Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record ranging from 35% to 84%. Because this wide spread means your result can depend heavily on which judge you draw, your file must be strong enough to withstand rigorous scrutiny. While cases are assigned randomly, each judge weighs evidence differently, making thorough preparation the best way to manage this uncertainty.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bernadette Freeman | 84% | 953 | |
| 2 | William J. Mackowiak | 81% | 2,711 | |
| 3 | Claudia Travis | 77% | 1,046 | |
| 4 | Steven H. Templin | 76% | 831 | |
| 5 | James A. Horn | 64% | 66 | |
| 6 | Joel G. Fina | 61% | 3,639 | |
| 7 | Robert M. Senander | 60% | 835 | |
| 8 | John K. Kraybill | 57% | 467 | |
| 9 | Janice M. Bruning | 55% | 4,605 | |
| 10 | Edward P. Studzinski | 35% | 4,649 |
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 8.2 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
Because hearings at this office move faster than the national average, you have less time to organize your medical records before your date is set. Prioritize gathering all updated medical evidence, a detailed list of medications with side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly defines your physical or mental limitations. The ALJ will preside over your hearing, which typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, and will likely involve a vocational expert testifying on available work. You have the right to question this expert regarding your specific restrictions. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are often restricted. A decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants assume the hearing is a simple conversation, but the vocational expert's testimony can quickly derail a case if you haven't anticipated their questions. An attorney who knows the local panel can pressure-test your file against these specific challenges 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. 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, which is faster than the 8.2-month national average. Use this time to ensure your medical records are complete and up to date. An attorney can help you organize your evidence during this period.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, it is important to have a well-documented case that addresses your specific limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of the judges in this office.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. Because the panel shows a wide spread in approval rates, the best strategy is to focus on the quality of your evidence, which remains the most important factor in any SSDI appeal. An attorney can help you build a case that is robust enough for any judge.
While not required, having an attorney can be a significant advantage. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits, especially when navigating the complex testimony of a vocational expert. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions.
