Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record since 2016 ranging from 35% to 82%. Because of this wide spread, the specific judge assigned to your case matters. These judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs medical evidence differently, so your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aubri G. Masterson | 82% | 3,572 | |
| 2 | Henry Koltys | 57% | 3,061 | |
| 3 | Dale A. Garwal | 57% | 355 | |
| 4 | Kyle E. Andeer | 54% | 1,264 | |
| 5 | Roger E. Winkelman | 53% | 2,487 | |
| 6 | Mary L. Everstine | 49% | 1,935 | |
| 7 | Laura Fernandez | 35% | 2,489 |
How long you'll wait
At Santa Barbara, 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 is a formal proceeding where an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) reviews the evidence that led to your initial denial. With a 9-month wait, you have a critical runway to update your medical records and document how your impairments prevent you from working. Bring a current list of medications, records of side effects, and a daily-activity log to the hearing. A Vocational Expert will likely testify about the availability of jobs that fit your physical or mental limits, and you will have the opportunity to question them. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, and you will receive a written decision by mail weeks later.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. An attorney who understands the local panel can pressure-test your evidence against the specific standards these judges apply. This is your best opportunity to present the full picture of your disability before a final decision is made.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Santa Barbara, 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 wait time has been trending downward over the last year, providing a window to ensure your medical evidence is complete. An attorney can help you organize your records during this time.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly. Because the approval rates at this office vary widely, it is important to prepare your case based on the most rigorous standards of evidence. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific approach of the panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. If you are concerned about the impartiality of a judge, you must follow specific legal procedures to request a recusal, which is rarely granted. An attorney can help you evaluate your options if you have concerns about your assigned judge.
While not required, represented claimants are often better positioned to navigate the hearing process. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
