Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary across the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 41% to 88%. Because cases are assigned randomly, the specific judge you draw matters. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melinda McIntyre | 88% | 1,756 | |
| 2 | Melinda K. Hart | 79% | 2,271 | |
| 3 | L. Ellis Davis | 69% | 3,764 | |
| 4 | Paul McAdam | 67% | 3,371 | |
| 5 | Edgar J. Perkerson | 62% | 376 | |
| 6 | Dana E. McDonald | 61% | 994 | |
| 7 | Sonya Grounds | 60% | 1,523 | |
| 8 | B. T. Amos | 57% | 1,239 | |
| 9 | Brooke Werner McEckron | 55% | 2,804 | |
| 10 | Angela Donaldson | 53% | 1,127 | |
| 11 | Joseph Bestul | 52% | 3,252 | |
| 12 | William L. Hogan | 50% | 2,009 | |
| 13 | Wylly Jordan | 50% | 293 | |
| 14 | Wylly Jordan III | 48% | 2,130 | |
| 15 | Kristen Glover | 41% | 3,370 |
How long you'll wait
At Covington, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7.5 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 proceeding where an Administrative Law Judge will evaluate the evidence you have submitted. Because the wait time at this office is a steady 7.5 months, you have a valuable runway to update your medical records and secure statements from your doctors. Ensure your medication list is current and includes notes on side effects that impact your daily function. A Vocational Expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Submit all new evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
When approval rates span a wide range, your file must be strong enough that it remains compelling regardless of the judge assigned. You can work with an attorney to anticipate the specific questions a judge might ask. By pressure-testing your evidence before the hearing, you ensure that your limitations are clearly documented for the record.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Covington, 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 7.5 months. This is faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing a consistent timeline for your case preparation. An attorney can help you use this time to gather necessary medical documentation.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges at this office. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, it is important to have a well-documented file that addresses your specific medical limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific procedural style of this office.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, an attorney can help you identify if there are any conflicts of interest or procedural reasons to request a change, though this is rare.
While not required, having representation is a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your medical records, prepare for the vocational expert's testimony, and ensure your case is presented effectively.
