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 27% to 74%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can meaningfully impact your hearing experience. Because judges weigh evidence differently, your case must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of the specific ALJ assigned to your file.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian W. Lemoine | 74% | 3,485 | |
| 2 | Bruce H. Zwecker | 59% | 184 | |
| 3 | John Noel | 55% | 3,988 | |
| 4 | Ryan A. Alger | 55% | 3,310 | |
| 5 | Louis Bonsangue | 52% | 4,001 | |
| 6 | Edward F. Sweeney | 50% | 3,635 | |
| 7 | Alexander P. Borre | 45% | 3,882 | |
| 8 | Michael McKenna | 33% | 1,716 | |
| 9 | John Aletta | 27% | 2,187 |
How long you'll wait
At Hartford, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7.5 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
With a 7.5-month wait, you have a clear runway to ensure your medical file is complete before your hearing. Your most critical task is submitting updated medical records and a detailed log of your daily limitations that reflect your current health status. During the hearing, which typically lasts about an hour, an Administrative Law Judge will preside while a vocational expert often testifies about jobs that might fit your restrictions. You have the right to question this expert, as their testimony is frequently the deciding factor in your claim. Ensure your medication list is current and includes notes on side effects that impact your ability to work. Because the judge will likely have reviewed your file in advance, last-minute evidence can be difficult to introduce, so prioritize early submission.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. Many claimants spend their 7.5-month wait time simply waiting for a date, but you can use this period to pressure-test your evidence against the specific standards of the Hartford panel. A well-prepared record is the most effective way to address the variation in judge outcomes.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Hartford, 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 7.5 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, giving you a predictable timeline to prepare your evidence. An attorney can help you organize your records during this time.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates across these judges vary from 27% to 74%, an attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively for any judge on the panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made randomly by the SSA. Instead of focusing on judge-shopping, focus on building a comprehensive medical record that addresses the specific criteria for your disability. An attorney can help you build this record.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help organize your medical records and prepare you for vocational expert testimony.
