In the summer of 2015, Allison Johnson was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma with metastases to the liver, gallbladder, and lymph nodes – she was advised that she had about six months to live. Despite living with a terminal illness, she was denied Social Security Disability, without which she would have been left in a financial bind making her unable to enjoy her remaining days.
After hearing her case, Jeff stepped in right away and had his staff contact the Portland Office of Disability Adjudication and Review and advised them of Allison’s dire and urgent needs by pointing out that she met the criteria for both a terminal illness claim and compassionate allowance claim. The Senior Attorney then made an on-the-record decision to approve her claim in January 2016 to get her the benefits she deserved.
After months of being denied appropriate help, Ms. Johnson was now being properly cared for and could focus on enjoying her days with her 16-year-old son.
Jeff believes that every Oregonian should receive the service and resources they deserve, and that’s why Jeff and his staff are committed to cutting the red tape to get the help all Oregonians deserve.
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