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 outcomes ranging from 50% to 78%. Because judges weigh evidence differently, the specific ALJ assigned to your case can influence your outcome. These figures reflect a record of 18,041 decisions since 2016, indicating that your case must be prepared to meet the standards of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cynthia A. Minter | 78% | 1,863 | |
| 2 | Margaret E. Luke | 72% | 267 | |
| 3 | Tom Duann | 67% | 4,331 | |
| 4 | James P. Nguyen | 58% | 3,919 | |
| 5 | Paul Coulter | 57% | 3,639 | |
| 6 | Dean Yanohira | 53% | 122 | |
| 7 | James Carberry | 50% | 3,900 |
How long you'll wait
At Norwalk, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will review your claim. Since the wait time in Norwalk is 9 months, use this period to gather updated medical records, a detailed medication list with side effects, and a daily-activity log. Evidence must be submitted well before the hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. A vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work, and you will have the opportunity to question them. You will receive the judge's decision by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 30 points, your file must be strong enough to withstand scrutiny regardless of which judge is assigned. Even at offices like Norwalk where the approval rate is high, cases often fail due to missing medical documentation or a failure to address the vocational expert's testimony. Focusing on the consistency of your medical evidence remains the most effective way to navigate the hearing process.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Norwalk, 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 9 months, which is slightly higher than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you manage your case timeline effectively.
ALJ assignments are made randomly. Because the panel shows a moderate spread in approval rates, it is important to have a well-documented file that addresses your specific limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. Since outcomes vary across the panel, your best strategy is to ensure your medical evidence is comprehensive and up to date. An attorney can help you build a robust case regardless of the judge assigned.
While not required, represented claimants are often more successful. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
