Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 10 judges at this office shows a wide spread in allowance rates, ranging from 35% to 84%. This variation means that the judge assigned to your case can influence your outcome. Because assignments are random, your case must be prepared to meet a high standard of evidence regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bernadette Freeman | 84% | 1,206 | |
| 2 | William J. Mackowiak | 81% | 3,156 | |
| 3 | Claudia Travis | 77% | 1,219 | |
| 4 | Steven H. Templin | 76% | 994 | |
| 5 | James A. Horn | 64% | 73 | |
| 6 | Joel G. Fina | 61% | 4,192 | |
| 7 | Robert M. Senander | 60% | 951 | |
| 8 | John K. Kraybill | 57% | 556 | |
| 9 | Janice M. Bruning | 55% | 5,342 | |
| 10 | Edward P. Studzinski | 35% | 5,543 |
How long you'll wait
At Oak Brook, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 months— versus a national average of 8 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
With a 7-month wait, you have a defined runway to ensure your medical records are complete. Your hearing will typically involve an ALJ reviewing your file and a vocational expert testifying about your ability to perform specific jobs. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists detailing side effects, and daily-activity logs well before the evidence-submission deadline. Because the panel of 10 judges varies in their approach, your file must clearly document your limitations. The wait time at this office has remained steady over the last year.
When a panel's allowance rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the tendencies of this panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and pressure-test your evidence before you walk into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Oak Brook, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. 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 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you manage your case timeline.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 10 ALJs at this office. Because allowance rates vary across the panel, an attorney can help you prepare for the evidentiary standards common to this group.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made randomly to ensure impartiality. An attorney can help you build a comprehensive, evidence-backed file to prepare for any judge.
While not required, having an attorney is recommended. An attorney can help you navigate a panel with a wide spread in judge-specific approval rates to ensure your case is ready.