H.R. 1845 — TAP Promotion Act

This section requires inclusion of a standardized, one-hour presentation promoting benefits available to veterans under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) during preseparation counseling in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for separating members of the Armed Forces. (The TAP provides mandatory counseling and information to service members separating after 180 days of active duty to facilitate their transition to civilian life.) The presentation must (1) be reviewed and approved by VA in collaboration with veterans service organizations (VSOs) that provide claims assistance under VA's Benefits Delivery at Discharge program; (2) be submitted to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans' Affairs at least 90 days before implementation; (3) where available, be presented with participation by a representative of a VSO recognized under 38 U.S.C. §5902 or an individual accredited under 38 U.S.C. §5903 and authorized by the Secretary concerned; (4) include information on VSO assistance in filing a preservice disability claim; and (5) not encourage membership in any particular VSO. This section also requires VA to submit annual reports to the Senate and House Committees on Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs identifying each participating VSO, the number of service members who attended such presentations, and any recommendations for changes to the presentation or statutory provision.