Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, with a median of 63%. Because individual judges weigh evidence differently, outcomes can vary depending on which judge is assigned to your case. This variation is a standard part of the random assignment process and underscores why your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the judge presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duane D. Young | 72% | 1,033 | |
| 2 | Nancy M. Stewart | 68% | 3,072 | |
| 3 | Shiva Bozarth | 63% | 2,995 | |
| 4 | Timothy S. Snelling | 57% | 1,747 | |
| 5 | Scot Septer | 56% | 2,944 | |
| 6 | Sharon L. Madsen | 36% | 1,139 |
How long you'll wait
At Fresno, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 10 months— versus a national average of 8.2 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Going to your hearing
With a 10-month wait, you have a runway to ensure your file is complete before your hearing date. Your primary goal is to provide updated medical records that reflect your current condition, as the Social Security Administration requires evidence that supports your ongoing disability. During your hearing, an Administrative Law Judge will lead the proceedings, often calling a Vocational Expert to testify about available work. You should be prepared to discuss your daily activities and how your symptoms prevent you from performing past work. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, ensure all documentation is filed well in advance. A final decision typically arrives by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span 36 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. An attorney who understands the Fresno panel can help you anticipate the specific questions a vocational expert might ask regarding your residual functional capacity. By pressure-testing your file before the hearing, you ensure that your evidence is ready for the judge's review.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Fresno, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. SSA's published service areas route these offices' appeals here. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait for a hearing at this office is 10 months. This is longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with extra time to gather comprehensive medical evidence. An attorney can help you organize this evidence while you wait.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common to this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made randomly to ensure impartiality. The best way to manage this uncertainty is to ensure your medical record is as strong as possible before the hearing, and an attorney can help you achieve this.
While not required, represented claimants are often better positioned to navigate the hearing process. An attorney can help organize your medical history and prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony.
