U.S. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) on Feb. 26 cosponsored bipartisan legislation that aims to streamline the benefits process for United States military service members before they leave active duty.
The congressman is one of 17 original cosponsors of the TAP Promotion Act, S. 3938, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-ME) to allow accredited members of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and similar entities to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes, file Benefits Delivery at Discharge claims, and complete medical evaluations before leaving service.
Under existing law, instructors in TAP — the mandatory program to prepare service members for civilian life — 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 (VA) benefits but cannot get hands-on assistance completing the forms required to access them, according to Sen. Curtis.
“The brave men and women who serve our nation deserve a smooth passage from active duty to civilian life,” Sen. Curtis said. “By allowing accredited Veterans Service Organizations to assist with benefit claims, this bill helps prevent gaps in care and ensures veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary delays.”
In addition to Sen. Curtis, the original cosponsors of the bill also include U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).
“Every year approximately 200,000 service members transition out of military service into civilian life, whether the service member is finishing their first deployment, or retiring,” said Sen. King. “The TAP Promotion Act would allow these service members to connect with an informed, VA-accredited representative who can mentor them in the process of applying for and receiving the benefits they earned.”
The VFW supports S. 3938, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee for consideration.