San Jose's 58% allowance rate is typical for a hearing office, meaning your outcome depends on the quality of your evidence. With a steady 8.5-month wait, you have a predictable window to organize your medical records and prepare for testimony. An attorney can help you build a file that meets the specific evidentiary standards required by the judges at this office.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your hearing at the Robert F. Peckham Federal Building will likely center on your medical history and your ability to perform work. Because the judges here see a high volume of cases, your most important task is submitting updated medical records that reflect your condition since your initial denial. You should also prepare a detailed log of your daily activities and any side effects from your medications. A vocational expert will often testify to determine if jobs exist that fit your physical or mental limitations, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Once the hearing concludes, the judge will review the evidence and mail a decision to your home.
The Judges at This Office
The four judges at this office form a tight panel, with allowance rates clustering between 52% and 62%. Because the judges here maintain a consistent approach to evaluating claims, you are less likely to face extreme swings in outcome based on random assignment. While this consistency is helpful, each judge still weighs evidence differently, and your case must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With an 8.5-month wait between filing and your hearing, you have time to identify gaps in your medical record and prepare for the specific questions a vocational expert will ask. By the time you sit down with the judge, your file should be a complete picture of your limitations rather than a collection of documents. Proactive preparation ensures your evidence is ready for the hearing.
About This Hearing Office
The following details cover the office hours and location for your upcoming hearing at the San Jose office.
Most Favorable Judges
San Jose, CA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phillip C. Lyman | 78% | 66% | 15,746 | |
| 2 | Regina L. Sleater | 72% | 61% | 11,083 | |
| 3 | Frederick Michaud | 70% | 60% | 1,296 | |
| 4 | Tova Wolking | 64% | 47% | 4,524 | |
| 5 | Thomas J. Gaye | 63% | 54% | 8,605 | |
| 6 | Davis Yee | 62% | 55% | 3,226 | |
| 7 | T. Patrick Hannon | 61% | 52% | 14,519 | |
| 8 | Roxanne J. Kelsey | 55% | 44% | 18,750 | |
| 9 | Brenton L. Rogozen | 51% | 43% | 12,628 | |
| 10 | Corinne T. McLaughlin | 48% | 45% | 18,429 |
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.