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 ranging from 23% to 82%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can have a meaningful impact on your case. Because judges weigh evidence differently, your file must be prepared to stand on its own regardless of who presides over your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanya Hill-Maxion | 82% | 2,056 | |
| 2 | Judith A. Kopec | 61% | 2,377 | |
| 3 | Danny Pittman | 57% | 494 | |
| 4 | Trevor Skarda | 57% | 3,947 | |
| 5 | Daniel G. Heely | 53% | 1,992 | |
| 6 | Eva Chan | 53% | 1,243 | |
| 7 | Jane M. Maccione | 50% | 1,975 | |
| 8 | Young L. Bechtold | 42% | 901 | |
| 9 | G. Ross Wheatley | 40% | 630 | |
| 10 | Vincent A. Misenti | 29% | 3,502 | |
| 11 | Sheila Walters | 23% | 862 |
How long you'll wait
At Stockton, 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 is your opportunity to present evidence that was missed during your initial denial. You should bring updated medical records, a current medication list noting any side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates your functional limitations. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will often testify about the types of jobs available for someone with your specific restrictions. You and your attorney have the right to question the vocational expert regarding their conclusions. Because the approval rate at this office is 44%, ensuring your file is complete before the evidence-submission deadline is critical. Decisions are not made on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail several weeks after your hearing.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 60 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Stockton panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's testimony and address the specific gaps in your medical record that led to your previous denials. Use your 8-month wait to build a case that is ready for any judge.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Stockton, 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 the Stockton office is currently 8 months, which is slightly lower than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you prepare your case while you wait.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly, so you will not know which judge is hearing your case until your notice arrives. Because approval rates vary widely across this panel, it is essential to have a well-documented file. An attorney can help you prepare for any judge.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, an attorney can help you identify if there are specific procedural issues with your case that need to be addressed before the hearing.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the 44% approval rate at this office suggests that professional representation can be a significant advantage in navigating the hearing process and presenting your evidence effectively. An attorney can help you navigate these requirements.
