I don't know how long you have been waiting but all I can do is tell you what I did. Don't sit and wait for a lawyer to make things happen. Call the adjudication and appeals office your self and pester the hell out of them. I did this after I sent in the letter of dire need along with cut off notices on the light bill and phone bills.
This may not work for you but it did for me. You need to remember that the longer your case is dragged out, the more money the lawyer makes. I got to the point that I was calling them at least once or twice a week and finally the lady handling my case hand delivered my file to the attorney that approved it.