Sorry, I asked for a cite (specific link) for claims paid.

You don't indicate the source for your data. You also don't indicate whether it refers to checkpoint damage or checked bag damage. And you don't indicate what year your figures cover.

TSA doesn't accept an Amazon screenprint as proof of price paid. This is why I asked about receipts and whether you had filed a claim. They can (and at least sometimes do) insist on receipts. If it is a gift, too bad, not their problem. They also suggest photos to back up ownership, but then point out that the photo doesn't prove anything (item could belong to someone else).

Christopher Elliott (I'm not a huge fan, but I have no reason to disbelieve what he posted) got some numbers from TSA, but no breakdown between checkpoint and baggage area.

The point of my post was to find out if you actually had first-hand experience filing a claim. You do not. I do.

I understand how the process is supposed to work.
TSO baggage screeners are also 'supposed' to leave flyers in bags they rummaged through; TSO baggage screeners are supposed to unlock and relock TSA locks. These things regularly do not happen. (FYI, I have actually seen TSOs explain why some of this happens - keys for the locks are misplaced or the supervisor has them and no one knows where the supervisor is, so pax locks get cut, they've run out of flyers. Besides, who ever thought a TSA thief would be conscientious about putting a flyer in a bag he's just stolen from?

I am not disputing that TSA makes some payouts. I am saying that the process takes much longer than it should, it is made deliberately difficult, it is not transparent.

Nothing you posted, but I'd like someone to explain why it takes 6 months to track down a theft. Are the tapes still around? Are claims routinely denied because the tapes aren't available and the claim wasn't researched in a timely manner? Are claims below a certain threshhold just ignored for six months and then denied? (Don't bother to say that could never happen, it absolutely does happen with some insurance companies, and I don't expect greater things out of TSA than out of an insurance company).

The claims should all be handled by an independent agency. TSA has everything to gain by denying the claims.