Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary significantly across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 29% to 85%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This wide spread means your preparation must be robust enough to address the concerns of any judge on the bench.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S. A. Bryant | 85% | 1,082 | |
| 2 | John Murdock | 80% | 833 | |
| 3 | Mary Forrest-Doyle | 80% | 3,734 | |
| 4 | Collin Delaney | 65% | 298 | |
| 5 | Jennifer M. Long | 63% | 353 | |
| 6 | Hortensia Haaversen | 62% | 4,859 | |
| 7 | NaKeisha Blount | 61% | 2,837 | |
| 8 | Elizabeth Ebner | 60% | 2,588 | |
| 9 | Larry Banks | 59% | 661 | |
| 10 | Scott A. Bryant | 59% | 1,855 | |
| 11 | Malik Cutlar | 57% | 2,697 | |
| 12 | Rosanne M. Dummer | 56% | 2,986 | |
| 13 | Dierdra Howard | 56% | 1,061 | |
| 14 | Eugene Bond | 54% | 530 | |
| 15 | JuanCarlos Hunt | 54% | 1,509 | |
| 16 | Susan Maley | 53% | 1,011 | |
| 17 | F. H. Ayer | 53% | 3,242 | |
| 18 | Andrew M. Emerson | 51% | 2,939 | |
| 19 | Benjamin Chaykin | 51% | 3,711 | |
| 20 | Raghav Kotval | 50% | 3,333 | |
| 21 | Susan G. Smith | 49% | 2,971 | |
| 22 | B. Hannan | 48% | 2,650 | |
| 23 | Thomas Auble | 47% | 1,859 | |
| 24 | Gregory M. Hamel | 47% | 1,561 | |
| 25 | Bonnie Hannan | 47% | 1,011 | |
| 26 | Paul Greenberg | 46% | 1,188 | |
| 27 | John R. Allen | 43% | 790 | |
| 28 | David J. Begley | 42% | 3,393 | |
| 29 | Theodore Kim | 41% | 3,461 | |
| 30 | Julia D. Gibbs | 38% | 595 | |
| 31 | Gregory Moldafsky | 37% | 2,419 | |
| 32 | Michael A. Krasnow | 33% | 3,111 | |
| 33 | Francine L. Applewhite | 29% | 796 |
How long you'll wait
At Washington, 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 the initial DDS review. With an 8-month wait, you have a clear window to update your medical records, document side effects of your medications, and gather statements from those who witness your daily limitations. A vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform specific jobs. Because the panel of judges here shows a wide variation in approval rates, your file must be comprehensive enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the nuances of the Washington, DC panel can pressure-test your evidence against the specific questions a vocational expert is likely to ask. Use the 8-month wait to build a record that anticipates these challenges rather than waiting to see which judge you draw.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Washington, 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 to reach a hearing at this office is 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing a steady timeline for your appeal. An attorney can help you ensure your case is ready for this timeline.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly, and you cannot request a specific judge. Because the approval rates among the 33 judges associated with this office vary from 29% to 85%, thorough preparation is the best way to ensure your case is ready for any member of the panel. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
No, you cannot choose your judge. If you believe there is a conflict of interest, you must raise it through formal legal channels, which is a process best navigated with the help of an experienced attorney.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony.
