PCS Planning DPS Claims Process, Deadlines & Documentation
How to File a PCS Damage Claim in DPS
Reviewed by: VA Loan Network Editorial Team, Editorial Team
Updated on
File PCS household goods damage claims through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) within 75 days of delivery for full replacement value or 180 days for depreciated value. Document all damage at delivery with dated photos, note every item on the inventory sheet before signing, and file through move.mil — not through your moving company.
Next step: Check Your VA Loan Eligibility
Filing Process
- Where to file: Submit claims through move.mil (DPS) — not through the moving company or your transportation office
- Login required: Use your CAC or DS Logon credentials to access the DPS claims portal and track your claim status
- Upload evidence: Attach dated photos of damage, original inventory sheets, and repair or replacement cost estimates
Deadlines
- 75 days: File within 75 days of delivery for Full Replacement Value protection — the strongest coverage level
- 180 days: File within 180 days for depreciated value — you receive less and the claim is harder to negotiate
- After 180 days: Claims filed after 180 days are typically denied — this deadline is firm with very limited exceptions
Documentation
- Delivery day: Photograph every damaged item with a date stamp before accepting delivery or unpacking further
- Inventory sheet: Note all damage directly on the DD Form 1840/1840R at delivery — don’t sign without documenting
- Estimates: Get written repair or replacement cost estimates from retailers or repair shops for each damaged item
Maximize Your Claim
- Don’t throw away: Keep all damaged items until the claim is fully resolved — the government may request inspection
- Pre-move photos: Photograph valuable items before pack-out to prove condition — this is your strongest evidence
- Track everything: Keep a written log of dates, conversations, and actions throughout the claims process
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the deadline to file a PCS damage claim?
75 days from delivery for Full Replacement Value. 180 days for depreciated value. After 180 days, claims are typically denied. File as early as possible — earlier claims receive stronger consideration.
Where do I file the claim?
Through the Defense Personal Property System at move.mil. Do not file directly with the moving company. Log in with your CAC or DS Logon and submit through the claims portal.
What if I signed the inventory without noting damage?
You can still file, but it’s harder to prove the damage occurred during the move. This is why noting every issue on the DD 1840/1840R at delivery is critical — even small scratches or dents.
The Bottom Line Up Front
Document everything at delivery, note all damage on the inventory sheet before signing, and file your claim through move.mil within 75 days for Full Replacement Value. Pre-move photos of valuables are your strongest evidence. Keep damaged items until the claim is fully resolved.
The most common mistake Military families make is signing the delivery inventory without documenting damage, then trying to file a claim weeks later. By that point, proving the damage happened during transit — not after — becomes significantly harder.
Step-by-Step Claims Process
- Inspect at delivery: Check every item as it comes off the truck. Don’t wait to unpack boxes later — open and inspect high-value items immediately.
- Document on the inventory sheet: Note every scratch, dent, crack, or missing item directly on the DD Form 1840 (inventory) and DD Form 1840R (notice of loss/damage). Be specific — “scratched” is weak; “6-inch gouge on top surface of dining table” is strong.
- Photograph everything: Take dated photos of all damaged items alongside the inventory sheet entry. Include wide shots showing the item and close-ups showing the specific damage.
- Log in to move.mil: Access the Defense Personal Property System with your CAC or DS Logon credentials.
- Submit your claim: Upload photos, the annotated inventory sheets, and repair/replacement cost estimates. Describe each item’s damage clearly and factually.
- Track and respond: The moving company has 60 days to respond to your claim. If they deny or lowball, you can request further review through the Military Claims Office.
Full Replacement Value vs. Depreciated Value
| Coverage | Filing Deadline | What You Receive |
|---|---|---|
| Full Replacement Value | Within 75 days of delivery | Cost to repair or replace the item at current market price |
| Depreciated Value | 76–180 days after delivery | Reduced amount based on age and condition of the item |
| No Coverage | After 180 days | Claim denied — no compensation regardless of evidence |
The difference between filing at day 50 and day 100 can mean thousands of dollars in compensation for the same damage. There is no reason to delay.
Common Mistakes That Weaken Claims
Avoid These
- Signing without inspecting: Once you sign the inventory as satisfactory, proving damage occurred in transit becomes your burden — inspect everything first
- Discarding damaged items: The government or moving company may request to inspect items — keep everything until the claim is fully resolved and paid
- Vague descriptions: “Broken” is insufficient — describe the specific damage, dimensions, and location on the item for every claim entry
- Missing the deadline: Set a calendar reminder for 60 days after delivery — this gives you buffer before the 75-day FRV deadline
- No pre-move photos: Without before photos, the moving company can claim the damage pre-existed — photograph valuable items before pack-out
Next step: Check Your VA Loan Eligibility
The Bottom Line
75 days. Full Replacement Value. Document at delivery. Photograph before pack-out. File through move.mil. Keep damaged items. That’s the playbook for maximizing your PCS damage claim — and every step matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the claims process take?
The moving company has 60 days to respond after you file. If they offer a settlement, you can accept, negotiate, or escalate to the Military Claims Office. Total resolution typically takes 60–120 days.
Can I file if I did a PPM (personally procured move)?
PPM moves are self-managed, so damage claims against a government-contracted mover don’t apply. If you hired a private mover, claims go through that company’s insurance, not DPS.
What if the moving company offers less than my item is worth?
You can negotiate or request review through your installation’s Military Claims Office. Providing repair estimates, replacement costs, and photos strengthens your position in the negotiation.
Does renters or homeowners insurance cover PCS damage?
Typically not for government-contracted moves — the Full Replacement Value program through DPS is the primary coverage. Check your personal policy for any supplemental coverage that might apply.
