Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Approval rates across the panel in Topeka show a moderate spread, with individual judge rates ranging from 24% to 60%. Because cases are assigned randomly, the judge you draw can influence the dynamics of your hearing. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific judge presiding over your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pearline Hardy | 60% | 2,373 | |
| 2 | Robert J. Burbank | 55% | 1,211 | |
| 3 | LaSandra Morrison | 50% | 835 | |
| 4 | Lauren K. Tran | 44% | 1,272 | |
| 5 | Michael D. Mance | 42% | 2,254 | |
| 6 | Michael D. Burrichter | 37% | 3,607 | |
| 7 | Scott Johnson | 35% | 3,844 | |
| 8 | Timothy G. Stueve | 29% | 1,161 | |
| 9 | Michael D. Shilling | 24% | 2,242 |
How long you'll wait
At Topeka, 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 will typically last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will review your claim and hear testimony. Because the wait time in Topeka has risen to 8 months, you have a valuable opportunity to submit updated medical records and a detailed daily-activity log before the evidence-submission deadline. You should arrive with a complete list of your medications and their side effects, as these details often clarify why you cannot perform past work. A Vocational Expert will likely testify about jobs that might fit your limitations, and you will have the chance to question their assessment. The final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span a 36-point range, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. The 8-month wait time is a period to pressure-test your evidence against the standards an ALJ will use. Claimants who enter the room with a record that anticipates the vocational expert's questions often find more success in navigating these proceedings.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Topeka, 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 for a hearing at this office is 8 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, so it is important to keep your contact information updated with the SSA.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Topeka. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your best strategy is to focus on the strength of your medical documentation.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe a judge has a conflict of interest, you can discuss the possibility of a recusal with a qualified attorney who can help you.
While not required, having an attorney can significantly improve your ability to present evidence and cross-examine the vocational expert. Given the 44% approval rate at this office, professional representation is a common step for claimants, and an attorney can help you.
