Ending years of wait, the government agreed
Thursday to provide millions of dollars in 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. He planned to announce the
decision in private meetings with veterans' organizations.
Full article available here: http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/us-pay-benefits-vets-exposed-agent-orange-c-123s-n377596
Source: NBC News
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