Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, ranging from 37% to 68%. Because cases are assigned randomly, which judge you draw can influence the outcome of your appeal. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William K. Mueller | 68% | 2,914 | |
| 2 | Mark B. Greenberg | 63% | 1,590 | |
| 3 | Eric V. Benham | 62% | 2,530 | |
| 4 | Howard K. Treblin | 62% | 3,299 | |
| 5 | Peter J. Valentino | 62% | 1,044 | |
| 6 | Michael B. Richardson | 58% | 3,409 | |
| 7 | Robert Iafe | 58% | 2,411 | |
| 8 | Jay E. Levine | 54% | 2,104 | |
| 9 | Keith Dietterle | 53% | 1,324 | |
| 10 | James S. Carletti | 53% | 354 | |
| 11 | Kevin W. Messer | 49% | 2,868 | |
| 12 | Donald P. Cole | 48% | 1,307 | |
| 13 | Robin L. Henrie | 46% | 705 | |
| 14 | Andrew Verne | 38% | 3,595 | |
| 15 | James Delphey | 37% | 2,299 |
How long you'll wait
At San Diego, 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 about 45 to 60 minutes, presided over by an ALJ. During this time, a vocational expert will often testify regarding jobs that might fit your limitations, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Because this office maintains a steady 9-month wait, you have a clear runway to update your medical records and secure statements from family or coworkers. Ensure all new evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. Bring your identification and a current list of medications, including notes on side effects. The 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 medical evidence against the specific requirements of the SSDI program. When a panel's approval rates span over 30 points, your file needs to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. A professional review ensures your case is ready for the vocational expert's scrutiny.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at San Diego, 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. This duration has remained steady over the last year, providing a predictable timeline to prepare your case. An attorney can help you manage this wait time effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates across the panel vary from 37% to 68%, having a well-documented file is essential regardless of which judge is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. An attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the panel and how to best present your evidence to any judge.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is the most critical point in your claim. Representation can help you navigate the complexities of the vocational expert's testimony and ensure your medical evidence is properly presented. An attorney can help you build a stronger case.
