The House of Representatives has passed S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes several changes to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the process for veterans exposed to toxins seeking disability compensation benefits. The reforms were secured by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.).
Under current law, TAP must begin no later than 365 days before a servicemember leaves the military. However, recent oversight hearings and reports have shown that only half of transitioning servicemembers participate in TAP at this point. The committee has expressed concern over this participation rate and continues to seek improvements through legislation and oversight.
Chairman Bost stated, “As Chairman, I have met with servicemembers, and their families stationed at home and around the world and heard firsthand their struggles when it comes to navigating the transition from active-duty to civilian life. We have worked hard to move the needle on TAP to get servicemembers – regardless of rank – the best program that meets their individual needs, but there is always more work to be done.” He continued, “The provisions I secured in this year’s NDAA build on our efforts and will bring needed improvements to TAP by requiring pre-transition counseling, improving methods for spouses to also attend TAP, modernizing the financial planning section, expanding the network of resources available to servicemembers and new veterans, and more. These changes will make a real difference in our servicemembers overall experience with TAP, and I am grateful to my friend, Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, for working with me to secure these vitally important provisions in this year’s NDAA on behalf of servicemembers and their families.”
Key provisions included in the FY26 NDAA are:
- A waiver allowing certain Reserve members to attend TAP every three years unless new information becomes available.
- A pilot program designed specifically for military spouses so they can access tailored transition information.
- Enhanced financial planning counseling within TAP covering loans, debt management, and overall readiness.
- Requirements for pre-separation counseling delivered in person whenever possible.
- Directives for the Department of Defense (DoD) to track when servicemembers begin TAP.
- Improved online access through a VA-maintained resource hub searchable by ZIP code.
- Mandated annual reporting on participation rates and counseling timelines.
Additional measures codify exposure documentation during service so veterans do not need to prove exposures later. The act ensures toxic exposure data is automatically included in service records; improves sharing of exposure information between DoD and VA; gives VA clinicians full access; and aims for faster processing of disability claims by providing complete exposure histories upfront.
These steps are intended both to improve support as servicemembers leave active duty and streamline benefits delivery for those affected by toxic exposures.
