Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary significantly, with approval rates across the panel spanning from 42% to 83%. Because cases are assigned randomly, which judge you draw can impact your hearing experience. This wide spread means your file must be robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dennis R. Kramer | 83% | 807 | |
| 2 | Tiffani T. Jake | 68% | 1,154 | |
| 3 | Edward Kristof | 65% | 2,940 | |
| 4 | Leeanne Foster | 60% | 3,992 | |
| 5 | Dina LaMarche | 57% | 1,109 | |
| 6 | Charles J. Thorbjornsen | 51% | 2,665 | |
| 7 | Robert Long | 50% | 1,825 | |
| 8 | Alison Crisman | 50% | 1,284 | |
| 9 | Romona Scales | 47% | 2,190 | |
| 10 | Livia Morales | 43% | 3,525 | |
| 11 | Jeanette Schrand | 42% | 1,290 |
How long you'll wait
At Valparaiso, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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 is a formal proceeding where an Administrative Law Judge will review your claim. Because the wait time is currently 8 months and trending upward, use this period to update your medical records and document how your symptoms limit your daily activities. You will likely face questions from a vocational expert regarding your ability to perform past work or other jobs. Ensure your medication list and side effects are clearly logged, as these details often influence the expert's testimony. Evidence must be submitted well before the hearing, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision typically arrives by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso, 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 8 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, so it is important to keep your medical evidence current. An attorney can help you track these timelines and prepare your case.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Valparaiso. Because approval rates vary significantly across this panel, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common to these judges.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the Social Security Administration. Instead of trying to change your judge, focus on building a comprehensive medical record that supports your claim regardless of who presides. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is ready for any judge.
While there is no formal dress code, dressing in neat, professional-casual attire shows the judge that you take the proceeding seriously. Focus your energy on organizing your medical records and testimony rather than your wardrobe. An attorney can help you understand what to expect during the hearing process.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing is a complex legal proceeding where your ability to question the vocational expert is key. Represented claimants often have a higher success rate because they are better prepared to present evidence that meets the ALJ's requirements. An attorney can help you navigate these requirements.
