You face a 41% allowance rate in Little Rock, which is lower than the national average. Because your outcome is statistically tougher than in many other regions, your preparation must be precise. With a steady 7-month wait, you have a limited window to ensure your medical evidence is ironclad. An attorney can help you build a record that meets the specific evidentiary standards required by the ALJ panel here.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Little Rock move faster than the national average, leaving you 7 months to finalize your case. You should prioritize updating your medical records to include every visit since your initial denial, as this is the most critical evidence an ALJ will review. Your hearing will typically involve a Vocational Expert testifying about your ability to perform work. You must be prepared to discuss your daily activity logs and the specific side effects of your medications. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, you should organize your documentation well before your date. A clear, well-documented file is your best tool for navigating the hearing process.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 12 judges in Little Rock shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 28% to 63%. Because there is meaningful variation across the panel, your case outcome can be influenced by which judge is assigned to your hearing. Since assignments are random, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential to prepare a case that is robust enough to succeed regardless of who presides.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span 35 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants who represent themselves struggle to anticipate the specific questions a Vocational Expert will raise regarding their work capacity. An attorney uses the 7-month wait period to pressure-test your evidence and ensure your testimony aligns with the medical record. A free case review can help you determine if your current documentation is sufficient for your upcoming hearing.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles over 4,067 dispositions annually; keep these location and contact details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Little Rock, AR
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don Curdie | 66% | 56% | 13,265 | |
| 2 | Wendell C. Fowler | 65% | 55% | 16,946 | |
| 3 | Linda Marshall | 54% | 46% | 18,974 | |
| 4 | Mark Ferguson | 52% | 48% | 30,797 | |
| 5 | John H. Goree | 48% | 62% | 28,834 | |
| 6 | Dennis Hansen | 47% | 43% | 39,917 | |
| 7 | Toni Shropshire | 47% | 40% | 15,797 | |
| 8 | Eliaser Chaparro | 46% | 43% | 28,969 | |
| 9 | Clarence D. Stripling | 44% | 37% | 8,221 | |
| 10 | David J. Manley | 43% | 37% | 4,018 | |
| 11 | Kevin T. Alexander | 38% | 29% | 28,819 | |
| 12 | Paul Wood | 37% | 29% | 22,398 | |
| 13 | Mark Schafer | 35% | 22% | 30,295 | |
| 14 | Bradley L. Davis | 33% | 21% | 26,766 | |
| 15 | Thomas Cheffins | 27% | 18% | 34,210 |
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.