Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 7 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, with outcomes ranging from 38% to 70%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven D. Slahta | 70% | 3,529 | |
| 2 | Charles J. Arnold | 69% | 2,548 | |
| 3 | Maria C. Northington | 69% | 4,268 | |
| 4 | Ryan Johannes | 66% | 4,242 | |
| 5 | Mario G. Silva | 63% | 2,697 | |
| 6 | Raymond Rodgers | 53% | 5,051 | |
| 7 | Larry J. Butler | 38% | 99 |
How long you'll wait
At Fort Myers, 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 a formal proceeding where an ALJ will review the evidence you submitted after your initial denial. With an 8-month wait, you have time to ensure your medical records are complete and current. Focus on gathering updated treatment notes, a detailed log of your daily activities, and statements from those who witness your limitations. During the hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that align with your physical or mental restrictions. You can question this expert to clarify how your specific impairments prevent you from sustaining full-time work. A decision will be mailed to you after the hearing concludes.
With a 66% approval rate, Fort Myers is a favorable environment for well-documented claims, but the recent rise in wait times means there is no room for error when your date arrives. A thorough review of your file can identify gaps that might otherwise lead to a denial, ensuring your evidence is ready for the vocational expert.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Fort Myers, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months. This is slightly below the national average of 8.2 months and provides you with a predictable timeline to finalize your evidence. An attorney can help you manage this timeline effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the standards of the entire panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe a judge has a conflict of interest, an attorney can help you file a formal request for reassignment.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the moderate judge variation at this office and ensure your evidence is ready for the vocational expert.
