With an allowance rate of 62%, the Orlando hearing office approves cases at a rate that aligns with national norms, making the quality of your medical evidence the deciding factor. While the 8-month wait has been trending upward recently, this window provides a critical opportunity to organize your records. An attorney can help you build a comprehensive file that directly addresses the limitations an ALJ will evaluate during your testimony.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Orlando center on your ability to perform work-related tasks. You should arrive with updated medical records that capture any changes in your condition since your initial denial. Beyond your medical file, prepare a detailed log of your daily activities and side effects from medications, which often serve as vital evidence. A vocational expert will likely testify regarding jobs that fit your functional limits, and you or your representative will have the opportunity to question them. Your final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 12 judges at this office shows moderate variation, with individual allowance rates ranging from 42% to 80% and a median of 66%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs medical evidence differently. This spread means your file must be robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 38-point spread between the lowest and highest-performing judges, the outcome of your hearing often hinges on how well your evidence is presented. An attorney who understands the specific expectations of the Orlando panel can help you anticipate the questions a judge is likely to ask. By pressure-testing your file before the hearing date, you ensure that your limitations are documented in a way that stands up to scrutiny.
About This Hearing Office
This office manages 3,410 dispositions annually; keep these location and contact details accessible as you prepare for your hearing date.
Most Favorable Judges
Orlando, FL
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barry C. LaBoda | 89% | 76% | 11,732 | |
| 2 | Chester G. Senf | 78% | 66% | 3,001 | |
| 3 | Pedro Tejada-Rivera | 67% | 78% | 26,520 | |
| 4 | Julio Ocampo | 64% | 62% | 18,066 | |
| 5 | Maria T. Mandry | 63% | 58% | 27,140 | |
| 6 | Janet Mahon | 63% | 49% | 28,998 | |
| 7 | Michael Calabro | 63% | 54% | 10,249 | |
| 8 | Douglas A. Walker | 61% | 43% | 30,346 | |
| 9 | Emily Kirk | 58% | 49% | 19,418 | |
| 10 | Sarah Cyrus | 58% | 49% | 11,092 | |
| 11 | Edgardo Rodriguez-Quilichini | 58% | 47% | 29,324 | |
| 12 | Pamela Houston | 57% | 57% | 31,068 | |
| 13 | Robert D. Marcinkowski | 55% | 47% | 1,990 | |
| 14 | Kevin J. Detherage | 53% | 46% | 26,719 | |
| 15 | Emily R. Statum | 53% | 40% | 26,493 |
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.