The 49% allowance rate at Atlanta North is typical for a hearing office, meaning your outcome depends on the strength of your medical file. While the 8-month wait is consistent with the national average, it has recently trended upward. Use this time to organize your records and prepare for potential vocational expert testimony, as a well-documented file is the most effective way to navigate the panel's moderate judge-to-judge variation. An attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing date.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your hearing at the Atlanta North office involves an ALJ reviewing your claim and hearing testimony. You should arrive with updated medical records that capture any changes in your condition since your initial denial, as this is the most important evidence you can provide. A vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Be prepared to discuss your daily activities and how your symptoms impact your ability to work. Once the hearing concludes, you will receive a written decision by mail.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, which range from 29% to 66% among active judges. 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 stand on its own merits regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a panel allowance rate that spans from 29% to 66%, the judge assigned to your case can influence the hearing process. Preparing a record that addresses potential vocational hurdles early helps you move your case toward a more predictable presentation regardless of the specific judge presiding.
About This Hearing Office
With 2,005 cases processed in the latest period, this office is a high-volume site. Keep these details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Alpharetta, GA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ollie Garmon | 95% | 81% | 7,119 | |
| 2 | Larry A. Auerbach | 86% | 73% | 1,937 | |
| 3 | Richard P. McCully | 84% | 71% | 4,788 | |
| 4 | Calvin Washington | 76% | 65% | 10,267 | |
| 5 | O. Lisa Dabreu | 75% | 64% | 1,868 | |
| 6 | Verley J. Spivey | 68% | 58% | 6,387 | |
| 7 | Barry L. Williams | 67% | 57% | 3,873 | |
| 8 | James Conlon | 65% | 46% | 19,165 | |
| 9 | Laurie A. Bedell | 62% | 60% | 27,777 | |
| 10 | Steve Lamb | 61% | 52% | 5,201 | |
| 11 | John S. Lamb | 60% | 51% | 2,723 | |
| 12 | Frederick R. Waitsman | 60% | 51% | 5,851 | |
| 13 | Robin R. Palenske | 57% | 48% | 10,998 | |
| 14 | Todd S. Colarusso | 56% | 49% | 31,850 | |
| 15 | Joan E. Parks Saunders | 55% | 47% | 681 | |
| 16 | McArthur Allen | 55% | 47% | 2,738 | |
| 17 | Curtis R. Boren | 53% | 45% | 17,266 | |
| 18 | Gregory Fons | 47% | 27% | 21,571 | |
| 19 | Steven J. Ehlenbeck | 45% | 38% | 9,068 | |
| 20 | Tracy Henry | 40% | 0% | 6,643 | |
| 21 | Loranzo Fleming | 39% | 33% | 5,242 | |
| 22 | William Callahan | 32% | 24% | 21,463 | |
| 23 | Cynthia G. Weaver | 22% | 22% | 20,861 |
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.