Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 6 ALJs in Fresno shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 36% to 72% with a median of 63%. Because outcomes vary across the panel, your preparation must focus on creating a file that is strong enough to stand on its own regardless of the specific judge presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duane D. Young | 72% | 1,235 | |
| 2 | Nancy M. Stewart | 68% | 3,590 | |
| 3 | Shiva Bozarth | 63% | 3,669 | |
| 4 | Timothy S. Snelling | 57% | 1,999 | |
| 5 | Scot Septer | 56% | 3,504 | |
| 6 | Sharon L. Madsen | 36% | 1,343 |
Former & transferred judges
SSA rosters change as judges retire, transfer, or move to national assignments. These judges previously decided Social Security disability cases from this location but are not on the current roster. Their full public decision records are on their profiles.
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 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 medical records are complete and current. Your hearing will likely involve an ALJ reviewing your file and a vocational expert testifying regarding your ability to perform specific jobs. You should bring an updated list of all medications, including side effects that impact your daily function, and a log of your daily activities. Evidence must be submitted before the hearing date. The ALJ will preside over the session, and you and your attorney have the opportunity to question the vocational expert. A decision will typically arrive by mail after the proceedings conclude.
A 10-month wait between your request and your hearing is time you can spend preparing. You can use this period to bridge the gap between your medical history and the specific requirements of the Social Security Administration. By anticipating the vocational expert's testimony and testing your evidence, you can enter the hearing with a clear strategy.
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. 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 extra time to ensure your medical evidence is comprehensive. An attorney can help you use this time to strengthen your claim.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 6 ALJs at this office. Because allowance rates across the panel range from 36% to 72%, your attorney can help you build a case that meets the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made randomly to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about your assigned judge, an attorney can help you understand how to best address those specific circumstances.
While not required, having an attorney is a significant advantage. An attorney can help you cross-examine the vocational expert and organize your medical records to improve your chances of a successful outcome.