At 66%, the Norwalk hearing office maintains an allowance rate higher than the national average, suggesting a favorable environment for well-documented claims. While the 8-month wait time is steady and mirrors national trends, your outcome depends heavily on the medical evidence you present. An attorney can help you organize your records to ensure your file meets the specific criteria an ALJ looks for during testimony.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8-month wait, you have a window to strengthen your file before you sit before an ALJ. Your hearing will involve a vocational expert who will testify about your ability to perform work in the national economy. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and daily-activity logs well before the deadline, as last-minute evidence is often restricted. Bring your identification and be prepared to answer questions about your physical or mental limitations. Because the judges at this office are consistent, your success relies on a clear, evidence-based narrative that directly addresses the vocational expert's testimony. A final decision typically arrives by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office is consistent, with allowance rates for the 5 active judges clustering between 57% and 74%. Because the judges here operate within a narrow 17-point band, you can expect a predictable standard of review regardless of which judge is assigned to your case. While random assignment applies, the tight panel shape means your case quality remains the primary driver of your outcome.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Even at an office with a 66% allowance rate, cases often fail because the claimant cannot effectively counter the vocational expert's testimony. When you have months to prepare, you can build a record that anticipates these specific questions before you enter the hearing room. Preparing your evidence early is the most effective way to address the vocational requirements of your claim.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day, including the office location on Imperial Highway and the standard operating hours.
Most Favorable Judges
Norwalk, CA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cynthia A. Minter | 78% | 0% | 13,880 | |
| 2 | Margaret E. Luke | 72% | 61% | 2,464 | |
| 3 | Tom Duann | 67% | 69% | 31,018 | |
| 4 | James P. Nguyen | 58% | 68% | 24,957 | |
| 5 | Paul Coulter | 57% | 48% | 27,111 | |
| 6 | Dean Yanohira | 53% | 45% | 1,364 | |
| 7 | James Carberry | 50% | 56% | 27,883 |
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.