WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) has joined a bipartisan congressional effort here to streamline the benefits process for veterans before they leave the military services.
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Promotion Act would allow accredited members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSO’s) and similar entities to file benefit claims and to complete medical evaluations for veterans as they prepare to return to civilian life, according to Curtis.
“By allowing accredited Veterans Service Organization to assist with benefit claims,” he explained, “this bill helps prevent gaps in care and ensures that veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary delays.”
Member of Curtis’ staff in Washington emphasize that, when filing for benefits upon leaving the military, service members must now navigate a complicated system, which too often leads to delayed compensation and health care.
They argue that timing matters for transitioning service members. Delays in filing claims can mean months without disability payments, postponed medical appointments, access to mental health professionals and added financial stress during an already significant life transition.
Under existing law governing the mandatory program to prepare service members for civilian life, TAP instructors are not permitted to help participants fill out benefits paperwork. As a result, troops nearing separation often receive information about their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, but cannot get hands-on assistance completing the forms required to access them.
“The TAP Promotion Act ensures that VA-accredited representatives can participate in TAP briefings and assist with Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, helping prevent unnecessary delays in compensation, mental health care and other critical services,” according to Joy Craig, the associate director of National Legislative Services of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“This is a practical, bipartisan fix that improves oversight, strengthens transition outcomes and honors our nation’s commitment to those who served,” she added.
The TAP Promotion Act was introduced and co-sponsored by more than 20 members of the U.S. Senate in late February.
In addition to Curtis, the proposal’s advocates include Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Angus King (I-ME), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jeff Merkley (D-MA), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
“The brave men and women who serve our nation deserve a smooth passage from active duty to civilian life,” Curtis concludes.