Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
9 of these 19 judges decided cases here in SSA's latest disposition file (July 2026) and are ranked first, on the 12 months from July 26, 2025 to July 31, 2026. The other 10 have no decisions in SSA's data since the month shown and are listed after them, unranked, with every decision on record.
Outcomes swing significantly across the panel at this office, as the 9 judges who decided cases here in SSA's latest file show approval rates ranging from 17% to 88% over the 12 months to July 31, 2026. This wide variation means that which judge you draw can impact your case, as each weighs evidence differently. These figures represent the panel in aggregate; random assignment determines your judge, and these statistics are not a guarantee of your specific outcome.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Decisions | Last Decision | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richard Thrasher | 88% | 139 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 2 | John Martin | 63% | 369 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 3 | Roxanne Fuller | 61% | 114 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 4 | Helen Valkavich | 60% | 351 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 5 | Brian Lucas | 59% | 420 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 6 | Mary Ann Poulose | 57% | 347 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 7 | Kathryn Bridges | 52% | 350 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 8 | Henry Kramzyk | 25% | 110 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 9 | Thomas J. Sanzi | 17% | 295 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| NR | Beverly S. Parkhurst | 61% | 1,349 | Sep 2020none since | |
| NR | Joseph P. Donovan Sr. | 56% | 281 | Sep 2017none since | |
| NR | William J. King Jr. | 56% | 1,009 | Sep 2021none since | |
| NR | Denise M. Martin | 53% | 2,792 | Sep 2025none since | |
| NR | Jennifer Smiley | 53% | 2,565 | Sep 2023none since | |
| NR | Deanna L. Sokolski | 51% | 2,508 | Sep 2025none since | |
| NR | Mary F. Withum | 43% | 422 | Sep 2016none since | |
| NR | John Pope | 40% | 459 | Sep 2019none since | |
| NR | Theodore W. Grippo | 39% | 1,845 | Sep 2021none since | |
| NR | Paul R. Armstrong | 30% | 2,869 | Sep 2021none since |
How long you'll wait
At Chicago National Hearing Center, the average wait from hearing request to hearing held was 11 months as of June 2026, the latest month SSA has published for this office. The national average was 8.2 months as of July 2026. Here's how it has moved month by month over the 16 months through June 2026.
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 11-month wait as of June 2026, you have a significant runway to prepare your file before you face an Administrative Law Judge. Your hearing will likely last 45 to 60 minutes, during which you will testify under oath about your limitations. A Vocational Expert will often testify regarding what jobs, if any, exist for someone with your specific medical profile. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and statements from family or coworkers well before the evidence-submission deadline. Because the judges who decided cases here in SSA's latest file show a wide range of approval outcomes, your file must be complete and clear. You will receive the judge's decision by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 70 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. The months between your hearing request and your hearing are your window to address the gaps that led to your initial denial. An attorney who understands the local panel can pressure-test your file against the questions a vocational expert is likely to ask. The initial-decision rate in Illinois is 39%, which highlights the importance of refining your evidence for the hearing stage.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait from the hearing request to the hearing held was 11 months as of June 2026. This wait time has been trending upward since early 2026. An attorney can help you prepare your case while you wait for your hearing date.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates among the 9 judges who decided cases here in SSA's latest file vary widely, it is essential to have a well-documented case regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. If you believe there is a conflict of interest, you or your attorney must file a formal request for recusal with the office, which is only granted in specific, limited circumstances. An attorney can help you determine if a recusal request is appropriate for your situation.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional preparation highly advisable. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony.