Retired Air Force reserve tech Sgt. Ed Kienle, 73, holds a picture of himself, left, and fellow reservists during an interview at his home, Thursday, June 11, 2015, in Wilmington, Ohio. The government on Thursday, June 18, 2015, agreed that U.S. Air Force reservists who became ill after being exposed to Agent Orange residue while working on planes after the Vietnam War will now be eligible for disability benefits. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Washington • Ending years of wait, the government agreed Thursday to provide disability benefits to as many as 2,100 Air Force reservists and active-duty forces exposed to Agent Orange residue on airplanes used in the Vietnam War.

The new federal rule, approved by the White House Office of Management and Budget, takes effect Friday. It adds to an Agent Orange-related caseload that already makes up 1 out of 6 disability checks issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The expected cost over 10 years is $47.5 million, with separate health care coverage adding to the price tag.

"Opening up eligibility for this deserving group of Air Force veterans and reservists is the right thing to do," VA Secretary Bob McDonald said in a statement. His office held a series of private meetings with veterans' organizations and lawmakers Thursday to discuss ways to expedite the delivery of benefits, including to surviving spouses.