Types of Claims:
MILITARY AND CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES CLAIMS ACT (PCA)
Commonly known as Personnel Property Claims. PCA claim for personal property damage/loss directly filed to the Personnel Claims Unit (PCU), Norfolk, VA. If you suffered loss/damaged to your personal property due to Typhoon, Flood, Fire, or unusual occurrences. You may be eligible to file a PCA claim if you meet both of the following criteria.
Criteria 1: Active Duty, Reservist on Active Duty or Civilian Employee of the Department of Defense that are not considered a local inhabitant of the area.
Criteria 2: Property was located in your assigned or authorized quarters or located on base when it was damaged/loss was accrued.
Common PCA claims: Damages/loss from typhoons, flood, power outages (food spoilage) and base housing issues. Household good (HHG) damages during PCS move can be claimed through PCA if not claimed through the contracted Transportation Service Provider (TSP).
Please go to the link below for more information, instructions and forms.
https://www.jag.navy.mil/legal-services/code-15/personnel/
TYPHOON PREPARATIONS
In the event of a typhoon, all SOFA members must take actions to prepare for unexpected damages. Please refer to the Typhoon Readiness Guide link below and/or contact your command for additional guidance.
https://www.kadena.af.mil/Portals/40/Weather/Okinawa%20Typhoon%20Guide%20Ed.%205.pdf?ver=a0xlXezkD9aUgiw7OV9dJA%3d%3d
MILITARY CLAIMS ACT CLAIMS
SOFA members who incur property damage as a result of a Government owned vehicle (GOV) accident may file a claim under the Military Claims Act. You must file with the branch of service that "owns" the GOV. Our office handles traffic accidents or other damage caused by US Marine Corps government personnel and tactical vehicles acting within the scope of their employment.
For MCA Claims please contact us via email at mcb_sja_claims@usmc.mil.
STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT (SOFA) CLAIMS (LOCAL NATIONALS ONLY)
ALL SOFA Claims are filed to the local Government of Japan GOJ, Defense Bureau.
International Agreement Claims Act (IACA) in-scope claim:
Under the SOFA Article 18, paragraph 5, IACA claims in Okinawa Japan are filed to the Okinawa Defense Bureau (ODB) for injuries or damages to personal property suffered by Local Nationals from to Service Members or Federal Employees negligence acting within scope (official duty) of their employment at the time of the incident.
Common SOFA IACA claims: GOV Traffic Accidents.
Foreign Claims Act (FCA) non-scope claim:
Under the SOFA Article 18, paragraph 6, the US Gov’t is “Legally Responsible” for all Active Duty and Federal Employees station in Japan. Any incidents causing damage or injury to a Local National not within scope of their employment (off-duty/liberty) that incurred unsettled expenses or obligations will result in a FCA claim against the US Gov’t. Therefore, it is imperative that command leadership to conduct weekly safety brief and ensure only the most mature and financially stable members are authorized SOFA driving privileges.
Common SOFA FCA Claims: Traffic Accidents with no Insurance, Criminal act (theft, damage to property, assault).
POV/POV TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INSURANCE REPORTING REQUIREMENT
Contact your insurance company immediately or within 72 hours after a traffic accident if physically able to do so. This is required per MCIPACO 5560.2B. Members also should use their insurance coverage or agree to pay out of pocket if they are found to be responsible for a portion of the accident and if insurance is not considered or expired. Failure to do so will result in loss of SOFA driving privileges of the owner and/or driver. If property damage or injury was caused to a local national, any unpaid expenses by the SOFA member will result in a SOFA FCA claim against the US Gov’t in additional to potential off-base civil or criminal proceedings.