How long have you been practicing Social Security Disability law?

I have seen the results of this dysfunctional system first hand – starting with my mother in 2002, while still attending law school. Despite her multiple severe medical conditions and seven operations she repeatedly was denied Social Security Disability benefits – only being allowed benefits after a United States Senator interceded on her behalf. I officially began practicing Social Security Disability benefits law in January 2006 in Portland, Oregon. I have represented more than one thousand claimants at Social Security administrative hearings and assisted fellow attorneys in preparation for thousands of other hearings. I have drafted many Social Security Appeals Council briefs and United States District Court opening and reply briefs.

What percentage of your practice is dedicated to Social Security Disability claims?

Literally, 96-percent of my Portland, Oregon firm's work is in the Social Security Disability benefits arena. I also serve a few Veterans attempting to get service-connected VA disability benefits compensation after their service to our nation. My firm and I are focused clearly on assisting individuals with disabilities achieve a modicum of financial and healthcare stability. I once worked in a high-volume law practice – I learned a lot, but know that a focused considerate methodology is more effective for our clients. Vulnerable individuals should not face this challenge without committed advocates by their side, that's where we come in. While the journey is challenging, successful outcomes for my clients are particularly rewarding.

Do you handle the entire process, ranging from the initial application to reconsideration, ALJ hearings, Appeals Council review, and federal court litigation, or do you focus on certain phases?

After 20 plus years of assisting individuals with disabilities to secure Social Security disability benefits we definitely recommend that people call us before they apply for benefits. In addition to providing no charge initial consultations, ideally before one applies for Social Security disability benefits, we also represent folks at the initial application, reconsideration (paper) appeal, administrative law judge hearing, Appeals Council review (of judge's unfavorable) and United States District Court stages of the process as necessary. The process can take many steps, however we work to win approvals for Clients at the earliest stage possible, while simultaneously laying the foundation for a stronger appeal should one become necessary.

How do you charge for your services, and does the fee calculation change depending on what happens in the case?

Our representation of Social Security claimants is on a contingency basis - we are only awarded attorneys' fees if you are awarded past-due benefits. There is no fee deducted or owed from future monthly ongoing benefits. There is no charge for the initial consultation. By law, our fee is limited to the smaller of 25% or $9200 of past due benefits (if any). For example, if past due benefits were $45,000 then our fee is limited to $9.2K and the other $35,800 goes to you. If for some reason your back pay was zero then our fee also is zero. Social Security looks at any potential fee both ways and only awards the attorney the amount most favorable to you. Generally, 19 out of 20 of our clients have zero expenses associated with their cases.

What is your approach to questioning vocational and medical experts at hearings?

Cross-examination of vocational and medical witnesses during a hearing is like a jazz concert - we have to play it by ear. Why? Because if the witness gives testimony that helps your case and will result in a favorable ruling, then we are not going to ask them questions that potentially may lead to unhelpful answers putting the outcome of your case in doubt. Conversely, if the witness provides unhelpful testimony then we will press them via questions based on citations from the record and our Client's testimony. These witnesses rarely review the record thoroughly or rely on pre-formulated answers that ignore case realities. So, we will push for answers that turn the case around or at least neutralize their previous unhelpful testimony.

How do you plan to gather and develop the medical evidence in a case, and how do you collaborate with doctors?

Navigating Social Security Disability claims requires attention to the medical evidence, as such we work closely with you to identify essential medical evidence from all your healthcare providers. SSA (the Social Security Administration) undertakes the responsibility of acquiring medical records during the initial stages. Our office works in coordination with SSA and utilizing professional perseverance we diligently follow-up on evidence gathering to minimize delays and ensure the agency timely receives a complete picture of your overall medical condition and functional capacity. If your claim progresses to a hearing, our office requests and gathers updated medical records, provider opinions and witness statements for submission to SSA.

What are some of the medical conditions that have formed the basis for claims that you’ve often handled?

Nearly all Clients suffer from multiple medical conditions and symptoms vary in type and intensity- for example, everyone's back pain is different. For Social Security disability benefits claim analysis the impact of one's conditions - the impairment they cause - are the determining factor. We work with folks who have combinations of: Fibromyalgia, Traumatic Brain Injury, Vision problems, Spinal issues, Arthritis, Postural Orthopedic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), ADD / ADHD, Long COVID, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Alzheimer’s, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Anxiety, Migraines, Depression, Autism Spectrum diagnoses, Seizures, Autoimmune disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), and many more.

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Cascadia Disability Law

21 years of experience
Social Security Disability
Oregon

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Biography

MISSION: Our mission is to respectfully and compassionately assist individuals with disabilities in achieving a sense of dignity through financial stability and healthcare access. I run a small law firm focused on Social Security Disability and SSI, Veterans' Benefits (although I am not accepting new VA cases currently), and related administrative law matters. I bring a wealth of experience and a deep compassion for others to my work, helping those who need or seek assistance in navigating the complexities of administrative law. We provide direct personal interaction with our law firm and we are personally committed to doing everything within our power to help you restore your dignity and secure the benefits you deserve.

Practice Area

Social Security Disability

Additional Practice Areas

Social Security Disbaility Law
Veterans Disability Law

Fees

Free Consultation
There is no charge for the initial consultation.
Contingent Fees
Our Social Security Disability practice is contingent fee based, with fee caps set by Congress. For most cases the fee cap is 25% of any past benefits awarded to you or $9200, whichever is LESS. Veterans' Disability cases are a 20% contingent fee.
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Small firm law practice specializing in Social Security Disability and SSI , Veterans' Benefits, and related administrative law matters. Putting my wealth of experience and sincere compassion for others to work for those who need or would like assistance navigating an administrative law labyrinth. I offer one-on-one interaction with your attorney and a personal commitment to doing everything in our power to assist you to restore your dignity and secure the benefits you deserve.

View Additional Fee Information ›

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

Oregon
Since 2004

Languages

English: Spoken, Written

Professional Experience

Attorney at Law, founding member: Cascadia Disability Law; 2010 - Current; Small firm law practice specializing in Social Security Disability and SSI, Veterans' Benefits, and related administrative law matters. We put our wealth of experience and sincere compassion for others to work for those who would like assistance navigating an administrative law labyrinth. We offer one-on-one interaction with our office and a personal commitment to assist you in restoring your dignity and securing the benefits you deserve. While the journey may be challenging, successful outcomes for our clients are particularly rewarding. As an attorney, I have represented claimants at more than 500 federal administrative law hearings and assisted in the preparation for more than 4000 other hearings. In addition, I have drafted numerous Social Security hearing memoranda, Appeals Council briefs and United States District Court opening and reply briefs. Putting our depth and breadth of knowledge to work for YOU - securing benefits at the earliest date possible.

Administrative Rule Writer: State of Oregon, Department of Human Services, Childre, Adults & Families, Hearings and Rules Unit; 2008 - 2010; Administrative rule drafting, editing, filing and interpreting for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Children, Adults & Families Division, Child Welfare and Self Sufficiency programs. The rulemaking work is necessary both to implement new legislation and to ensure new agency program initiatives are consistent with controlling state legislation and federal law. These decisions may have significant implications for the Department’s budget and can affect the health and safety of Oregonians served by the programs operated by the Children, Adults and Families Division of the Department. Support hearing representatives in contested case hearings. The contested case hearings support requires knowledge and application of the relevant hearings provisions of the Oregon Administrative Procedures Act, Oregon administrative rules, and federal regulations. Review, revise, and re-issue Administrative Law Judge issued proposed final orders regarding claimant requested contested case hearings. This involves reviewing and analyzing proposed and final orders issued by administrative law judges and determining, in some cases, whether the agency should rewrite the order.

Attorney at Law: Disability Law Offices; 2006 - 2008; All aspects of a vigorous and voluminous Social Security Disability law practice, from initial consultations through federal court appeals.

Education

Lewis & Clark Law School: J.D. | Law; 2001 - 2003; City of Portland Attorney’s Office, Legal Clerk, June – December 2003. Natural Resources Law Institute, Research Assistant, June 2002 – May 2003. Indian Summer, Legal Intern, June 2002 – August 2002.; Honors: First Year Appellate Advocacy Moot Court: Best Brief. Client Counseling Moot Court Competition Regional 2003 team member. Moot Court Honor Board, 2003 - 2004.; Activities: Student member of the Federal Bar Association. Student member of the Multnomah Bar Association. Journal of Small and Emerging Business Law, Editorial Board, Internet Editor, 2003 - 2004, Research Editor, 2002 – 2003; American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Non-Profit Law and Aviation & Space Law Committees, Student Vice-Chair, 2003 – 2004; Treasurer/Member - Native American Law Student Association and Student Advocates for Environmental Responsibility, 2003 - 2004; Faculty Meetings, Student Bar Representative, 2002 - 2003.

Portland State University: MPA | Public Administration; 1998 - 2000

Linfield College: B.S. (1998) | Social & Behavioral Sciences; 1997 - 1998; Work & school, school & work; Honors: Graduation - lol; Activities: Attended school fulltime while working fulltime

University of California - Berkeley: Certificate in Business Administration (1996) | Business Administration; 1994 - 1996

Awards

Peer Review Rated: Martindale-Hubbell; 2018

Professional Associations

National Association of Disability Representatives: Member; 2012 - Current

American Bar Association: Member; 2008 - Current

Oregon State Bar # 041147: Member; 2004 - Current; Activities: Member - Military and Veterans Law Practice Section, 2014 - present Member - House of Delegates, 2014 - present

National Organization of Veterans Advocates: Member; 2011 - 2018

Federal Bar Association: Member; 2013 - 2015

About My Practice FAQs

Social Security Disability

Q: How long have you (Brian Scott Wayson) been practicing Social Security Disability law?: A: I have seen the results of this dysfunctional system first hand – starting with my mother in 2002, while still attending law school. Despite her multiple severe medical conditions and seven operations she repeatedly was denied Social Security Disability benefits – only being allowed benefits after a United States Senator interceded on her behalf. I officially began practicing Social Security Disability benefits law in January 2006 in Portland, Oregon. I have represented more than one thousand claimants at Social Security administrative hearings and assisted fellow attorneys in preparation for thousands of other hearings. I have drafted many Social Security Appeals Council briefs and United States District Court opening and reply briefs.

Q: What percentage of your (Brian Scott Wayson) practice is dedicated to Social Security Disability claims?: A: Literally, 96-percent of my Portland, Oregon firm's work is in the Social Security Disability benefits arena. I also serve a few Veterans attempting to get service-connected VA disability benefits compensation after their service to our nation. My firm and I are focused clearly on assisting individuals with disabilities achieve a modicum of financial and healthcare stability. I once worked in a high-volume law practice – I learned a lot, but know that a focused considerate methodology is more effective for our clients. Vulnerable individuals should not face this challenge without committed advocates by their side, that's where we come in. While the journey is challenging, successful outcomes for my clients are particularly rewarding.

Q: Do you (Brian Scott Wayson) handle the entire process, ranging from the initial application to reconsideration, ALJ hearings, Appeals Council review, and federal court litigation, or do you focus on certain phases?: A: After 20 plus years of assisting individuals with disabilities to secure Social Security disability benefits we definitely recommend that people call us before they apply for benefits. In addition to providing no charge initial consultations, ideally before one applies for Social Security disability benefits, we also represent folks at the initial application, reconsideration (paper) appeal, administrative law judge hearing, Appeals Council review (of judge's unfavorable) and United States District Court stages of the process as necessary. The process can take many steps, however we work to win approvals for Clients at the earliest stage possible, while simultaneously laying the foundation for a stronger appeal should one become necessary.

Q: How do you (Brian Scott Wayson) charge for your services, and does the fee calculation change depending on what happens in the case?: A: Our representation of Social Security claimants is on a contingency basis - we are only awarded attorneys' fees if you are awarded past-due benefits. There is no fee deducted or owed from future monthly ongoing benefits. There is no charge for the initial consultation. By law, our fee is limited to the smaller of 25% or $9200 of past due benefits (if any). For example, if past due benefits were $45,000 then our fee is limited to $9.2K and the other $35,800 goes to you. If for some reason your back pay was zero then our fee also is zero. Social Security looks at any potential fee both ways and only awards the attorney the amount most favorable to you. Generally, 19 out of 20 of our clients have zero expenses associated with their cases.

Q: What is your (Brian Scott Wayson) approach to questioning vocational and medical experts at hearings?: A: Cross-examination of vocational and medical witnesses during a hearing is like a jazz concert - we have to play it by ear. Why? Because if the witness gives testimony that helps your case and will result in a favorable ruling, then we are not going to ask them questions that potentially may lead to unhelpful answers putting the outcome of your case in doubt. Conversely, if the witness provides unhelpful testimony then we will press them via questions based on citations from the record and our Client's testimony. These witnesses rarely review the record thoroughly or rely on pre-formulated answers that ignore case realities. So, we will push for answers that turn the case around or at least neutralize their previous unhelpful testimony.

Q: How do you (Brian Scott Wayson) plan to gather and develop the medical evidence in a case, and how do you collaborate with doctors?: A: Navigating Social Security Disability claims requires attention to the medical evidence, as such we work closely with you to identify essential medical evidence from all your healthcare providers. SSA (the Social Security Administration) undertakes the responsibility of acquiring medical records during the initial stages. Our office works in coordination with SSA and utilizing professional perseverance we diligently follow-up on evidence gathering to minimize delays and ensure the agency timely receives a complete picture of your overall medical condition and functional capacity. If your claim progresses to a hearing, our office requests and gathers updated medical records, provider opinions and witness statements for submission to SSA.

Q: What are some of the medical conditions that have formed the basis for claims that you (Brian Scott Wayson)’ve often handled?: A: Nearly all Clients suffer from multiple medical conditions and symptoms vary in type and intensity- for example, everyone's back pain is different. For Social Security disability benefits claim analysis the impact of one's conditions - the impairment they cause - are the determining factor. We work with folks who have combinations of: Fibromyalgia, Traumatic Brain Injury, Vision problems, Spinal issues, Arthritis, Postural Orthopedic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), ADD / ADHD, Long COVID, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Alzheimer’s, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Anxiety, Migraines, Depression, Autism Spectrum diagnoses, Seizures, Autoimmune disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), and many more.

View More Social Security Disability FAQs ›

Publications

Articles & Publications

Social Security's 5-Step Sequential Analysis for Disability Determinations: Legal Guides; 2011

Unemployment and Social Security Disability Benefits Simultaneously: Legal Guides; 2011

What Are Your Chances When You Apply for Social Security Disability: Legal Guides; 2011

Speaking Engagements

Social Security Disability Law, ACCESO LEGAL - SiriusXM Radio: 2012

The ABCs of Social Security Disability Law, Continuing Education course: 2012

Ethical Considerations in Social Security Disability Representation, Circuit 9 Conference: 2012

Certifications

Accredited Attorney: Department of Veterans Affairs; 2011

Accredited Attorney: Social Security Administration; 2006

Websites & Blogs

Website: The Cascadia Disability Law LLC website

Website: Cascadia Disability Law Information

Blog: Oregon Social Security Disability Lawyer – Questions & Answers

Videos

Social Media

Contact & Map

Cascadia Disability Law LLC

Portland

4915 North Interstate Ave

Main Floor

Portland, OR 97217
US

Toll-Free: (800) 891-0867

Telephone: (503) 891-8376

Fax: (888) 988-0014

Monday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Friday:	8:30 AM - 1 PM
Saturday:	Closed
Sunday:	Closed

Notice: We are happy to meet with you via telephone, video or inperson - by appointment

Cascadia DIsability Law LLC

Portland

PO Box 12028

Portland, OR 97212
US

Toll-Free: (800) 891-0867

Telephone: (503) 891-8376

Fax: (888) 988-0014

Monday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Friday:	8:30 AM - 1 PM
Saturday:	Closed
Sunday:	Closed

Notice: Please send mail to this office address

Waysonlaw LLC

portland

po box 12028

Portland, OR 97212
US

Toll-Free: (800) 891-0867

Telephone: (503) 891-8376

Fax: (888) 988-0014

Monday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday:	8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Friday:	8:30 AM - 1 PM
Saturday:	Closed
Sunday:	Closed

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