With an allowance-rate spread across the panel ranging from 34% to 83%, which judge you draw in Washington significantly impacts your outcome. While the 61% allowance rate is typical, the variation among the 11 judges means your file must be prepared for any presiding judge. Use the 8-month wait to ensure your medical evidence is comprehensive. An attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing date.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Washington involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing your testimony. Because the panel features a wide spread in approval rates, your preparation must focus on creating a record that is clear to any judge. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are critical for proving your ongoing limitations. You should also prepare a detailed log of your daily activities and side effects from medications. A vocational expert will often testify about the types of jobs available for someone with your specific restrictions, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
The Judges at This Office
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, as the 11 judges here maintain allowance rates that span from 34% to 83%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence differently. This variation makes it essential to prepare for the most rigorous standards rather than relying on the office-wide average.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants spend their 8-month wait simply hoping for a favorable outcome, but an experienced representative uses that time to pressure-test your medical evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony. This preparation ensures your evidence is ready for the hearing.
About This Hearing Office
With 2,889 dispositions in the latest reporting period, this office is a high-volume hub. Keep these location and contact details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Washington, DC
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S. A. Bryant | 82% | 78% | 5,673 | |
| 2 | Janice Ulan | 72% | 61% | 6,196 | |
| 3 | Jennifer M. Long | 62% | 53% | 2,467 | |
| 4 | Scott A. Bryant | 59% | 50% | 14,121 | |
| 5 | NaKeisha Blount | 58% | 62% | 18,575 | |
| 6 | Malik Cutlar | 57% | 47% | 19,498 | |
| 7 | Dierdra Howard | 55% | 47% | 8,920 | |
| 8 | Eugene Bond | 54% | 46% | 5,297 | |
| 9 | Susan Maley | 53% | 45% | 8,453 | |
| 10 | F. H. Ayer | 52% | 59% | 23,075 | |
| 11 | Andrew M. Emerson | 51% | 46% | 22,944 | |
| 12 | Raghav Kotval | 50% | 36% | 26,628 | |
| 13 | Bonnie Hannan | 44% | 37% | 4,451 | |
| 14 | David J. Begley | 42% | 45% | 26,339 | |
| 15 | Michael A. Krasnow | 33% | 30% | 22,707 |
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.