Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with individual judge approval rates ranging from 21% to 79%. Because of this wide variation, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the process. Random assignment means you cannot choose your judge, so your file must be robust enough to meet the evidentiary standards of any ALJ on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gregory O. Varo | 79% | 1,313 | |
| 2 | Gloria B. York | 67% | 1,116 | |
| 3 | Kendra S. Kleber | 61% | 2,778 | |
| 4 | Christopher C. Sheppard | 54% | 3,803 | |
| 5 | Boyce Crocker | 53% | 4,220 | |
| 6 | Jonathan Stanley | 53% | 4,496 | |
| 7 | Davida H. Isaacs | 53% | 3,671 | |
| 8 | Lyle Eastham | 51% | 1,111 | |
| 9 | Antony Saragas | 50% | 3,164 | |
| 10 | Greg Holsclaw | 49% | 4,294 | |
| 11 | Karen R. Jackson | 46% | 4,478 | |
| 12 | Jerry Lovitt | 45% | 3,149 | |
| 13 | Jeffrey L. Eastham | 42% | 2,399 | |
| 14 | Roger L. Reynolds | 39% | 1,365 | |
| 15 | Robert B. Bowling | 37% | 2,858 | |
| 16 | Don C. Paris | 34% | 243 | |
| 17 | Bonnie Kittinger | 28% | 597 | |
| 18 | Ronald M. Kayser | 21% | 382 |
How long you'll wait
At Lexington, 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
With a 7-month wait, your hearing in Lexington will arrive faster than in many other parts of the country. You must submit all updated medical records, including new treatment notes and diagnostic tests, well before the hearing date to ensure the ALJ has a complete picture. Your hearing will last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will likely testify about your ability to perform work. Prepare a clear list of your medications and their side effects, as well as a log of your daily activities that illustrates your functional limitations. Since the approval rate is 50%, your case relies on the strength of the evidence you present. A decision will typically arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span from 21% to 79%, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Lexington panel can identify the specific weaknesses in your record that might trigger a denial. They will help you prepare for the vocational expert's questions, which are often the pivot point for a favorable decision.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Lexington, 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 time for a hearing at this office is currently 7 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges at this office. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, it is essential to have a well-documented file regardless of which judge is assigned.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. If you have concerns about the assignment, an attorney can help you evaluate your options for the hearing.
While there is no strict dress code, wearing neat, professional-casual clothing shows respect for the court and the ALJ. Focus your energy on organizing your medical evidence rather than your attire.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Given the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office, an attorney can help ensure your case is prepared to meet the requirements of any ALJ.
