Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a tight approval-rate spread, with most outcomes clustering around a 60% median. Because the judges here demonstrate consistency, your case outcome is less likely to swing based on random assignment. However, each judge weighs evidence differently, and this data is a record of past decisions rather than a guarantee of how your specific hearing will unfold.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Troy Silva | 64% | 3,093 | |
| 2 | Mason D. Harrell Jr. | 62% | 3,029 | |
| 3 | Kathleen Fischer | 60% | 2,646 | |
| 4 | Joel Tracy | 54% | 3,436 | |
| 5 | Daniel Benjamin | 52% | 1,694 |
How long you'll wait
At San Bernardino, 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 will likely last 45 to 60 minutes, during which an Administrative Law Judge will review your claim and hear testimony. Because the wait time in San Bernardino has been trending upward to 9 months, you have an extended runway to gather updated medical records, medication lists, and daily-activity logs that reflect your current condition. A Vocational Expert will often testify regarding whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
With a 9-month wait between filing and your hearing, you have time to pressure-test your file against the specific standards the local panel expects. Even at offices with a 61% approval rate, cases that fail often share one trait: a record that did not fully anticipate the Vocational Expert's questions. A professional review of your medical evidence can identify gaps before you walk into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at San Bernardino, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, so it is important to keep your medical records updated throughout the process. An attorney can help you manage your case timeline.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly, so you will not know which judge will hear your case until your notice of hearing arrives. Because the panel here is tight, the consistency of the judges is generally higher than in offices with wider approval-rate spreads. An attorney can help you understand the typical expectations of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, but if you have a valid legal reason to believe a judge is biased, you may be able to file a formal objection. An attorney can help you evaluate if such a step is appropriate for your situation.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are often more successful in the hearing process. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing, question the Vocational Expert, and ensure your medical evidence is presented effectively.
