Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary, as the approval rates for the panel span from 36% to 81%. Because judges weigh evidence differently, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the outcome. This variation is a standard part of the Social Security Administration hearing process and underscores the importance of a well-documented file.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millard L. Biloon | 81% | 895 | |
| 2 | Robert O. Foerster | 73% | 2,991 | |
| 3 | Paul S. Carter | 69% | 2,152 | |
| 4 | John R. Mason | 65% | 2,374 | |
| 5 | Vickie Evans | 64% | 3,546 | |
| 6 | John H. Maclean | 62% | 886 | |
| 7 | Constance D. Carter | 61% | 2,280 | |
| 8 | Michael K. Dennard | 51% | 3,679 | |
| 9 | Jeffrey A. Ferguson | 49% | 2,524 | |
| 10 | Donald B. Fishman | 48% | 852 | |
| 11 | Linda D. Taylor | 42% | 2,556 | |
| 12 | Morton J. Gold Jr. | 41% | 49 | |
| 13 | Craig R. Petersen | 40% | 4,144 | |
| 14 | Geoffrey S. Casher | 36% | 2,651 |
How long you'll wait
At Savannah, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 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 typically lasts about an hour, during which an ALJ reviews your claim and hears testimony. Because the approval rates for the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this one range from 36% to 81%, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides. Bring updated medical records, a list of medications with side effects, and a daily-activity log to demonstrate your limitations. A vocational expert will likely testify about available jobs, and you or your representative will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. You will receive the judge's decision by mail after the proceedings.
When a panel's approval rates span a wide range, your file must be strong enough that your medical evidence clearly supports your claim. You can identify the specific medical evidence needed to address the vocational expert's questions before you walk into the hearing room by working with a representative who understands the local panel's requirements.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Savannah, 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 to hearing at this office is 7 months. This is faster than the national average of 8.2 months.
Cases are assigned to judges. Because the approval rates across this panel vary from 36% to 81%, it is important to have your case fully prepared regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to ensure it is presented effectively to whichever judge is assigned.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. If you have concerns about your case, an attorney can help you prepare your evidence to ensure it is presented effectively to whichever judge is assigned.
While not required, having representation can help you navigate the hearing process and ensure your medical records are complete. An attorney can help you prepare your case and present your evidence.
