with a claim for money 
damages in a sum certain and sufficient information so as to allow an 
investigation to commence. A Standard Form 95 is preferred. A claim 
should be substantiated as described in Sec.  750.19 of this part in 
order to be paid.
    (e) Amendment of claim. A proper claim may be amended by the 
claimant at any time prior to final denial or payment of the claim. An 
amendment shall be submitted in writing and signed by the claimant or a 
duly authorized agent or legal representative.


Sec.  750.33  Applicable law.

    (a) Claims arising within the United States or its territories, 
commonwealth, or possessions. The law of the place

[[Page 51382]]

where the act or omission occurred will be applied in determining 
liability and the effect of contributory or comparative negligence on 
claimant's right of recovery.
    (b) Claims arising within foreign countries. (1) Where the claim is 
for personal injury, death, or damage to or loss or destruction of real 
or personal property caused by an act or omission determined to be 
negligent, wrongful, or otherwise involving fault of DON personnel 
acting within the scope of their employment, liability of the United 
States will be assessed under general principles of tort law common to 
the majority of American jurisdictions.
    (2) Apply the law of the foreign country governing the legal effect 
of contributory or comparative negligence by the claimant to determine 
the relative merits of the claim. If there is no foreign law on 
contributory or comparative negligence, apply traditional rules of 
contributory negligence. Apply foreign rules and regulations on 
operation of motor vehicles (rules of the road) to the extent those 
rules are not specifically superseded or preempted by U.S. Armed Forces 
traffic regulations.
    (c) Principles applicable to all MCA claims. (1) ``Scope of 
employment'' is determined in accordance with Federal law. Reported 
FTCA cases provide guidance on this determination;
    (2) Claims for emotional distress will be considered only from the 
injured person or members of the injured person's immediate family. 
Claims from the injured person's immediate family will be considered 
only if such family member was within the ``zone of danger'' (i.e., 
immediate vicinity of the incident) and the claimant substantiates the 
claim with proof of the physical manifestation(s) of the emotional 
distress; and
    (3) Claims under the MCA do not include the principles of absolute 
(strict) liability and punitive damages.


Sec.  750.34  Measure of damages for property claims.

    (a) Where the property damage arises in the United States or its 
territories, commonwealth, or possessions, determine the measure of 
damages under the law of the place where the incident occurred.
    (b) Where the property damage arises overseas, determine the 
measure of damages under general principles of American tort law, 
stated as follows:
    (1) If the property has been or can be economically repaired, the 
measure of damages shall be the actual or estimated net cost of the 
repairs necessary to substantially restore the property to the 
condition that existed immediately prior to the incident. Damages shall 
not exceed the value of the property immediately prior to the incident 
less the value thereof immediately after the incident. To determine the 
actual or estimated net cost of repairs, the value of any salvaged 
parts or materials and the amount of any net appreciation in value 
effected through the repair shall be deducted from the actual or 
estimated gross cost of repairs. The amount of any net depreciation in 
the value of the property shall be added to such gross cost of repairs 
if such adjustments are sufficiently substantial in amount to warrant 
consideration. Estimates of the cost of repairs shall be based upon the 
lower or lowest of two or more competitive bids, or upon statements or 
estimates by one or more competent and disinterested persons, 
preferably reputable dealers or officials familiar with the type of 
property damaged, lost, or destroyed.
    (2) If the property cannot be economically repaired, the measure of 
damages shall be the value of the property immediately prior to the 
incident less the value immediately after the incident. Estimates of 
value shall be made, if possible, by one or more competent and 
disinterested persons, preferably reputable dealers or officials 
familiar with the type of property damaged, lost, or destroyed.
    (3) Loss of use of damaged property which is economically 
repairable may, if claimed, be included as an additional element of 
damage to the extent of the reasonable expense actually incurred for 
appropriate substitute property, for such period reasonably necessary 
for repairs, as long as idle property of the claimant was not employed 
as a substitute. When substitute property is not obtainable, other 
competent evidence such as rental value, if not speculative or remote, 
may be considered. When substitute property is reasonably available but 
not obtained and used by the claimant, loss of use is normally not 
payable.


Sec.  750.35  Measure of damages in injury or death cases.

    (a) Injury or death arising in the United States. When the injury 
or death arises within the United States or its territories, 
commonwealth, or possessions, determine the measure of damages under 
the law of the location where the injury arises.
    (b) Injury or death arising in a foreign country. When the injury 
or death arises in a foreign country and is otherwise cognizable and 
meritorious under this provision, damages will be determined in 
accordance with general principles of American tort law. The following 
is provided as guidance.
    (1) Measure of damages for overseas personal injury claims. 
Allowable compensation includes reasonable medical and hospital 
expenses necessarily incurred, compensation for lost earnings and 
services, diminution of earning capacity, anticipated medical expenses, 
physical disfigurement, and pain and suffering.
    (2) Wrongful death claims arising in foreign countries.
    (i) Allowable compensation includes that in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section, burial expenses, loss of support and services, loss of 
companionship, comfort, society, protection, and consortium, and loss 
of training, guidance, education, and nurturing, as applicable.
    (ii) The claim may be presented by or on behalf of the decedent's 
spouse, parent, child, or dependent relative. Claims may be 
consolidated for joint presentation by a representative of some or all 
of the beneficiaries or may be filed by a proper beneficiary 
individually.


Sec.  750.36  Delegations of adjudicating authority.

    (a) Settlement authority. (1) The Secretary of the Navy may settle 
or deny claims in any amount. The Secretary may pay the first 
$100,000.00 and report the excess to the Comptroller General for 
payment under 31 U.S.C. 1304.
    (2) The Judge Advocate General has delegated authority to settle 
claims for $100,000.00 or less.
    (3) The Deputy Judge Advocate General, the Assistant Judge Advocate 
General (Civil Law), the Director, Claims and Tort Litigation, and 
Head, Tort Claims Branch, Claims and Tort Litigation, have delegated 
authority to settle claims for $25,000.00 or less, and have denial 
authority in any amount.
    (4) Individuals with settlement authority under paragraph (a)(3) of 
this section may delegate all or part of their settlement authority. 
Such delegation must be in writing.
    (b) Appellate authority. Adjudicating authorities have the same 
authority as delegated in paragraph (a) of this section to act upon 
appeals. No appellate authority below the Secretary of the Navy may 
deny an appeal of a claim it had previously denied.


Sec.  750.37  Advance payments.

    (a) Scope. This paragraph applies exclusively to the payment of 
amounts not to exceed $100,000.00 under 10 U.S.C. 2736 in advance of 
submission of a claim.
    (b) Statutory authority. Title 10 U.S.C. 2736 authorizes the 
Secretary of the

[[Page 51383]]

Navy or designee to pay an amount not in excess of $100,000.00 in 
advance of the submission of a claim to or for any person, or the legal 
representative of any person, who was injured or killed, or whose 
property was damaged or lost, as the result of an accident for which 
allowance of a claim is authorized by law. Payment under this law is 
limited to that which would be payable under the MCA (10 U.S.C. 2733). 
Payment of an amount under this law is not an admission by the United 
States of liability for the accident concerned. Any amount so paid 
shall be deducted from any amount that may be allowed under any other 
provision of law to the person or his legal representative for injury, 
death, damage, or loss attributable to the accident concerned.
    (c) Officials with authority to make advance payments. (1) The 
Secretary of the Navy has authority to make advance payments up to 
$100,000.00.
    (2) The Judge Advocate General has delegated authority to make 
advance payments up to $100,000.00.
    (3) The Director, Claims and Tort Litigation and the Head, Tort 
Claims Branch, Claims and Tort Litigation have delegated authority to 
make advance payments up to $25,000.00.
    (d) Conditions for advance payments. Prior to making an advance 
payment under 10 U.S.C. 2736, the adjudicating authority shall 
ascertain that:
    (1) The injury, death, damage, or loss would be payable under the 
MCA;
    (2) The payee, insofar as can be determined, would be a proper 
claimant, or is the spouse or next of kin of a proper claimant who is 
incapacitated;
    (3) The provable damages are estimated to exceed the amount to be 
paid;
    (4) There exists an immediate need of the person who suffered the 
injury, damage, or loss, or of his family, or of the family of a person 
who was killed, for food, clothing, shelter, medical, or burial 
expenses, or other necessities, and other resources for such expenses 
are not reasonably available;
    (5) The prospective payee has signed a statement that it is 
understood that payment is not an admission by the Navy or the United 
States of liability for the accident concerned, and that the amount 
paid is not a gratuity but shall constitute an advance against and 
shall be deducted from any amount that may be allowed under any other 
provision of law to the person or his legal representative for injury, 
death, damage, or loss attributable to the accident concerned; and
    (6) No payment under 10 U.S.C. 2736 may be made if the accident 
occurred in a foreign country in which the NATO Status of Forces 
Agreement (4 U.S.C. 1792, TIAS 2846) or other similar agreement is in 
effect and the injury, death, damage, or loss:
    (i) Was caused by a member or employee of the DON acting within the 
scope of employment; or
    (ii) Occurred ``incident to noncombat activities'' of the DON as 
defined in Sec.  750.29(a)(2).


Sec.  750.38  Final disposition.

    (a) Claimant to be notified. The adjudicating authority shall 
notify the claimant, in writing, of the action taken on the claim.
    (b) Payment. Claims approved for payment require a settlement 
agreement, signed by the claimant, in every case in which the MCA claim 
is settled for less than the full amount claimed or the claim was not 
presented on an SF95. The payment voucher will be forwarded to such 
disbursing officer as may be designated by the Comptroller of the Navy 
for payment from appropriations designated for that purpose. If the 
Secretary of the Navy considers that an MCA claim in excess of 
$100,000.00 is meritorious and would otherwise be covered by 10 U.S.C. 
2733 and Sec.  750.27 of this part, he may make a partial payment of 
$100,000.00 and refer the excess to the Comptroller General for payment 
from appropriations provided therefore.
    (c) Final denial. A final denial, in whole or in part, of any MCA 
claim shall be in writing and sent to the claimant, or his attorney or 
legal representative, by certified or registered mail, return receipt 
requested. The notification of denial may include a statement of the 
reason or reasons for denial and that the claimant may appeal. The 
notification shall also inform the claimant:
    (1) The title of the appellate authority who will act on the appeal 
and that the appeal will be addressed to the adjudicating authority who 
last acted on the claim.
    (2) No form is prescribed for the appeal, but the grounds for 
appeal should be set forth fully.
    (3) The appeal must be submitted within 30 days of receipt by the 
claimant of notice of action on the claim.


Sec.  750.39   Appeal.

    (a) A claim which is disapproved in whole or in part may be 
appealed by the claimant at any time within 30 days after receipt of 
notification of disapproval. An appeal shall be in writing and state 
the grounds relied upon. An appeal is not an adversary proceeding and a 
hearing is not authorized; however, the claimant may obtain and submit 
any additional evidence or written argument for consideration by the 
appellate authority.
    (b) Upon receipt, the adjudicating authority examines the appeal, 
determines whether the appeal complies with this regulation, and 
reviews the claims investigative file to ensure it is complete. The 
claim, with the complete investigative file and a memorandum of law, 
will be forwarded to the appellate authority for action. If the 
evidence in the file, including information submitted by the claimant 
with the appeal, indicates the appeal should be approved, the 
adjudicating authority may treat the appeal as a request for 
reconsideration.
    (c) Processing of the appeal may be delayed pending further efforts 
by the adjudicating authority to settle the claim. Where the 
adjudicating authority does not reach a final agreement on an appealed 
claim, it shall send the entire claim file to the next higher 
settlement authority, who is the appellate authority for that claim.
    (d) The appellate authority shall notify the claimant in writing of 
the determination on appeal; that such determination constitutes the 
final administrative action on the claim; and there is no right to sue 
under the MCA.


Sec.  750.40  Cross-servicing.

    (a) Single service claims responsibility. See Sec.  750.10 for 
information about single-service claims responsibility under DoDI 
5515.08 of 11 Nov 2006.
    (b) Claims settlement procedures. Where a single service has been 
assigned a country or area claims responsibility, that service will 
settle claims cognizable under the MCA under the regulations of that 
service. The forwarding command shall afford any assistance necessary 
to the appropriate service in the investigation and adjudication of 
such claims.


Sec.  750.41  Payments related to certain medical or legal malpractice 
claims.

    (a) General. Requests for reimbursement/indemnification of costs, 
settlements, and judgments cognizable under 10 U.S.C. 1089(f) [for 
personal injury or death caused by any physician, dentist, nurse, 
pharmacist, paramedic, or other supporting personnel (including medical 
and dental technicians, nurse assistants, and therapists)] or 10 U.S.C. 
1054(f) [for damages for injury or loss of property caused by any 
attorney, paralegal, or other member of a legal staff] while acting as 
DON personnel will be paid if:

[[Page 51384]]

    (1) The alleged negligent or wrongful actions or omissions arose in 
connection with either providing health care functions or legal 
services and within the scope of employment; and
    (2) Such personnel furnish prompt notification and delivery of all 
process served or received, and other documents, information, and 
assistance as requested; and cooperate in defending the action on the 
merits.
    (b) Requests for indemnification. All requests for indemnification 
for personal liability of DON personnel for acts or omissions arising 
out of assigned duties shall be forwarded to the Judge Advocate General 
for action.


Sec.  750.42  Attorney fees.

    Attorney fees not in excess of 20 percent of any settlement may be 
allowed. Attorney fees so determined are to be paid out of the amount 
awarded and not in addition to the award. These fee limitations shall 
be incorporated in any settlement agreement secured from a claimant.

Subpart D--Claims Under the Foreign Claims Act (FCA)


Sec.  750.43  Scope of subpart D.

    This section provides information regarding the administrative 
processing of claims against the United States under the Foreign Claims 
Act (FCA). Foreign claims are demands for payment against the United 
States presented by inhabitants of foreign countries for property 
damage, personal injury, or death occurring outside the United States 
caused either by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of military 
members or civilian employees of the U.S. Armed Forces or by the 
noncombat activities of these forces in foreign countries. The 
statutory purpose of the FCA is to ``promote and maintain friendly 
relations through the prompt settlement of meritorious claims'' in 
foreign countries.


Sec.  750.44   Statutory authority.

    (a) The statutory provisions of the Foreign Claims Act (FCA) are at 
10 U.S.C. 2734. The FCA authorizes filing, investigating, processing, 
and settling foreign claims under such regulations as the service 
Secretary shall prescribe.
    (b) The regulations implementing the FCA are separate and distinct 
from the procedures governing implementation of the International 
Agreement Claims Act (IACA), 10 U.S.C. 2734a and 2734b.


Sec.  750.45   Scope of liability.

    (a) General. The Foreign Claims Act and its implementing 
regulations should be broadly construed to carry out the statutory 
purpose. The United States generally accepts responsibility for damage, 
injury, or death to local inhabitants caused by either the negligent or 
wrongful act or omission of military members or civilian employees of 
the U.S. Armed Forces or by the noncombat activities of our armed 
forces in foreign countries. Meritorious claims should be settled 
fairly and promptly, without regard to whether the acts giving rise to 
them are mistaken, negligent, intentional, or even criminal.
    (b) Claims Payable. For a claim to be payable under the FCA, both 
the claimant and the incident giving rise to the claim must be covered 
by the statute (10 U.S.C. 2734).
    (1) Covered claimants. The FCA applies only to inhabitants of 
foreign countries who are defined as persons, corporations, or other 
Government or business entities, whose usual place of abode or activity 
is in a foreign country. The claimant need not be an inhabitant of the 
particular country in which the claim arose. Examples of covered 
claimants include foreign nationals residing in a foreign country; 
foreign nationals visiting or traveling in a foreign country where they 
do not reside; U.S. citizens residing in a foreign country if they are 
inhabitants of a foreign country and are not there as U.S. Service 
members or civilian employees (or their sponsored dependents) or as 
U.S. civilian contractors performing work pursuant to an agreement with 
the U.S. Government; a corporation or other organization doing business 
in a foreign country on a permanent basis, even if organized under U.S. 
law, provided that the corporation or organization is not providing 
work pursuant to a contract with the U.S. Government; and foreign 
governments and their political subdivisions, including the equivalents 
of State, county, and city governments, unless excluded by waiver 
provisions of an international agreement.
    (2) Covered incidents. Unless otherwise prescribed, a claim for 
personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of real or personal 
property may be paid under these regulations if the incident occurred 
outside the U.S. and was caused by either the negligent or wrongful act 
or omission of military members or civilian employees of the U.S. Armed 
Forces or caused by the non-combat activities of these forces.
    (3) Scope of Employment. As a general rule, scope of employment of 
the service member or civilian employee that allegedly caused the loss 
is immaterial. If, however, a claim arises from the act of a U.S. 
employee who is an indigenous person (local hire), prisoner of war, or 
interned enemy alien, scope of employment is a prerequisite to United 
States responsibility. Claims arising from the operation of a U.S. 
Armed Forces vehicle by a U.S. employee who is an indigenous person 
(local hire), prisoner of war, or interned enemy alien are cognizable 
and may be paid if local law imposes liability on the owner of the 
vehicle under the circumstances.
    (c) Claims Not Payable. (1) Claims of insurers and other subrogees.
    (2) Claims of sponsored dependents accompanying members and 
civilian employees of the U.S. Armed Forces, or U.S. national civilians 
employed by either the U.S. Government or a civilian contractor 
performing under an agreement or contract with the U.S. Government.
    (3) Claims of foreign military personnel suffering injury or death 
incident to a joint military mission or exercise with U.S. Armed 
Forces, or as a result of the actions of a member or civilian employee 
of the U.S. Armed Forces, acting within the scope of employment, unless 
a treaty specifically provides for recovery.
    (4) Claims of civilian employees of the U.S., including local 
inhabitants, injured incident to their employment. Compensation for 
such injuries is separately provided in Federal statutes and agreements 
with foreign governments.
    (5) Claims of national governments or their political subdivisions 
engaging in combat with the United States or its allies.
    (6) Claims of a national or a corporation controlled by a national 
of a country engaging in combat with the United States or its allies, 
unless it is determined that the claimant is friendly.
    (7) Claims resulting from combat activities, except that claims 
arising from an accident or malfunction incident to aircraft 
operations, including airborne ordnance, occurring while preparing for, 
going to, or returning from a combat mission may be paid.
    (8) Claims previously paid or denied.
    (9) Claims purely contractual in nature.
    (10) Claims involving private contractual and domestic obligations 
of individuals.
    (11) Claims based solely on compassionate grounds.
    (12) Claims for paternity or illegitimacy.
    (13) Claims payable under other Federal statutes.
    (14) Claims for damage caused by naval vessels, unless payment is 
specifically authorized by the Office of the Judge Advocate General of 
the Navy (Code 11) in accordance with JAGINST 5800.7F, Chapter XI.

[[Page 51385]]

Sec.  750.46  Statute of limitations.

    An FCA claim must be presented in writing to the appropriate U.S. 
military authorities within 2 years of the date it accrues. A claim 
accrues when the claimant discovers or reasonably should have 
discovered the personal injury or property damage giving rise to the 
claim. To compute the statutory time period, exclude the day the claim 
accrued and include the day the claim was filed.


Sec.  750.47  Filing a claim.

    (a) Presentation of the Claim. An FCA claim may be presented to the 
Office of the Judge Advocate General, Tort Claims Unit (TCU) Norfolk, 
9620 Maryland Ave, Suite 205, Norfolk, VA 23511-2949. In the 
alternative, the claim may be presented to any U.S. authority or to 
foreign government authorities if authorized under a Status of Forces 
Agreement (SOFA) or other applicable treaty or agreement. Claims shall 
be promptly transferred to the appropriate authorities for processing 
(see paragraph (b) of this section).
    (b) Appropriate Authorities--(1) General. The commanding officer of 
the organization or individual(s) whose activities gave rise to the 
claim has authority to process claims under these regulations, subject 
to the restrictions of any SOFA provisions or DODI 5515.18 (series) 
which assigns single-service claims responsibility. A commander who 
receives a claim that is not under his cognizance shall forward the 
claim promptly to the appropriate authority and shall provide 
assistance necessary to investigate and adjudicate the claim.
    (2) RLSO EURAFSWA. The Commanding Officer RLSO EURAFSWA has 
authority to process all claims under the Foreign Claims Act arising in 
their Area of Responsibility. The Commanding Officer RLSO EURAFSWA is 
authorized to pay any claim regardless of the amount claimed when 
payment does not exceed $50,000.00 and has unlimited denial authority.
    (3) International agreements. Article VIII of the NATO SOFA and 
similar provisions of SOFAs with individual foreign countries may 
restrict the use of the FCA by authorizing foreign government officials 
to process claims that would otherwise be cognizable under the FCA. 
Therefore, consult the pertinent directives of the area commander to 
ensure proper processing.
    (4) Single-service claims responsibility. DoDI 5515.08 (series) 
assigns single-service claims responsibility to individual military 
departments for processing claims in specified foreign countries. It 
also authorizes the Navy to settle claims for less than $2,500 arising 
in foreign ports visited by U.S. forces afloat, including those arising 
in countries assigned to the Departments of the Army and the Air Force. 
If a claim arises in a country not specifically assigned by either of 
these references, the military service component of the employee who 
caused the damage/injury is responsible for adjudication. Claims 
arising out of DON activities in countries assigned to the Army and the 
Air Force must be forwarded promptly to the appropriate military 
department and may not be processed by DON entities.
    (5) Claims under admiralty jurisdiction. Admiralty claims arising 
in foreign countries may be adjudicated under the FCA provided that the 
claim is not otherwise cognizable under applicable admiralty statutes 
and regulations. In particular, the reciprocity provisions of the 
Public Vessels Act (46 U.S.C. 781 and 785) must be met. Prior 
authorization by the Judge Advocate General (OJAG Code 11) is required.


Sec.  750.48  The administrative claim.

    A proper claim must be in writing and filed on a Standard Form 95 
or other written notification of the incident. If a letter or other 
written notification is used, it must set forth the same basic 
information required by Standard Form 95.
    (a) Proper signature. The claim may be signed by either the injured 
party or an authorized agent. A claim signed by an agent or legal 
representative will be filed in the name of the claimant, show the 
title or legal capacity of the person signing, and be accompanied by 
evidence of their authority to sign the claim on behalf of the 
claimant.
    (b) Sufficiently detailed. The claim must describe the incident in 
sufficient detail to give reasonable notice of the time, place, 
circumstances, and resulting harm so as to allow the DON to 
investigate.
    (c) Sum certain. A proper claim must include a demand for a 
specific and definite sum of money damages for property damage, 
personal injury, or death alleged to have occurred as a result of the 
incident.
    (d) Substantiation. See subpart B, Sec.  750.19 for a detailed 
discussion of the supporting documentation required to substantiate a 
tort claim presented against the United States under any of the claims 
statutes. Supporting documentation requirements will vary according to 
the type of claim presented (i.e., property damage, personal injury, or 
wrongful death).
    (e) Amending the claim. A claim may be amended in writing at any 
time prior to final settlement or denial and must be signed by the 
claimant or an authorized agent.


Sec.  750.49  Damages.

    (a) General. The local laws, standards, and customs, of the country 
where the incident occurred control when computing damages for personal 
injury, death, or damage to property.
    (b) Compensation. An appropriate award is generally limited to 
reasonable compensation for the injury, death, or property damage, or 
loss only and does not extend to payment of punitive damages, 
interests, costs, attorneys fees, or any other such charges, regardless 
of whether they are allowed by local laws, standards, or customs. In 
cases of personal injury or death, compensation may include medical 
expenses, pain and suffering, burial expenses, loss of society and 
companionship, and lost income. In cases of permanent disability, 
compensation may also include diminished earning capacity and costs of 
medical care in the future. In cases of property damage, compensation 
mayinclude cost of repair, cost of replacement or diminished value, and 
loss of use of the property.
    (c) Comparative fault. A claimant's negligence or wrongful act 
contributing to the injury, death, or damage that is the basis of the 
claim may bar the claim entirely or diminish the claim proportionately.


Sec.  750.50  Foreign Claims Commissions.

    (a) Purpose. The purpose of a Foreign Claims Commission (FCC) is to 
settle meritorious claims fairly and promptly. An FCC shall deny or pay 
(in full or in part) all claims in accordance with its adjudicating 
authority or, when required under these regulations, forward 
adjudication recommendations to appropriate higher authorities.
    (b) Authority to appoint. (1) All commanding officers of the Navy 
and Marine Corps have authority to appoint an FCC, unless restricted by 
a competent superior commander.
    (2) For the purpose of the FCA and these regulations, the following 
officers are considered commanding officers: The Judge Advocate General 
of the Navy; Commanding Officer, RLSO EURAFSWA; Chiefs of Naval 
Missions (including Chiefs of the Naval Section of Military Missions); 
Chiefs of Military Assistance Advisory Groups (including chiefs of the 
naval section of such groups); and naval attach[eacute]s.
    (c) Composition of the FCC. An FCC shall be composed of either one 
or three members. Members shall be commissioned officers of the Navy or

[[Page 51386]]

Marine Corps of sufficient grade and experience to carry out the 
purpose of the Commission. Whenever possible, at least one member of 
the Commission shall be a judge advocate. For detailed discussion of 
the composition of an FCC, the qualification of its members, and the 
various levels of adjudicating authority held by each type of 
Commission (ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the composition 
of the Commission), see JAGINST 5800.7F, Chapter VIII (paragraph 0815).


Sec.  750.51  Processing claims.

    (a) Action by the Appointing Authority. The cognizant commanding 
officer [see Sec.  750.47(b)(1)] is the appointing authority for the 
FCC that will adjudicate the claim. The staff judge advocate for the 
cognizant commanding officer is responsible for providing advice, 
guidance, and review to the commanding officer, the FCC, and claims 
investigating officer on the policies and procedures in these 
regulations. The appointing authority shall convene an appropriate 
investigation or obtain the report of investigation if one has already 
been conducted, refer the claim with the investigative report to the 
FCC for adjudication, and take action or forward it as appropriate.
    (b) Action by the Claims Investigating Officer. There is no formal 
procedure for conducting an investigation of a foreign claim. A 
transcript of witness testimony is not required; a written summary of 
the substance of any statement is adequate. The formal rules of 
evidence do not apply, and any relevant evidence may be received to 
establish the essential facts of the incident. A written report of the 
investigation shall be submitted to the appointing authority as soon as 
practicable.
    (c) Action by the FCC. The FCC will review the claim and the 
investigation. If appropriate, the FCC will negotiate with the claimant 
for settlement of the claim within the limits of the FCC's adjudicating 
authority. The FCC will deny or pay the claim, in full or in part, 
within the limits of the FCC's denial or payment authority ($20,000 
max). When an FCC recommends payment or denial of a claim in excess of 
its denial or payment authority, the original report and all related 
documents shall be forwarded to the appointing authority for retention 
with a copy forwarded by the appointing authority to OJAG Code 15 for 
further action.


Sec.  750.52  Action on forwarded claims.

    When the FCC recommends payment or denial of a claim in excess of 
the FCC's authority, the following officers may approve or disapprove 
the recommendation and pay the claim, in whole or in part, or return 
the claim with instructions to the appointing authority or the FCC:
    (a) Claims up to $50,000.00. The Deputy Judge Advocate General of 
the Navy, the Assistant Judge Advocate General (Civil Law), the 
Division Director (Claims and Tort Litigation) and for claims arising 
in his area of responsibility, the Commanding Officer, RLSO EURAFSWA. 
These officials have unlimited denial authority.
    (b) Claims from $50,000.00 to $100,000.00. The Judge Advocate 
General of the Navy.
    (c) Claims in excess of $100,000.00. The Secretary of the Navy.


Sec.  750.53  Reconsideration, appeal, and suit.

    (a) Reconsideration. (1) A claim may be reconsidered when it 
appears that the original action was incorrect in law or fact based on 
the evidence of record at the time of the action or based on evidence 
subsequently received. The request for reconsideration must be received 
by the FCC within 60 days of the date of the denial letter unless good 
cause is shown.
    (2) Claimant's request for reconsideration should indicate the 
legal or factual basis asserted as grounds for relief.
    (3) The claim may be reconsidered by the original FCC, a successor 
FCC, or a newly appointed FCC upon written request from the claimant, 
upon the original FCC's initiative, or upon direction by a superior 
officer authorized to take action on the claim.
    (4) If the FCC concludes that the original action was incorrect, it 
will modify the decision or forward a supplemental recommendation 
through the appointing authority for action. If the FCC concludes that 
the original action was correct, it will affirm the decision, and 
forward a memorandum for information through the appointing authority.
    (5) When action on reconsideration has been completed and approved, 
the appointing authority shall notify the claimant that such action is 
final and conclusive by law.
    (b) Appeal. There is no right of appeal under this statute.
    (c) Suit. The United States has not consented to be sued under this 
statute.


Sec.  750.54  Payment.

    (a) Release. A settlement agreement and release shall be obtained 
from the claimant when payment of an award is accepted. The settlement 
amount shall be set forth in U.S. Dollars to be paid in local currency 
at the currency exchange rate in effect at the time of payment. If 
payment will be made by electronic wire transfer, the necessary banking 
and routing information should be included on the settlement agreement.
    (b) Advance Payments. Advance payments may be paid under this 
section.
    (c) Currency. Due to Federal currency restrictions, all payments 
under this chapter shall be made in the local currency of the country 
in which the claim arose or in the currency of the country where the 
claimant resides at the time of such payment.

Subpart E--Claims Under the Nonscope Claims Act (NSCA)


Sec.  750.55  Scope of subpart E.

    This section provides information on payment of claims against the 
United States, not payable under any other statute, for damages caused 
by the act or omission, negligent, wrongful, or otherwise involving 
fault, of DON personnel acting outside the scope of their employment or 
by latent defects in certain Government equipment.


Sec.  750.56  Statutory authority.

    Title 10 U.S.C. 2737 provides authority for the administrative 
settlement in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 of any claim against 
the United States not cognizable under any other provision of law for 
damage, loss, or destruction of property or for personal injury or 
death caused by military personnel or a civilian official or employee 
of a military department incident to the use of a vehicle of the United 
States at any place, or any other property of the United States on a 
Government installation. There is no right to sue. There are no 
territorial limitations and the Act has worldwide application.


Sec.  750.57  Definitions.

    (a) Civilian official or employee. Any civilian employee of the DON 
paid from appropriated funds at the time of the incident.
    (b) Vehicle. Includes every description of carriage or other 
artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of 
transportation on land.
    (c) Government installation. Any Federal facility having fixed 
boundaries and owned or controlled by the U.S. Government. It includes 
both military bases and nonmilitary installations.


Sec.  750.58  Claim procedures.

    (a) The general provisions of subpart A of this part shall apply in 
determining what is a proper claim, who is a proper claimant, and how a 
claim is to be

[[Page 51387]]

processed under 10 U.S.C. 2737 and this section.
    (b) A claim is presented when the DON receives from a claimant or 
the claimant's duly authorized agent, written notification of a 
nonscope claim incident accompanied by a demand for money damages in a 
sum certain.
    (c) A claimant may amend a claim at any time prior to final action. 
Amendments will be submitted in writing and signed by the claimant or 
the claimant's duly authorized agent.
    (d) Claims submitted under the provisions of the FTCA or MCA shall 
be considered automatically for an award under this section when 
payment would otherwise be barred because the DON personnel were not in 
the scope of their employment at the time of the incident. If a tender 
of payment under this section is not accepted by the claimant in full 
satisfaction of the claim, no award will be made, and the claim will be 
denied pursuant to the rules applicable to the statute under which it 
was submitted.
    (e) Damages caused by latent defects of ordinary, commercial type, 
Government equipment that were not payable under the MCA, Foreign 
Claims Act, or FTCA are payable under this section.
    (f) Nonscope claims for damages caused by local national DON 
employees overseas are also payable under this section if the injury 
was caused by the use of Government equipment.
    (g) Payment may not be made on a nonscope claim unless the claimant 
accepts the amount offered in full satisfaction of the claim and signs 
a settlement agreement.
    (h) Payment for nonscope claims adjudicated by field commands will 
be affected through their local disbursing office by use of funds 
obtained from the Judge Advocate General.
    (i) If a nonscope claim is denied, the claimant shall be informed 
of reasons in writing and advised he may appeal in writing to the 
Secretary of the Navy (Judge Advocate General) provided the appeal is 
received within 30 days of the notice of denial. The provisions of 
Sec.  750.38(c) of subpart C also apply to denials of nonscope claims.


Sec.  750.59  Statute of limitations.

    (a) A claim must be presented in writing within 2 years after it 
accrues. It accrues at the time the claimant discovers, or in the 
exercise of reasonable care should have discovered, the existence of 
the act or omission for which the claim is filed.
    (b) In computing time to determine whether the period of limitation 
has expired, exclude the incident date and include the date the claim 
was presented.


Sec.  750.60  Officials with authority to settle.

    The Judge Advocate General; Deputy Judge Advocate General; 
Assistant Judge Advocate General, Civil Law; Director, Claims and Tort 
Litigation; and Head, Tort Claims Branch, Claims and Tort Litigation 
may settle a nonscope claim.


Sec.  750.61  Scope of liability.

    (a) Subject to the exceptions in Sec.  750.50 of specific claims 
not payable, the United States shall not pay more than $1,000.00 for a 
claim against the United States, not cognizable under any other 
provision of law, except Article 139, UCMJ.
    (b) Article 139, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. 939, is not preemptive. The 
prohibition in 10 U.S.C. 2737 on paying claims ``not cognizable under 
any other provisions of law'' applies only to law authorizing claims 
against the United States. Article 139 authorizes claims against 
service members. See subpart H of this part.


Sec.  750.62  Claims not payable.

    (a) A claim for damage, loss, or destruction of property or the 
personal injury or death caused wholly or partly by a negligent or 
wrongful act of the claimant or his agent or employee.
    (b) A claim, or any part thereof, that is legally recoverable by 
the claimant under an indemnifying law or indemnity contract.
    (c) A subrogated claim.


Sec.  750.63  Measure of damages.

    Generally, the measure-of-damage provisions under the MCA are used 
to determine the extent of recovery for nonscope claims. Compensation 
is computed in accordance with Sec. Sec.  750.34 and 750.35 of subpart 
C, except damages for personal injury or death under this section shall 
not be for more than the cost of reasonable medical, hospital, and 
burial expenses actually incurred and not otherwise furnished or paid 
for by the United States.

Subpart F--Claims Under the Personnel Claims Act (PCA)


Sec.  750.64  Scope of subpart F.

    (a) This subpart describes the procedures and substantive bases for 
administrative settlement of claims submitted by Department of the Navy 
(DON) personnel and civilian employees under the Military Personnel and 
Civilian Employees' Claims Act (PCA), 31 U.S.C. 3721, and for the 
administrative pursuit by DON of recovery from carriers, contractors, 
or insurers responsible for loss, damage or destruction of such 
personal property.
    (b) The PCA is a gratuitous payment statute that Congress intended 
to help lessen the hardships of military life by providing limited 
compensation for certain types of property losses. The PCA authorizes 
payment of claims for the fair market value (FMV) of personal property 
lost, damaged or destroyed incident to service. This limited 
compensation is not a substitute for private insurance. Intangible 
property and consequential and incidental damages are not considered 
personal property and are not payable under the statute. ``Fair market 
value'' is the price that an item would sell for from a retailer who 
routinely sells the product minus the depreciation based upon its age 
or, if the item cannot be purchased, what it cost to replace on the 
open market, given its age and condition.
    (c) The PCA and the provisions of this enclosure preempt payment 
under any other claims statute. Claims not cognizable under the PCA 
may, however, be cognizable under another claims statute.


Sec.  750.65  Statutory authority.

    (a) 31 U.S.C. 3721, The Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' 
Claims Act (PCA).
    (b) 10 U.S.C. 2636a (Full Replacement Value).
    (c) 10 U.S.C. 2740 (Gap Legislation).
    (d) 31 U.S.C. 3711--3720e, The Federal Claims Collection Act.
    (e) 49 U.S.C. 14706, The Carmack Amendment to the Interstate 
Commerce Act.


Sec.  750.66  Adjudicating authority.

    (a) Responsibility for adjudicating claims under the PCA and 
asserting and settling claims against carriers, contractors, or 
insurers rests with the Personnel Claims Unit (PCU) located in Norfolk, 
Virginia.
    (b) The Judge Advocate General, the Deputy Judge Advocate General, 
the Assistant Judge Advocate General (Civil Law), the Director, Claims 
and Tort Litigation (OJAG Code 15), and the Head, Affirmative and 
Personnel Claims Branch (OJAG Code 15) have been delegated authority to 
adjudicate claims against the DON for $100,000.00 or less and denial 
authority in any amount. Any individual who has been personally 
designated by the Director, Claims and Tort Litigation, may adjudicate 
claims up to $40,000.00 and may deny claims in any amount.


Sec.  750.67  Proper claimants.

    The definition of a proper claimant is based on a claimant's status 
at the time the claim accrued, even if the member or employee has 
separated from Federal

[[Page 51388]]

service at the time the claim is filed. The following are proper 
claimants:
    (a) Navy and Marine Corps active duty members and reservists on 
active duty or active duty for training at the time the claim accrued;
    (b) Civilian employees of the Navy and Marines who are paid from 
appropriated funds;
    (c) Non-appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI) employees whose 
salaries are paid from non-appropriated funds;
    (d) Department of Defense (DoD) Education Activity (DoDEA) 
teachers; and
    (e) Authorized agents or legal representatives of the claimant, who 
provide a Power of Attorney and certain relatives of a deceased 
claimant.


Sec.  750.68  Claims payable.

    (a) Claims for loss of property are compensable if the loss was 
incident to service and possession of the property was reasonable and 
useful under the circumstances.
    (1) Claims may be payable for loss of property at assigned quarters 
or other authorized places, i.e., non-household goods (non-HHG) claims, 
if caused by theft, vandalism, fire, flood, or other unusual 
occurrence.
    (2) Claims may also be payable for the loss of property incurred 
during transportation or storage under orders and at Government 
expense, i.e., household goods (HHG) claims.


Sec.  750.69  Claims not payable.

    (a) Any part of the loss that was caused in any part by the 
negligence or wrongful act of the claimant.
    (b) Any part of the loss that is payable by any available 
insurance, except for the loss of HHG shipped or stored at Government 
expense pursuant to the Full Replacement Act. In this case, the 
claimant would first file a claim with the Transportation Service 
Provider (TSP) in accordance with the contract requirements. In cases 
where a catastrophic event occurs during transit, and the loss exceeds 
the TSP's maximum liability, the member must then pursue through any 
available insurance before filing a PCA claim.
    (c) Any claim presented more than two years from the date of 
accrual.


Sec.  750.70   Statute of limitations.

    A claim must be filed within two years from the date it accrues 
unless it accrues during armed conflict and good cause is shown, in 
which case the time limitation may be extended until the armed conflict 
is terminated. A claim accrues on the day the claimant knows or should 
know of the loss--either the day of the incident or in the case of HHG 
claims, the date of delivery.


Sec.  750.71  Filing a claim.

    (a) Non-HHG claims as well as HHG claims not electronically filed 
in the USTRANSCOM-managed claims filing system should be submitted on 
DD Form 1842 (Claim for Loss of or Damage to Personal Property Incident 
to Service) accompanied by DD Form 1844 (Schedule of Property). 
However, any writing will be accepted and considered as long as it 
substantially describes the facts necessary to support a claim 
cognizable under these regulations. The claim must be signed by a 
proper claimant or by a person with appropriate power of attorney (POA) 
from a proper claimant. The claim must be submitted to the PCU at the 
address, email, or facsimile number indicated at the U.S. Navy Judge 
Advocate General's Corps website at https://www.jag.navy.mil/organization/code_15.htm.
    (b) HHG Claims electronically filed in a USTRANSCOM-managed claims 
filing system can be transferred to the PCU electronically by selecting 
the ``transfer to MCO option available in the system.
    (c) If a HHG claim is received by a PCU within nine months after 
the date of delivery, and the member has not first filed with the TSP, 
the PCU will transmit the claim to the TSP in order to ensure the 
member meets the requirements to qualify for FRV, unless the claimant 
directs otherwise.


Sec.  750.72  Computation of payment.

    The military services publish an Allowance List-Depreciation Guide 
(ALDG) that specifies rates of depreciation and maximum payments 
applicable to categories of property that governs all PCU payments. For 
HHG, the value of a loss is first determined consistent with the ALDG 
and then adjusted to reflect payments, repairs, or replacement by TSPs 
or insurance companies, or lost potential recoveries except in very 
limited cases involving HHG shipments where the PCU may pay Full 
Replacement Value (FRV).


Sec.  750.73  Notice of decision.

    Upon adjudication, the claimant will be notified in writing of the 
amount authorized and of the right to request reconsideration of the 
decision.


Sec.  750.74  Reconsideration.

    A request for reconsideration must be submitted to the original 
adjudicating authority within six months from the date the claimant 
received the initial claim adjudication.


Sec.  750.75  Carrier recovery claims.

    For Naval and Marine Corps personnel whose PCA claims for HHGs lost 
or damaged during shipment were adjudicated and compensated by the PCU, 
assertion of a claim against the carrier to recover the amount paid is 
the responsibility of the PCU unless the shipment was arranged by the 
Department of State (DOS). In those moves, recovery is the 
responsibility of DOS. Recovery efforts will be in accordance with the 
Defense Personal Property Program Claims and Liability Business Rules.

Subpart G--Admiralty Tort Claims


Sec.  750.76  Scope of subpart G.

    This part applies to admiralty tort claims. These include claims 
against the United States for damage caused by a vessel in the naval 
service or by other property under the jurisdiction of the Navy, or 
damage caused by a maritime tort committed by an agent or employee of 
the Navy for which the Navy has assumed an obligation to respond for 
damage. Affirmative claims by the United States for damage caused by a 
vessel or floating object to Navy property are covered under this part.


Sec.  750.77  Statutory authority.

    28 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 740; 10 U.S.C. 7621-7623; 32 CFR 700.105 
and 700.331.


Sec.  750.78  Organization.

    (a) Administrative authority of the Secretary of the Navy. The 
Secretary of the Navy has administrative authority for settlement and 
direct payment where the amount paid does not exceed $ 15,000,000 and 
where the matter is not in litigation, of claims for damage caused by 
naval vessels or by other property under the jurisdiction of the Navy, 
or damage caused by a maritime tort committed by an agent or employee 
of the Navy, and for towage or salvage services rendered to naval 
vessels (10 U.S.C. 7622). The Secretary also has authority to settle 
affirmative admiralty claims for damage caused by a vessel or floating 
object to property under the jurisdiction of the Navy (10 U.S.C. 7623).
    (b) Admiralty and Maritime Law Division of the Office of the Judge 
Advocate General. The Navy's admiralty tort claims are processed and 
adjudicated in the Admiralty and Maritime Law Division of the Office of 
the Judge Advocate General. All correspondence with the Admiralty and 
Maritime Law Division should be addressed to the Office of the Judge 
Advocate General (Code 11), 1322

[[Page 51389]]

Patterson Avenue SE, Suite 3000, Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5066.
    (c) Mission and policy. The primary mission of the Admiralty and 
Maritime Law Division is to effect prompt and equitable settlements of 
admiralty claims, both against and in favor of the United States. The 
settlement procedure has evolved to eliminate the expenses and delays 
arising out of litigation and to obtain results advantageous to the 
financial interests of the United States. Where settlements cannot be 
made, litigation ensues in the Federal Courts. The final test of 
whether a settlement is justified is the probable result of litigation. 
Settlements are therefore considered and determined by the probable 
results of litigation. The policy of the Navy is to effect fair and 
prompt settlements of admiralty claims wherever legal liability exists.
    (d) Admiralty tort claims. As indicated in paragraphs (a) through 
(c) of this section, the Admiralty and Maritime Law Division primarily 
handles admiralty tort claims. These are claims for damage caused by 
vessels in the naval service or by other property under the 
jurisdiction of the Navy, or damage caused by a maritime tort committed 
by an agent or employee of the Navy, and claims for damage caused by a 
privately owned vessel to a vessel or property of the Navy (affirmative 
claims). The Admiralty and Maritime Law Division also handles claims 
for towage and salvage services rendered to a vessel in the naval 
service.
    (e) Admiralty contract claims. Admiralty contract claims arising 
out of the operations of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) are handled 
by its Office of Counsel. MSC is responsible for the procurement of 
vessels and space for the commercial ocean transportation of DoD cargo, 
mail, and personnel. It is also responsible for the maintenance, 
repair, and alteration of Government-owned vessels assigned to it. The 
Office of Counsel, MSC, deals with the various claims of a contract 
nature which arise out of these operations. These include claims for 
cargo damage, charter hire, redelivery, general average, and claims 
arising under MSC ship-repair contracts.
    (f) Damage caused by Navy contract stevedores. Office of Counsel, 
Naval Supply Systems Command, has cognizance of admiralty claims for 
damage caused by Navy contract stevedores. Under these stevedore 
contracts, the stevedoring companies are responsible for negligent acts 
of their employees which result in vessel damage. It is important that 
the extent of any such damage be accurately determined and promptly 
reported to the contracting officer having cognizance of the particular 
stevedore contract involved.
    (g) Resolving conflicts. Admiralty tort claims, such as collision, 
personal injury, and death claims, are dealt with by the Admiralty and 
Maritime Law Division, irrespective of whether an MSC vessel or other 
naval vessel is involved. Whether any particular claim is to be handled 
by JAG or by MSC, therefore, is determined by the nature of the claim. 
Cases may arise which could be handled by either office. If doubt 
exists, such matters should be reported both to JAG and to MSC. An 
agreement will then be reached between the Admiralty and Maritime Law 
Division and the Office of Counsel, MSC, as to how the incident should 
be handled.


Sec.  750.79   Claims against the Navy.

    (a) Settlement authority. 10 U.S.C. 8822 provides settlement 
authority for damage caused by a vessel in the naval service or by 
other property under the jurisdiction of the DON; compensation for 
towage or salvage service, including contract salvage, rendered to a 
vessel in the naval service or to other property of the Navy; or damage 
caused by a maritime tort committed by any agent or employee of the DON 
or by property under the jurisdiction of the DON. The limit on the 
Secretary's settlement authority is payment of $15,000,000. A claim 
which is settled for an amount over $15,000,000 is certified to 
Congress for payment. Section 8822 provides that the Secretary may 
delegate his settlement authority in matters where the amount to be 
paid is not over $1,000,000. Under the Secretary's delegation, 
settlements not exceeding $300,000 may be effected by the Judge 
Advocate General. Under the Secretary's delegation, settlements not 
exceeding $250,000 may be effected by the Deputy Assistant Judge 
Advocate General (Admiralty and Maritime Law).
    (b) Settlement is final. The legislation specifically authorizes 
the Secretary to settle, compromise, and pay claims. The settlement, 
upon acceptance of payment by the claimant, is final and conclusive for 
all purposes.
    (c) Settlement procedures. Where the amount paid is over $300,000, 
after agreement is reached with counsel or claimants, the procedure is 
to prepare a settlement recommendation for the approval of the 
Secretary of the Navy. When settlement has been approved, the voucher 
required for effecting payment is prepared. The settlement check is 
then exchanged, in keeping with the commercial practice, for an 
executed release. In some situations, where the exchange of documents 
is impracticable, a claimant is requested to forward the executed 
release by mail, on the understanding that the release does not become 
effective until the check is received in payment. Claims settled under 
10 U.S.C. 8822 are paid out of annual DoD appropriations.
    (d) Limitation period. The Secretary's settlement authorization is 
subject to a two-year limitation. This limitation is not extended by 
the filing of claim nor by negotiations or correspondence. A settlement 
agreement must be reached before the end of the two-year period. If 
settlement is not accomplished, then the claimant must file suit under 
the appropriate statute to avoid the limitation bar. The agreement 
reached in negotiations must receive the approval of the Secretary of 
the Navy or his designee, depending on the amount involved, prior to 
the expiration of the two-year period.
    (e) Matters in litigation. When suit is filed, the matter comes 
within the cognizance of the Department of Justice, and the Secretary 
of the Navy is no longer able to entertain a claim or to make 
administrative settlement.


Sec.  750.80  Affirmative claims.

    (a) Settlement authority. The Navy has the same authority to settle 
affirmative admiralty claims as it does claims against the Navy. The 
statute conferring this authorization is codified in 10 U.S.C. 8823, 
and is the reciprocal of 10 U.S.C. 8822 referred to in Sec.  750.79.
    (b) Scope. 10 U.S.C. 8823 is a tort claims-settlement statute. It 
is not limited to affirmative claims arising out of collision, but 
embraces all instances of damage caused by a vessel or floating object 
to property of the United States under the jurisdiction of the DON or 
for which the DON has assumed an obligation to respond. Perhaps the 
most frequent instance is where a privately owned vessel damages a Navy 
pier or shore structure. To eliminate any issue of whether the damaging 
instrumentality was a vessel, the words ``or floating object'' were 
included.
    (c) Statute of limitation. The United States is subject to a three-
year statute of limitation when it asserts an affirmative claim for 
money damages grounded in tort. This limitation is subject to the usual 
exclusions, such as inability to prosecute due to war, unavailability 
of the ``res'' or defendant, and certain exemptions from legal process 
(28 U.S.C. 2415, 2416).
    (d) Litigation. 10 U.S.C. 8823 does not apply to any claim where 
suit is filed. If the Admiralty and Maritime Law Division is unable to 
effect settlement, the matter is referred to the Department of Justice 
for the filing of a complaint

[[Page 51390]]

against the offending party. Thereafter, as in the case of adverse 
litigated claims, the Navy has no further authority to effect 
settlement.


Sec.  750.81   Salvage.

    (a) Scope. This section relates to salvage claims against or by the 
Navy for compensation for towage and salvage services, including 
contract salvage, rendered to a vessel in the naval service or to other 
property under the jurisdiction of the DON, or for salvage services 
rendered by the DON. Suits for salvage may be maintained under the 
Public Vessels Act, and salvage claims are within the Secretary of the 
Navy's administrative-settlement authority under 10 U.S.C. 8822. 
Salvage claims against the Navy are reported to and processed by the 
Judge Advocate General (Admiralty and Maritime Law Division). Both 
claims and suits for salvage against the United States are subject to 
the two-year limitation of the Public Vessels Act and the Navy's 
settlement authority.
    (b) Affirmative claims. Authorization for the settlement of 
affirmative salvage claims is contained in 10 U.S.C. 8703. Assertion of 
such claims is handled in the first instance by the Assistant 
Supervisor of Salvage (Admiralty), USN, Naval Sea Systems Command, 
SUPSALV--00CL, 1333 Isaac Hull Ave. SE, Stop 1070, Washington Navy 
Yard, DC 20376-1070. Salvage claims are referred to the Admiralty 
Division only if the Assistant Supervisor of Salvage (Admiralty) is 
unsuccessful in making collection. Any money received in settlement of 
affirmative salvage claims is credited to appropriations for 
maintaining salvage facilities by the Navy, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 8704.

Subpart H--Claims for Property Damage Under Article 139, Uniform 
Code of Military Justice


Sec.  750.82  Scope of subpart G.

    This chapter provides for assessments against the pay of members of 
the naval service in satisfaction of claims for property damage caused 
under certain circumstances. Claims for damage, loss, or destruction of 
privately owned property caused by a person or persons in the naval 
service, are payable under Article 139, UCMJ, only if such damage, 
loss, or destruction is caused by riotous conduct, willful conduct, or 
acts showing such reckless or wanton disregard of the property rights 
of others that willful damage or destruction is implied. Acts of the 
type punishable under Article 109, UCMJ, are cognizable under Article 
139, UCMJ. Charges against pay under these regulations shall be made 
only against the pay of persons shown to have been principal offenders 
or accessories.


Sec.  750.83  Statutory authority.

    10 U.S.C. 939, commonly referred to as Uniform Code of Military 
Justice, Article 139: Redress of injuries to property.


Sec.  750.84  Claims not cognizable.

    The following claims are not cognizable under this subpart:
    (a) Claims resulting from simple negligence;
    (b) Claims of subrogees;
    (c) Claims for personal injury or death;
    (d) Claims arising from acts or omissions within the scope of 
employment of the offender; and
    (e) Claims for reimbursement for damage, loss, or destruction of 
Government property.


Sec.  750.85   Limitation on claims.

    (a) Time limitations. A claim must be submitted within 90 days of 
the incident giving rise to it.
    (b) Acts of property owner. When the acts or omissions of the 
property owner, his lessee, or agent were a proximate contributing 
factor to the loss or damage of the property, assessments will not be 
made against members of the naval service in excess of the amount for 
which they are found to be directly responsible, i.e., comparative 
responsibility for the loss will be the standard for determining 
financial responsibility.
    (c) Only direct damages considered. Assessment will be made only 
for direct physical damages to the property. Indirect, remote, or 
inconsequential damage will not be considered.


Sec.  750.86  Complaint by the injured party and investigation.

    (a) A claim shall contain a statement setting forth the amount of 
the claim, the facts and circumstances surrounding the claim, and any 
other information that will assist in the investigation and resolution 
of the matter. When there is more than one complaint resulting from a 
single incident, each claimant must file a claim separately and 
individually. The claim shall be personally signed by the claimant or 
his duly authorized representative or agent.
    (b) Where a complaint is received by a commanding officer to whose 
command the alleged offenders do not report, he shall forward the claim 
and other pertinent information about the matter to the member's 
commanding officer. Where the command of the alleged offenders cannot 
be determined, the claim and supporting materials shall be forwarded to 
the Chief of Naval Personnel or the Commandant of the Marine Corps, as 
appropriate, for action.
    (c) Once a complaint is received, the responsible commanding 
officer will convene an investigation into the circumstances 
surrounding the claim, gather all relevant information about the matter 
(answering the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions), and 
make findings and opinions, as appropriate, about the validity of the 
claim under Article 139, UCMJ, and these regulations. The investigation 
shall determine the amount of damage suffered by the property owner.
    (d) The investigation shall make recommendations about the amount 
to be assessed against the pay of the responsible parties. If more than 
one person is found responsible, recommendations shall be made about 
the assessments against all individuals.


Sec.  750.87  Action where offenders are members of one command.

    (a) Action by commanding officer. The commanding officer shall 
ensure the alleged offenders are shown the investigative report and are 
advised they have 20 days within which to submit a statement or 
additional information on the incident. If the member declines to 
submit information, he shall so state in writing within the 20-day 
period. The commanding officer shall review the investigation and 
determine whether the claim is properly within the provisions of 
Article 139, UCMJ, and these regulations, and whether the facts 
indicate responsibility for the damage on members of the command. If 
the commanding officer finds the claim payable under these regulations, 
he shall fix the amount to be assessed against the offenders.
    (b) Review. If the commanding officer has authority to convene a 
general court-martial, no further review of the investigation is 
required as to the redress of injuries to property. If the commanding 
officer does not have general court-martial convening authority, the 
investigation and the commanding officer's action thereon shall be 
forwarded to the officer exercising general court-martial jurisdiction 
(OEGCMJ) over the command for review and action on the claim. That 
officer's action on the claim shall be communicated to the commanding 
officer who will take action consistent with the determination.
    (c) Charge against pay. Where the amount does not exceed $5,000.00, 
the amount ordered by the commanding officer shall, as provided in the 
Navy Comptroller Manual, be charged against

[[Page 51391]]

the pay of the offenders and the amounts so collected will be paid to 
the claimant. Where the amount exceeds $5,000.00, the claim, the 
investigation, and the commanding officer's recommendation shall be 
forwarded for review prior to checkage to Headquarters, U.S. Marine 
Corps (JCA) or the Judge Advocate General, as appropriate. The amount 
charged in any single month against the pay of offenders shall not 
exceed one-half of basic pay, as defined in paragraph 126h(2), Manual 
for Courts-Martial. The action of the commanding officer in ordering 
the assessment shall be conclusive on any disbursing officer for 
payment to the claimant of the damages assessed, approved, charged, and 
collected.


Sec.  750.88  Action where offenders are members of different commands.

    (a) Action by common superior. The investigative report shall be 
forwarded to the common superior exercising general court-martial 
jurisdiction over the commands to which the alleged offenders are 
assigned. That officer shall ensure the alleged offenders are shown the 
investigative report and permitted to comment on it, should they 
desire, before action is taken on the claim. That officer shall review 
the investigation and determine whether the claim is properly within 
the provisions of Article 139, UCMJ, and these regulations, and whether 
the facts indicate responsibility for the damage on members of his 
command. If the claim is found payable under these regulations, he 
shall fix the amount to be assessed against the offenders and direct 
the appropriate commanding officers to take action accordingly.
    (b) Forwarding to the Secretary of the Navy (JAG). Where it is not 
practical or possible to carry out the procedure set forth in subpart 
A, the investigation or investigations shall be forwarded to the 
Secretary of the Navy (Judge Advocate General) who will take action in 
the matter. Commanding officers, in such a situation, are not to make 
charges against the pay of their members until directed by the 
Secretary of the Navy (Judge Advocate General).


Sec.  750.89  Reconsideration and appeal.

    (a) Reconsideration. The OEGCMJ may, upon a receipt of a request 
for reconsideration by either the claimant or a member who has been 
assessed pecuniary liability, reopen the investigation or take any 
other action he believes is necessary in the interests of justice. If 
the OEGCMJ contemplates acting favorably on the request, he will 
provide all individuals interested in the claim with notice and an 
opportunity to respond. The basis for any change will be noted in the 
OEGCMJ's decision.
    (b) Appeal. In claims involving $5,000.00 or less, a claimant or 
member who has been assessed pecuniary liability may appeal the 
decision to the OEGCMJ. An appeal must be submitted within 5 days of 
the receipt of the OEGCMJ's decision. Appeals will be forwarded, via 
the OEGCMJ, to the Judge Advocate General or Headquarters, U.S. Marine 
Corps (JCA), as appropriate, for review and final action. In the event 
of an appeal, the imposition of the OEGCMJ's decision will be held in 
abeyance pending final action by the Judge Advocate General or 
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (JCA). If it appears that good cause 
exists that would make it impracticable for an appeal to be submitted 
within 5 days, the OEGCMJ may, in his discretion, grant an extension of 
time, as appropriate. His decision on extensions is final and non-
appealable.

Subpart I--Claims Involving Non-Appropriated Fund (NAFI) Activities 
and Their Employees


Sec.  750.90  Scope of subpart I.

    This part explains how to process claims for and against the United 
States for property damage, personal injury, or death arising out of 
the operation of non-appropriated fund activities (NAFI). A NAFI is a 
Federal agency within the meaning of the FTCA if the NAFI is charged 
with an essential function of the DON and if the degree of control and 
supervision by the Navy is more than casual or perfunctory.


Sec.  750.91  Statutory authority.

    To the extent sovereign immunity is waived by the FTCA, 28 U.S.C. 
1346(b), 2671-2672, 2674-2680, the United States remains ultimately 
liable for payment of NAFI claims under the FTCA. DoD Directive 5515.6, 
``Processing Claims Arising out of Operations of Nonappropriated Fund 
Activities'' (available at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/551506p.pdf) establishes policy governing 
the administrative processing of claims arising out of the operation of 
non-appropriated fund activities.


Sec.  750.92  Definitions.

    (a) Non-appropriated-fund instrumentality (NAFI). An 
instrumentality of the Federal Government established to generate and 
administer non-appropriated funds for programs and services 
contributing to the mental and physical well-being of DoD personnel and 
their dependents. A NAFI is not incorporated under the laws of any 
State and enjoys the privileges and immunities of the Federal 
Government.
    (b) Non-appropriated funds. Funds generated through the use and 
patronage of NAFI's, not including funds appropriated by Congress.
    (c) Employees of NAFIs. Personnel employed by NAFIs whose salaries 
are paid from non-appropriated funds.


Sec.  750.93  Participation in insurance programs.

    (a) Unlike all other tort claims against the Government (which are 
paid by the United States Treasury using appropriated funds), NAFI 
claims are paid by the NAFI whose employee caused the damage. 
Accordingly, some NAFI's, such as flying clubs, carry private 
commercial insurance to protect them from claims for property damage 
and personal injury attributable to their operations. The Commandant of 
the Marine Corps, the Chief of Naval Personnel, and the Commander, 
Naval Supply Systems Command determine whether NAFI's within their 
cognizance shall carry liability insurance or become self-insurers, in 
whole or in part.
    (b) The Marine Corps requires mandatory participation in the 
Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Composite Insurance Program by the 
following operations: MWR operations and retail services, food and 
hospitality, recreation; and special NAFI activities including flying 
clubs, rod and gun clubs, Inter-service Rifle Fund, Marine Corps 
Marathon and Dependent Cafeteria Fund. The following organizations may 
also participate in the MWR Composite Insurance Program, if desired: 
Child welfare centers, billeting funds, chapel funds, and civilian 
welfare funds.
    (c) When the operations of a NAFI result in property damage or 
personal injury, the NAFI's insurance carrier, if any, should be given 
immediate written notification. Notification should not be postponed 
until a claim is filed. When the activity is self-insured, the self-
insurance fund shall be notified of the potential liability by the 
activity.


Sec.  750.94  Responsibility.

    TCU Norfolk has cognizance over all DON claims. Accordingly, TCU 
Norfolk has primary responsibility for the negotiation and settlement 
of NAFI claims. Those NAFI's which carry third party insurance or are 
self-insured [e.g., Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) and Marine 
Corps Community Services (MCCS)] are authorized to settle and pay their 
own

[[Page 51392]]

claims. All other NAFI claims are adjudicated by TCU Norfolk and 
forwarded to the cognizant NAFI's headquarters for payment. Only TCU 
Norfolk has the authority to deny a NAFI claim.


Sec.  750.95  Negotiation.

    (a) General. Claims from NAFIs should be processed primarily 
through procedures, regulations, and statutes applicable to similar 
appropriated fund activity claims.
    (b) When the NAFI is insured. When a NAFI is insured, the insurer 
or the contracted third-party claims administrator (TPA) will normally 
conduct negotiations with claimants. The TCU Norfolk shall monitor the 
negotiations conducted by the insurer or TPA. Monitoring is normally 
limited to ascertaining that someone has been assigned to negotiate, to 
obtain periodic status reports, and to close files on settled claims. 
Any dissatisfaction with the insurer's or TPA's handling of the 
negotiations should be referred directly to the Judge Advocate General 
(Claims and Tort Litigation) for appropriate action. If requested by 
the insurer or TPA, the TCU Norfolk may conduct negotiations. If TCU 
Norfolk negotiates a final settlement, however, request for payment 
will be forwarded to the insurer or TPA for payment. Concurrence by the 
insurer or TPA in the amount of the settlement is not necessary.
    (c) When the NAFI is not insured. When there is no private 
commercial insurer and the NAFI has made no independent arrangements 
for negotiations, the TCU Norfolk is responsible for conducting 
negotiations. When an appropriate settlement is negotiated by the Navy, 
the recommended award will be forwarded to the NAFI for payment from 
non-appropriated funds.


Sec.  750.96  Payment.

    (a) Claims that can be settled for less than $1,500.00. A claim not 
covered by insurance (or not paid by the insurer) that can be settled 
for $1,500.00 or less, may be adjudicated by the TCU Norfolk or single-
service authority and forwarded to the commanding officer of the 
activity concerned or designee for payment out of funds available to 
the commanding officer. The TCU Norfolk or single-service authority 
will obtain the required release from the claimant.
    (b) Claims that cannot be settled for less than $1,500.00. A claim 
negotiated by the Navy, not covered by insurance, that is for more than 
$1,500.00 will be forwarded to the cognizant non-appropriated fund 
(NAF) headquarters command for payment from its non-appropriated funds.
    (c) When payment is possible under another statute. In some cases, 
neither the NAFI nor its insurer may be legally responsible. In those 
instances when there is no negligence, and payment is authorized under 
some other statute, such as the Foreign Claims Act, 10 U.S.C. 2734-
2736, the claim may be considered for payment from appropriated funds 
or may be referred to the TCU Norfolk for appropriate action.
    (d) Other claims. A NAFI's private insurance policy is usually not 
available to cover losses that result from some act or omission of a 
mere participant in a non-appropriated fund activity. In the event the 
NAFI declines to pay the claim, the file shall be forwarded to the TCU 
Norfolk for determination.


Sec.  750.97  Denial.

    Denial of a NAFI claim will begin the six-month limitation on 
filing suit against the United States for claims filed under the FTCA. 
If a claim is denied, it will be in writing and in accordance with 
subparts A and B of part 750 of this chapter, as appropriate. TCU 
Norfolk should not deny claims that have initially been processed and 
negotiated by a non-appropriated fund activity, its insurer, or TPA, 
until the activity or its insurer has clearly stated in writing that it 
does not intend to pay the claim and has elected to defend the claim in 
court.


Sec.  750.98  Claims by employees.

    (a) Property. Claims by employees of NAFIs for loss, damage, or 
destruction of personal property incident to their employment shall be 
processed and adjudicated in accordance with subparts A or B of this 
part, as appropriate. The claims will then be forwarded to the 
appropriate NAFI for payment from non-appropriated funds.
    (b) Personal injury or death--(1) Personal injury or death of 
citizens or permanent residents of the United States employed anywhere, 
or foreign nationals employed within the United States. Compensation is 
provided by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (33 
U.S.C. 901-950) for employees of NAFIs who have suffered injury or 
death arising out of, and in the course of, their employment (5 U.S.C. 
8171). That Act is the exclusive basis for Government liability for 
such injuries or deaths that are covered (5 U.S.C. 8173). A claim 
should first be made under that Act if there is a substantial 
possibility the injury or death is covered under the Act's provisions.
    (2) Personal injury or death of foreign nationals employed outside 
of the continental United States. Employees who are not citizens or 
permanent residents, and who are employed outside the continental 
United States, may be protected by private insurance of the NAFI or by 
other arrangements. When a non-appropriated fund activity has elected 
not to obtain insurance coverage or to make other arrangements, 
compensation is separately provided by Federal statute, military 
regulations, and agreements with foreign countries. See 5 U.S.C. 8172, 
DoD 1401.1-M, Personnel Policy Manual for Non-appropriated Fund 
Instrumentalities and BUPERSINST 5300.10A, NAF Personnel Manual.

Subpart J--Affirmative Claims Regulations (Property Damage Claims)


Sec.  750.99  Scope of subpart J.

    This subpart describes how to assert, administer, and collect 
claims for damage to or loss or destruction of Government property 
through negligence or wrongful acts.
    The regulations published in 31 CFR chapter IX control the 
collection and settlement of affirmative claims. This section 
supplements the material contained in those regulations. Where this 
section conflicts with the materials and procedure published in 31 CFR 
chapter IX, the latter controls.


Sec.  750.100  Statutory authority.

    (a) General. All affirmative claims for damage to or loss of 
Government property in favor of the United States are processed in 
accordance with the Federal Collections Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3711), as 
amended by the Debt Collection Act of 1982, Public Law 97-365, 96 Stat. 
1749 (25 October 1982), Public Law 101-552, 104 Stat. 2736 (15 November 
1990) and the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Public Law 104-
134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1358 (26 April 1996).
    (b) Statute of limitations. Subject to specific provisions in other 
statutes, there is a general 3-year statute of limitations on 
affirmative Government tort claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2415(b).


Sec.  750.101  Claims that may be collected.

    (a) Against responsible third parties for damage to Government 
property, or the property of non-appropriated fund activities. 
Generally, the Government does not seek payment from service members 
and Government employees for damages caused by their simple negligence 
while acting within the scope of their employment. Exceptions to this 
general policy will be made when the incident involves aggravating 
circumstances.

[[Page 51393]]

    (b) For money paid or reimbursed by the government for damage to a 
rental car in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations (1 Mar 
2018), Chapter 2, para. 020209. Collection action shall be taken 
against third parties liable in tort. Collection action shall not be 
taken against Government personnel who rented the vehicle.
    (c) Other claims. Any other claim for money or property in favor of 
the United States cognizable under the Federal Claims Collections Act 
not specifically listed in this section.


Sec.  750.102  Assertion of claims and collection procedures.

    (a) General. The controlling procedures for administrative 
collection of claims are established in 31 CFR part 901.
    (b) Officials authorized to pursue claims. The Judge Advocate 
General; the Deputy Judge Advocate General; any Assistant Judge 
Advocate General; and the Director, Claims and Tort Litigation are 
authorized to pursue and collect all affirmative claims in favor of the 
United States, except in countries where another service has single 
service responsibility in accordance with DoDI 5515.08 (series).
    (c) Dollar limitations. All of the officers listed in paragraph (b) 
of this section are authorized to compromise and terminate collection 
action on affirmative claims of $100,000.00 or less.
    (d) Determining liability. Liability must be determined in 
accordance with the law of the place in which the damage occurred, 
including the applicable traffic laws, elements of tort, and possible 
defenses.
    (e) Assertion of a claim. Assertion of the claim is accomplished in 
accordance with 31 CFR part 901 by mailing to the tortfeasor a ``Notice 
of Claim.'' The notice is to be mailed certified mail, return receipt 
requested, and should include the following information:
    (1) Reference to the statutory right to collect;
    (2) A demand for payment or restoration;
    (3) A description of damage and estimate of repair;
    (4) A description of the incident, including date and place; and
    (5) The name, phone number, and office address of the claims 
personnel to contact.
    (f) Full payment. When a responsible party or insurer tenders full 
payment or a compromise settlement on a claim, the payment should be in 
the form of a check or money order made payable to ``United States 
Treasury.'' The check or money order shall then be forwarded to the 
disbursing officer serving the collecting activity for deposit in 
accordance with the provisions of the Navy Comptroller Manual. For 
collections for damages to real property, the collection is credited to 
the account available for the repair or replacement of the real 
property at the time of recovery. For damages to personal property, the 
money is returned to the general treasury.
    (g) Installment payments. In general, if the debtor is financially 
unable to pay the debt in one lump sum, an installment payment plan may 
be arranged. Installment payments will be required on a monthly basis 
and the size of payment must bear a reasonable relation to the size of 
the debt and the debtor's ability to pay. The installment agreements 
should specify payments of such size and frequency to liquidate the 
Government's claim in not more than 3 years. Installment payments of 
less than $50.00 per month should be accepted only if justified on the 
grounds of financial hardship or for some other reasonable cause. In 
all installment arrangements, a confession of judgment note setting out 
a repayment schedule should be executed. See 31 CFR 901.8 for specific 
procedures.
    (h) Damage to nonappropriated-fund instrumentality (NAFI) property. 
Any amount collected for loss or damage to property of a NAFI shall be 
forwarded to the headquarters of the nonappropriated-fund activity for 
deposit with that activity. In those situations where the recovery 
involves damage to both NAFI-owned property and other Government 
property (e.g., destruction of an exchange building resulting in damage 
to both the building and the exchange-owned property inside), recovery 
for the exchange-owned property shall be forwarded to the NAFI. 
Recovery for building damage shall be deposited in accordance with 
Sec.  750.102(f).
    (i) Damage to industrial-commercial property. When a loss or cost 
of repair has been borne by an industrial-commercial activity, payment 
shall be deposited in the Navy Industrial Fund of the activity in 
accordance with the provisions of the Navy Comptroller Manual.
    (j) Replacement in kind or repair. The responsible party, or 
insurer, may want to repair or replace in kind damaged property. The 
commanding officer or officer in charge of the activity sustaining the 
loss is authorized to accept repair or replacement if, in his 
discretion, it is considered to be in the best interests of the United 
States.
    (k) Release. A release of the claim shall be executed when all 
repairs have been completed to the Government's satisfaction, and/or 
when all repair bills have been paid. If repair or replacement is made, 
a notation shall be made in any investigation or claims file.


Sec.  750.103  Waiver, compromise, and referral of claims.

    (a) Officials authorized to compromise claims. The officers 
identified in Sec.  750.89(b) may collect the full amount on all 
claims, and may compromise, execute releases or terminate collection 
action on all claims of $20,000.00 or less. Collection action may be 
terminated for the convenience of the Government if the tortfeasor 
cannot be located, is found to be judgment-proof, has denied liability, 
or has refused to respond to repeated correspondence concerning legal 
liability involving a small claim. A termination for the convenience of 
the Government is made after it is determined that the case does not 
warrant litigation or that it is not cost-effective to pursue recovery 
efforts.
    (b) Claims over $100,000.00. Claims in excess of $100,000.00 may 
not be compromised for less than the full amount or collection action 
terminated without approval from the DOJ.

Subpart K--Affirmative Claims Regulations (Medical Care Recovery 
Act and Claims Asserted Pursuant to the Third Party Payers Act)


Sec.  750.104  Scope of subpart K.

    (a) This part describes the assertion and collection of claims for 
medical care against third parties who are legally liable for the 
injury or disease, as well as collection through insurance companies.
    (b) The DON is entitled to recover the costs of medical care 
furnished to Navy and Marine Corps active duty personnel, retirees or 
their dependents, or any other person when appropriate, and third-party 
tort or contract liability exists for payment for medical expenses 
resulting from the injury or disease. Claims are asserted for treatment 
provided at a military treatment facility (MTF) or paid for by the DON 
at a facility that does not belong to the Federal Government.


Sec.  750.105  Statutory authority.

    (a) The Medical Care Recovery Act (MCRA), 42 U.S.C. 2651-2653, as 
amended by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997, 
Public Law 104-201, 10 U.S.C. 1075, 110 Stat. 2422, authorizes the 
Government to recover the reasonable value of treatment provided to an 
eligible beneficiary from any third party who is legally liable for the 
injury or disease.

[[Page 51394]]

    (b) The Third Party Payers Act (TPPA), 10 U.S.C. 1095 and 10 U.S.C. 
1095b, allows for the collection of the costs of medical care to 
eligible beneficiaries from a third party, such as an insurance 
company.
    (c) 10 U.S.C. 1079a (CHAMPUS: Treatment of refunds and other 
amounts collected) authorizes the recovery of medical care costs 
expended to eligible beneficiaries.


Sec.  750.106  Responsibility.

    Responsibility for investigating, asserting, and collecting DON 
MCRA/TPPA claims or, if required, properly forwarding claims to other 
Federal departments or agencies rests with Claims and Tort Litigation 
Division's Medical Care Recovery Units (MCRUs) located in Norfolk, VA; 
San Diego, CA; and Pensacola, FL, and Regional Legal Service Office 
Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia (RLSO EURAFSWA) for MCRA/TPPA claims 
arising in their area of responsibility. All other claims arising 
overseas and outside the RLSO EURAFSWA will be asserted by either MCRU 
Norfolk or MCRU San Diego depending upon the country of origin.


Sec.  750.107  Claims asserted.

    (a) The MCRA creates an independent cause of action for the United 
States and the Government can administratively assert and litigate MCRA 
claims in its own name and for its own benefit. Procedural defenses, 
such as a failure of the injured party (IP) to properly file and/or 
serve a complaint on the third party, that may prevent the IP from 
recovering damages, do not prevent the United States from pursuing its 
own action to recover the value of medical treatment provided to the 
IP. In creating an independent right for the Government, the MCRA 
prevents a release given by the IP to a third party from affecting the 
Government's claim.
    (b) When recovery under the MCRA is not possible because no third-
party tort liability exists, the TPPA provides the Government an 
alternate means for recovery. Under the TPPA, claims are asserted by 
the United States as a third party beneficiary of an insurance contract 
of the IP. This includes but is not limited to:
    (1) Medical Payments Coverage in an automobile or homeowner's 
policy;
    (2) Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage in an automobile policy;
    (3) No-fault coverage in an automobile policy; and
    (4) On-the-job injury compensable under a worker's employment 
contract at the job.
    (c) Determination of Amount Asserted.
    (1) MTF costs. The costs of care provided by the MTF are based on 
Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) rates or a Relative Value Unit (RVU). 
Rates are established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and/
or the DOD and published annually in the Federal Register. The MCRU 
must ensure all MTF bills include only expenses related to the injury 
and include all charges for care provided by or paid for by the MTF.
    (2) Defense Health Agency (DHA) costs. The costs of care provided 
by DHA are the actual amount that DHA paid even if this amount exceeds 
the amount that the civilian hospital billed DHA.
    (d) The DON will not assert claims against the following:
    (1) Any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States, 
including self-insured NAF activities but not private associations 
(e.g., flying clubs or equestrian clubs);
    (2) Against a service member, a dependent family member of a 
service member, or an employee of the United States who is injured as a 
result of his/her own willful or negligent acts or the willful or 
negligent acts of others (the United States does assert claims, 
however, against insurance policies that cover the IP);
    (3) The employer of a merchant seaman who receives medical care in 
a Federal facility pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 249; and
    (4) For care provided to a veteran by the VA when the care is for a 
service-connected disability. The United States will, however, claim 
for the reasonable value of care provided a member before transfer to a 
VA hospital or in those instances where TRICARE pays a VA hospital 
directly.


Sec.  750.108  Assertion of claims.

    (a) The MCRUs will promptly assert claims by mailing a notice of 
claim or demand for payment to identified third-party tortfeasors and/
or their insurers or to the insurer for any third party beneficiary 
coverage. The notice of claim or demand will outline the facts and cite 
the applicable Federal statutes.
    (b) The MCRU will attempt to coordinate collection of the claim 
with any action brought by the IP.
    (1) When the IP is represented by counsel, the MCRU will request to 
have the IP's attorney agree in writing to protect the Government's 
interests.
    (2) 5 U.S.C. 3106 prohibits the payment of a fee for assertion or 
collection of the Government's claim. As such, attorney's fees and 
costs will not be paid by the Government or computed on the basis of 
the Government's portion of recovery.
    (3) If the IP is not pursuing a claim or has expressly refused to 
include the Government's claim, the MCRU will pursue independent 
collection.
    (c) Waiver or compromise of the claim may be appropriate when the 
IP, his attorney, or a lien resolution group files a written request 
and it is determined that collection of the full amount of the claim 
would result in undue hardship to the IP.
    (1) In assessing undue hardship, the following factors shall be 
considered: Permanent disability or disfigurement; lost earning 
capacity; out-of-pocket expenses; financial status; amount of 
settlement or award from a third-party tortfeasor or contract insurer; 
and any other factors that objectively indicate that fairness requires 
waiver.
    (2) Only the Department of Justice may authorize the compromise or 
waiver of a MCRA/TPPA claim in excess of $300,000.00. The Director and 
the Head, Affirmative and Personnel Claims Branch, Claims and Tort 
Litigation (OJAG Code 15) may authorize the compromise or waiver of a 
MCRA/TPPA claim up to $300,000.00. The Director and the Head, 
Affirmative and Personnel Claims Branch, may further delegate authority 
to personnel in the MCRUs.

D.J. Antenucci,
Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register 
Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-15408 Filed 8-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P