With an allowance rate of 59%, the Fort Smith office aligns with national trends, meaning your outcome depends on the quality of your evidence. Because the panel shows a moderate spread in approval rates, your preparation must be robust enough to satisfy any judge. Use the 8-month wait to organize your medical records and build a case that clearly defines your functional limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your case to ensure your evidence is ready for the hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your hearing will involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. Because this office has a moderate spread in judge allowance rates, your file must be complete before the evidence-submission deadline. Bring an updated list of medications, a log of your daily activities, and any new medical records generated since your initial denial. A vocational expert will typically testify about whether jobs exist that you can perform given your specific health constraints. You have the right to question this expert to clarify how your limitations prevent you from working. A final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 6 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 54% to 76%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides over your session.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 59% allowance rate, many claimants in Fort Smith succeed, but cases often fail when they lack a clear link between medical evidence and work capacity. Using the 8-month wait to ensure your file is complete and that your testimony anticipates the questions a vocational expert will ask is the most effective way to improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles 1,448 dispositions annually; keep these location and contact details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Fort Smith, AR
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ronald L. Burton | 81% | 69% | 5,785 | |
| 2 | Harold D. Davis | 66% | 76% | 28,832 | |
| 3 | Glenn A. Neel | 63% | 58% | 24,103 | |
| 4 | Bill Jones | 55% | 53% | 31,099 | |
| 5 | Camille Monahan | 54% | 44% | 3,812 | |
| 6 | Elisabeth McGee | 53% | 45% | 25,396 | |
| 7 | Edward M. Starr | 49% | 42% | 24,970 | |
| 8 | Clifford Shilling | 46% | 39% | 12,313 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.