Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office cluster around a median approval rate of 63%, but with a moderate spread ranging from 37% to 70%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your preparation must be comprehensive, as the judge's individual perspective will be a factor in your final decision.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Andrews | 70% | 3,290 | |
| 2 | Henry Hamilton | 68% | 3,677 | |
| 3 | John E. Sandbothe | 68% | 2,811 | |
| 4 | John Priester | 65% | 2,913 | |
| 5 | Matthew J. Gordon | 63% | 3,674 | |
| 6 | Julie K. Bruntz | 53% | 1,556 | |
| 7 | John P. Mills III | 50% | 2,896 | |
| 8 | Michael L. Larner | 49% | 3,214 | |
| 9 | Kim A. Fields | 37% | 4,262 | |
| 10 | Erin T. Schmidt | 37% | 2,847 |
How long you'll wait
At Des Moines, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7.5 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
With a 7.5-month wait, you have a clear runway to build a robust medical record. Your hearing will involve an ALJ reviewing your file and a vocational expert testifying about potential work. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and daily-activity logs well before the evidence-submission deadline. Since the panel shows meaningful variation in approval rates, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge you draw. A well-documented case is your strongest tool for success.
When a panel's approval rates span over 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Des Moines panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical evidence is properly framed.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Des Moines, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 7.5 months. This is faster than the national average of 8.2 months, giving you a steady window to prepare your evidence. An attorney can help you use this time effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your best strategy is to focus on the quality of your medical documentation. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. If you have concerns about your case, an attorney can help you evaluate your file to ensure it is as strong as possible for any judge assigned to you.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the specific evidence requirements of the Des Moines panel and ensure your case is presented clearly.
