I recognize that every single disabled person I meet needs benefits "yesterday." The federal government, however, has failed to provide sufficient staffing resources to process claims within a reasonable period and the wait for a hearing in Oregon is now running 30 months.

I assess every case for strength. While all cases I accept I consider to be winnable, some cases, about two-thirds, seem to be particularly strong. Therefore, without delay I acquire medical records, if necessary confer with the treating doctor and obtain clarifying medical opinion. After I acquire additional evidence, I prepare a request for a decision without a hearing, or what is known as an "on-the record decision" (OTR). My requests for OTRs are successful about three-quarters of the time. This can shorten the wait to four to eight months.

Not every case is appropriate for an OTR and I will explain to each client I meet the unique qualities of his/her claim that weigh in how I assess it.

Circumstances change. Sometimes after several months, a client will experience a changed condition or will receiving clarifying medical and vocational information that convinces me it is time to request an OTR.

No matter how strong I think a case is for an OTR, a client should always expect the long wait.