Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 24% to 94%. Because of this wide spread, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the outcome of your hearing. While cases are assigned randomly, you should expect that each judge weighs evidence differently, making a well-documented file essential regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ollie Garmon | 94% | 866 | |
| 2 | Larry A. Auerbach | 85% | 253 | |
| 3 | Richard P. McCully | 84% | 655 | |
| 4 | Calvin Washington | 75% | 1,426 | |
| 5 | Sheila Lowther | 69% | 852 | |
| 6 | Verley J. Spivey | 68% | 877 | |
| 7 | Barry L. Williams | 66% | 455 | |
| 8 | Laurie A. Bedell | 61% | 3,885 | |
| 9 | James Conlon | 61% | 2,921 | |
| 10 | Frederick R. Waitsman | 61% | 743 | |
| 11 | Steve Lamb | 60% | 634 | |
| 12 | John S. Lamb | 59% | 411 | |
| 13 | Sandra R. DiMaggio Wallis | 58% | 2,171 | |
| 14 | Robin R. Palenske | 57% | 1,239 | |
| 15 | Joan E. Parks Saunders | 57% | 103 | |
| 16 | Todd S. Colarusso | 56% | 4,309 | |
| 17 | McArthur Allen | 56% | 347 | |
| 18 | Curtis R. Boren | 53% | 2,331 | |
| 19 | Steven J. Ehlenbeck | 46% | 1,083 | |
| 20 | Gregory Fons | 44% | 3,208 | |
| 21 | Tracy Henry | 40% | 887 | |
| 22 | Loranzo Fleming | 38% | 596 | |
| 23 | William Callahan | 33% | 2,990 | |
| 24 | Cynthia G. Weaver | 24% | 2,459 |
How long you'll wait
At Atlanta North, 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an Administrative Law Judge will review your claim. Because the approval rate at this office is 44%, your preparation must focus on bridging the gaps in your medical record that led to your initial denial. You should bring updated medical records, a current medication list with documented side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates your functional limitations. A vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that fit your profile, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. The hearing typically lasts about an hour, and you will receive a decision by mail weeks later. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
When a panel's approval rates span 70 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Atlanta North panel can pressure-test your case against the specific standards used by these judges. This preparation is your best defense against the uncertainty of random assignment.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Atlanta North, 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. This wait time has been trending upward recently, providing you with a longer window to ensure your medical evidence is complete.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, your attorney can help you prepare for the different ways these judges may weigh your evidence.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the Social Security Administration to ensure impartiality. However, an attorney can help you identify potential conflicts or ensure your file is prepared to meet the standards of any judge on the panel.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the 44% approval rate at this office suggests that hearings are challenging. Representation is often the difference between a successful appeal and a continued denial, as an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of SSDI regulations.
