With a 68% allowance rate, this office is a favorable venue for well-documented claims. You can expect a steady 6-month wait time, giving you a predictable window to organize your medical evidence. Because the panel of judges shows a moderate spread in approval rates, your success depends on presenting a file that addresses the specific limitations an ALJ will weigh. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet these standards.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at this office move faster than the national norm, so you must submit updated medical records and evidence well before your deadline. You will typically spend time before an ALJ, where a vocational expert will testify regarding your ability to perform past or alternative work. Your preparation should center on a detailed log of your daily activities and a list of medication side effects that impact your functional capacity. Because the panel of judges here shows a moderate spread in outcomes, your file must stand on its own merits regardless of which judge is assigned.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 3 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 51% to 83%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your preparation must be robust enough to satisfy the requirements of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office come up quickly, leaving little room for error once your date is set. While the 68% allowance rate is encouraging, cases that fail often do so because the record did not adequately address the vocational expert's testimony. Focusing on the consistency of your medical records and your specific functional limitations is the most effective way to navigate the hearing process.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the Fort Myers office.
Most Favorable Judges
Ft. Myers, FL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles J. Arnold | 70% | 60% | 19,289 | |
| 2 | Maria C. Northington | 67% | 81% | 26,597 | |
| 3 | Ryan Johannes | 66% | 65% | 28,812 | |
| 4 | Raymond Rodgers | 54% | 48% | 33,364 | |
| 5 | Larry J. Butler | 40% | 34% | 996 |
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.