With an allowance rate of 54%, the Jacksonville office aligns with national averages, meaning the strength of your medical evidence is the primary driver of your outcome. The panel of 11 judges shows a wide spread in approval rates, ranging from 32% to 74%. Because your specific judge influences your chances, building a comprehensive, airtight file is the most effective way to prepare for your day in court. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to meet these local standards.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8-month wait time that has trended upward recently, you have a window to ensure your medical file is complete. You should submit all updated medical records, including recent treatment notes and diagnostic tests, well before the hearing date. Your hearing will typically involve an ALJ and a vocational expert who will testify regarding your ability to perform work. You should arrive prepared to discuss your daily activities and any specific side effects from your medications. Because the judge makes the final determination based on the evidence presented, your testimony must be consistent with the medical records already in your file. A final decision is usually mailed to you several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The 11 judges at this office demonstrate a wide spread in their allowance rates, which vary from 32% to 74%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to meet the standards of the most stringent judge on the panel, rather than relying on an office-wide average.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 40 percentage points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney familiar with the Jacksonville panel can help you anticipate the specific vocational questions you will face and ensure your medical evidence is organized to address the requirements of your claim. A free case review can help you determine if your current evidence is sufficient for your upcoming hearing.
About This Hearing Office
This office manages over 3,000 dispositions annually; keep these location and contact details accessible as you prepare for your hearing date.
Most Favorable Judges
Jacksonville, FL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John M. Meisburg Jr. | 78% | 66% | 15,888 | |
| 2 | Yelanda Collins | 70% | 58% | 26,886 | |
| 3 | K. Barlow | 58% | 49% | 21,485 | |
| 4 | Bruce Landrum | 57% | 59% | 23,136 | |
| 5 | Joan A. Lawrence | 54% | 46% | 5,749 | |
| 6 | Stephen C. Calvarese | 51% | 43% | 20,792 | |
| 7 | Guy Koster | 51% | 54% | 18,837 | |
| 8 | Scott T. Morris | 49% | 40% | 19,598 | |
| 9 | Kelley Fitzgerald | 48% | 37% | 24,052 | |
| 10 | Teresa J. McGarry | 47% | 40% | 5,313 | |
| 11 | William H. Greer | 46% | 52% | 27,019 | |
| 12 | M. Hart | 46% | 39% | 16,050 | |
| 13 | Ken B. Terry | 45% | 50% | 22,912 | |
| 14 | Bernard Porter | 44% | 45% | 25,694 | |
| 15 | Robert Droker | 42% | 48% | 24,307 | |
| 16 | Gregory J. Froehlich | 38% | 55% | 24,314 | |
| 17 | John D. Thompson Jr. | 35% | 30% | 10,079 | |
| 18 | Richard Furcolo | 32% | 22% | 23,120 |
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.