Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at the Chicago National Hearing Center show a moderate spread, with approval rates among the 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one ranging from 26% to 63%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs evidence according to their own interpretation of the law. With a median approval rate of 51%, the panel demonstrates that the specific judge you draw can influence the final decision.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Martin | 63% | 3,717 | |
| 2 | Richard Thrasher | 63% | 1,445 | |
| 3 | Beverly S. Parkhurst | 61% | 1,349 | |
| 4 | Joseph P. Donovan Sr. | 56% | 281 | |
| 5 | William J. King Jr. | 56% | 1,009 | |
| 6 | Denise M. Martin | 53% | 2,792 | |
| 7 | Jennifer Smiley | 53% | 2,565 | |
| 8 | Brian Lucas | 52% | 3,304 | |
| 9 | Helen Valkavich | 52% | 2,629 | |
| 10 | Roxanne Fuller | 51% | 3,539 | |
| 11 | Deanna L. Sokolski | 51% | 2,508 | |
| 12 | Kathryn Bridges | 47% | 3,030 | |
| 13 | Mary Ann Poulose | 44% | 3,012 | |
| 14 | Mary F. Withum | 43% | 422 | |
| 15 | John Pope | 40% | 459 | |
| 16 | Theodore W. Grippo | 39% | 1,845 | |
| 17 | Paul R. Armstrong | 30% | 2,869 | |
| 18 | Henry Kramzyk | 29% | 3,072 | |
| 19 | Thomas J. Sanzi | 26% | 2,906 |
How long you'll wait
At Chicago National Hearing Center, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 11 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 at the Chicago National Hearing Center will likely be conducted via video. Because the wait time is trending upward, you have a longer runway to ensure your medical records are complete. Focus on gathering updated treatment notes, a detailed medication list with side effects, and a daily-activity log that highlights your functional limitations. An ALJ will preside, and a vocational expert will often testify regarding jobs that might fit your profile. You and your representative have the right to question this expert. Submit all evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail after the proceeding concludes.
An 11-month wait between filing and your hearing is a significant period. An experienced attorney uses this time to pressure-test your file against the specific vocational questions an ALJ is likely to ask. When a panel's approval rates span nearly 40 points, your evidence must be robust enough to withstand scrutiny regardless of which judge is assigned.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait for a hearing at this office is 11 months, which is longer than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you use this time to gather additional medical evidence.
Cases are assigned randomly to the 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because there is a moderate spread in approval rates across the panel, your focus should be on building a strong, evidence-based file that is prepared for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
Generally, you cannot choose your ALJ. If you believe there is a conflict of interest, you must raise it through formal legal channels, which is a process where an attorney can help you.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and often involves testimony from a vocational expert. An attorney can help you navigate these procedures and ensure your medical evidence is presented effectively.
