Who decides cases at this office
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, with allowance rates ranging from 29% to 80%. Because cases are assigned randomly, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which ALJ presides over your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Murdock | 80% | 1,068 | |
| 2 | Collin Delaney | 65% | 397 | |
| 3 | Elizabeth Ebner | 60% | 3,173 | |
| 4 | Larry Banks | 59% | 873 | |
| 5 | Rosanne M. Dummer | 56% | 3,869 | |
| 6 | JuanCarlos Hunt | 54% | 1,841 | |
| 7 | Susan G. Smith | 49% | 3,627 | |
| 8 | B. Hannan | 48% | 3,328 | |
| 9 | Thomas Auble | 47% | 2,367 | |
| 10 | Gregory M. Hamel | 47% | 1,855 | |
| 11 | Paul Greenberg | 46% | 1,509 | |
| 12 | John R. Allen | 43% | 1,038 | |
| 13 | Julia D. Gibbs | 38% | 737 | |
| 14 | Francine L. Applewhite | 29% | 1,147 |
Former & transferred judges
SSA rosters change as judges retire, transfer, or move to national assignments. These judges previously decided Social Security disability cases from this location but are not on the current roster. Their full public decision records are on their profiles.
How long you'll wait
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 will evaluate your claim. Because the wait time at Falls Church has reached 10 months, you have time to ensure your medical records are complete. Focus on gathering a detailed daily-activity log and statements from family members that illustrate your limitations. A Vocational Expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all documentation is filed well before your hearing date.
When a panel's allowance rates span 51 points, your file must be documented so thoroughly that it addresses the criteria for SSDI eligibility. The months of waiting are an opportunity to ensure your medical history is complete. Building a case that anticipates the questions a judge will ask is a standard part of preparing for your day in court.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Falls Church, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. 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 current wait time at this office is 10 months. This is a rising trend, so use this time to work with an attorney to strengthen your medical evidence.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 14 judges on the panel. Because allowance rates vary widely among these judges, your preparation should focus on creating a comprehensive record that is ready for any ALJ. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this office.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you have a valid legal reason for a conflict of interest, you may discuss your options with a qualified attorney.
While not required, the wide variation in judge allowance rates makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and ensure your evidence is properly presented.