After arriving at the hearings office, many cases are good enough to be approved by an attorney advisor in the hearings office on the written medical record alone. Many cases, however, are "gray" cases. A "gray" case usually has to "wait the long wait" for a hearing because it has too many weak points for an attorney advisor at the hearings office to approve the case on the medical record alone.

When a case is "gray" the long-wait for a hearing can be an advantage by allowing more time to develop the evidence that will show clear disability. Frequently I refer clients with "gray" cases to State of Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation for evaluation. This helps the client learn if there are still jobs s/he can perform. This also helps the client learn more about why s/he cannot work. The link is www.oregon.gov/DHS/VR/. Go to locations and contacts and call the branch that services your location.

Still, the wait is too long. After waiting a year for a hearing, I encourage my clients to contact their elected officials, not to ask for a pass to the head of the long line, but to express legitimate dissatisfaction with how our government serves disabled and deserving citizens. Eventually, the complaints must be addressed and the Social Security Administration must account to Congress.

Contact information for members of the Oregon Congressional delegation serving Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Yamhill County citizens are as follows:

Senator Ron Wyden

1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Suite 585
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 326-7525
wyden.senate.gov

Senator Jeff Merkley

121 SW Salmon Street
Suite 1400
Portland, OR 97204
(530) 326-3386
Merkley.senate.gov

Congressman Kurt Schrader

494 State St., SE
Salem, OR 97302
(503) 588-9100
schrader.house.gov

Congressman David Wu

620 SW Main St.
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 326-2901
house.gov/wu

Congressman Earl Blumenauer

729 NE Oregon
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 231-2300
house.gov/blumenauer