Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 7 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, with outcomes clustering around a 58% median. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your case must be documented thoroughly enough to stand on its own regardless of who is assigned. Judges are assigned randomly, so your preparation should focus on the objective medical facts that support your claim.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cynthia A. Minter | 78% | 2,208 | |
| 2 | Margaret E. Luke | 72% | 337 | |
| 3 | Tom Duann | 67% | 5,217 | |
| 4 | James P. Nguyen | 58% | 4,733 | |
| 5 | Paul Coulter | 57% | 4,389 | |
| 6 | Dean Yanohira | 53% | 158 | |
| 7 | James Carberry | 50% | 4,670 |
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 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 9-month wait, you have a clear runway to ensure your file is complete before you face an ALJ. Your hearing will likely involve answering questions about your daily limitations and work history. A Vocational Expert will often testify regarding what jobs might exist for someone with your specific health profile. You must submit all updated medical records well before the hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. Bring your current medication list, including side effects, and a log of your daily activities to help the judge understand your reality. The final decision will arrive by mail after your appearance.
When an office has a 67% allowance rate, the cases that fail often do so because you did not anticipate the specific questions a vocational expert would ask about your residual functional capacity. You can use the 9-month wait to identify gaps in your medical record and ensure your testimony aligns with the evidence. A well-prepared file is the most effective way to navigate the variation across the panel and secure a favorable decision.
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. 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. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with additional time to gather necessary medical evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to strengthen your claim.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly at the Norwalk office. Because there is a moderate spread in allowance rates among the 7 judges, it is essential to have a robust, evidence-backed file regardless of which judge is assigned to you. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe a judge has a conflict of interest, you or your attorney can raise that concern through formal channels. An attorney can help you evaluate if such a request is appropriate for your case.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the vocational expert's testimony and ensure your medical evidence is presented in a way that meets the SSA's strict requirements.