The wait for a hearing at Falls Church has trended upward to 10 months, leaving you more time to build a robust case. With a 51% allowance rate, your success depends heavily on the quality of your medical record. Because the panel features a wide spread in judge outcomes, you should use this period to ensure your evidence is ready for the specific ALJ assigned to your case. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to meet the standards of this office.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your specific judge.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 10-month wait, you have a significant runway to strengthen your file before you face an ALJ. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are the most persuasive documents you can submit. You will likely spend time in the hearing room where a vocational expert will testify about whether jobs exist that accommodate your specific physical or mental limitations. Ensure your medication list, daily activity logs, and any witness statements are submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute evidence is often restricted. A clear, well-documented file is your best defense against the uncertainty of the hearing process.
The Judges at This Office
The 12 judges at this office show a wide spread in their allowance rates, which range from 29% to 88% among those with significant caseloads. This variation means that which judge you draw can meaningfully impact your outcome. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential to prepare a file that addresses the evidentiary standards of the entire panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span nearly 60 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants wait months without taking action, but an experienced attorney uses this time to pressure-test your medical evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony. This preparation helps ensure your case is ready for the hearing room.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for the day of your hearing at the Falls Church office.
Most Favorable Judges
Washington, DC
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Murdock | 82% | 70% | 6,970 | |
| 2 | William M. Manico | 69% | 66% | 26,317 | |
| 3 | Collin Delaney | 66% | 56% | 2,533 | |
| 4 | Elizabeth Ebner | 61% | 57% | 20,393 | |
| 5 | Tanya J. Garrian | 60% | 75% | 14,578 | |
| 6 | Larry Banks | 58% | 49% | 6,798 | |
| 7 | Rosanne M. Dummer | 57% | 73% | 25,500 | |
| 8 | JuanCarlos Hunt | 53% | 45% | 11,615 | |
| 9 | Benjamin Chaykin | 50% | 44% | 26,630 | |
| 10 | Susan G. Smith | 48% | 48% | 22,843 | |
| 11 | B. Hannan | 48% | 47% | 19,816 | |
| 12 | Gregory M. Hamel | 47% | 40% | 12,412 | |
| 13 | Thomas Auble | 46% | 39% | 15,388 | |
| 14 | Paul Greenberg | 45% | 38% | 9,651 | |
| 15 | John R. Allen | 44% | 37% | 6,665 | |
| 16 | Brian Battles | 43% | 24% | 16,043 | |
| 17 | Mary F. Withum | 42% | 36% | 3,225 | |
| 18 | Theodore Kim | 42% | 31% | 23,792 | |
| 19 | Julia D. Gibbs | 41% | 35% | 4,936 | |
| 20 | Gregory Moldafsky | 36% | 25% | 15,934 | |
| 21 | Michael Carr | 32% | 22% | 16,811 | |
| 22 | Francine L. Applewhite | 28% | 24% | 7,630 |
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.