Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Approval rates across this office's panel show a moderate spread, with individual judge rates ranging from 28% to 65%. This variation means that while the office average is 46%, the specific judge assigned to your case will weigh evidence differently. Because cases are assigned randomly, your preparation must focus on creating a robust, objective file that stands up to scrutiny regardless of which judge presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert M. Erickson | 65% | 2,488 | |
| 2 | John Heyer | 61% | 866 | |
| 3 | Susanne Lewald | 60% | 301 | |
| 4 | Katherine Loo | 59% | 2,173 | |
| 5 | Gloria Pellegrino | 56% | 2,614 | |
| 6 | Matt Midles | 55% | 1,053 | |
| 7 | Mary P. Parnow | 53% | 3,677 | |
| 8 | Matilda Surh | 40% | 3,263 | |
| 9 | Judson Scott | 39% | 109 | |
| 10 | Melinda Yurich | 28% | 898 |
How long you'll wait
At San Francisco, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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 involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. You should bring your identification and any updated medical records that were not included in your initial application. A detailed log of your daily activities and a list of medication side effects are essential for explaining your functional limitations. A vocational expert will often testify regarding available work, and you may question them on how your specific impairments prevent employment. Because evidence submission deadlines are strict, ensure all documentation is filed well before your hearing date. A decision will typically arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
With a moderate approval spread across the panel, the difference between an approval and a denial often comes down to how well your file anticipates the vocational expert's testimony. A focused review of your file is the most effective way to prepare for your day in court.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at San Francisco, 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 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing a steady timeline for your case preparation. An attorney can help you manage your timeline and ensure your evidence is ready.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is San Francisco. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common to this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. Since the panel shows a moderate approval spread, your best strategy is to ensure your medical records are comprehensive enough to meet the requirements of any judge on the panel. An attorney can help you build a case that addresses these requirements.
While you are not required to have an attorney, representation is highly recommended at the hearing stage. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare you for the questions you will face under oath.
