Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates ranging from 31% to 90%. Because the judges whose most recent office on record is this one weigh evidence differently, which judge you draw can impact your case strategy. This variation is a standard part of the random assignment process and does not reflect on the fairness of your specific hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul L. Johnston | 90% | 2,949 | |
| 2 | Daniel A. Piloseno Jr. | 84% | 2,853 | |
| 3 | Carl C. McGhee | 66% | 3,680 | |
| 4 | Melissa J. McIntosh | 65% | 2,680 | |
| 5 | Margaret Craig | 61% | 3,194 | |
| 6 | Robert Ballieu | 61% | 2,718 | |
| 7 | Shirley A. Marzan | 61% | 3,134 | |
| 8 | Rhonda S. Greenberg | 58% | 422 | |
| 9 | Michael A. Rodriguez | 57% | 606 | |
| 10 | Barbara J. Zanotti | 57% | 3,434 | |
| 11 | Ryan Kirzner | 52% | 3,254 | |
| 12 | John Dawkins | 49% | 3,724 | |
| 13 | Gonzalo Vallecillo | 45% | 2,574 | |
| 14 | Wallace E. Weakley | 44% | 760 | |
| 15 | Glen H. Watkins | 34% | 4,120 | |
| 16 | Amber Downs | 31% | 3,076 |
How long you'll wait
At Tampa, 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
With an 8-month wait that has been trending upward, you have a critical window to organize your medical records. The most important step is submitting updated evidence of your condition since your initial denial, as the ALJ will focus on your current functional limitations. Your hearing will likely last about 45 to 60 minutes, where a vocational expert will testify regarding jobs that might fit your profile. You have the right to question this expert to clarify why your specific limitations prevent sustained work. Ensure your medication list and daily-activity logs are current, as these details often bridge the gap between a denied claim and an approval. Decisions are rarely made on the spot, so expect to receive your notice by mail weeks after the hearing.
When a panel's approval rates span 59 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who knows the Tampa panel can pressure-test your evidence against the specific standards of the judge assigned to your case. This level of preparation is the most effective way to ensure your medical reality is clearly presented under oath.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Tampa, 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 for a hearing at this office is 8 months. While this is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, the wait has been trending upward recently. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, it is important to have your file fully prepared regardless of which judge is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe a judge has a conflict of interest, you can file a formal objection. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate if such a motion is appropriate for your case.
While not required, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be approved. An attorney can help you navigate the wide variation in judge approval rates and ensure your medical evidence is ready for the vocational expert's testimony.
