Your wait for a hearing at this office is 7 months, which is one month faster than the national average. With an office-wide allowance rate of 58%, your outcome depends on the strength of your medical evidence. Because the panel of judges shows a moderate spread in approval rates, an attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific standards of the judge assigned to you.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 7-month wait, you have a limited window to ensure your file is complete. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed medication list noting side effects, and a daily-activity log that highlights your functional limitations. During your hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify regarding available work. You have the right to question the expert, which is a critical opportunity to clarify why your specific impairments prevent sustained employment. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 7 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 45% to 68% with a median of 56%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, leaving less time to correct gaps in your medical documentation once your date is set. When a panel's allowance rates span over 20 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak evidence. Preparing your testimony and evidence ahead of time ensures you are ready for the hearing.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles 2,195 dispositions annually; keep these location and contact details handy for the day of your hearing.
Most Favorable Judges
Valparaiso, IN
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dennis R. Kramer | 83% | 71% | 5,474 | |
| 2 | Tiffani T. Jake | 71% | 48% | 5,286 | |
| 3 | Edward Kristof | 65% | 55% | 21,736 | |
| 4 | Leeanne Foster | 59% | 48% | 25,523 | |
| 5 | Dina LaMarche | 57% | 42% | 4,859 | |
| 6 | Alison Crisman | 53% | 38% | 6,465 | |
| 7 | Charles J. Thorbjornsen | 51% | 43% | 20,050 | |
| 8 | Robert Long | 50% | 43% | 13,026 | |
| 9 | Romona Scales | 48% | 37% | 14,870 | |
| 10 | Jeanette Schrand | 41% | 35% | 9,551 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.