Lexington's 6.5-month wait is faster than the 8-month national average, meaning your hearing date may arrive sooner than expected. With an office-wide allowance rate of 52%, the outcome of your claim depends on the quality of the evidence you present. Use this time to organize your medical records and prepare your testimony before you face the judge. An attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at this office move faster than the national norm, so you must submit all updated medical records well before your hearing date. You will typically spend time in the hearing room where an ALJ will preside over your case. A Vocational Expert is often present to testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations. You should bring a current list of all medications, including side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates your functional challenges. Because the judge will rely on the evidence in your file, last-minute additions are restricted. Your final decision will arrive by mail after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The 11 judges at this office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 38% to 68% with a median of 52%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one 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 hearing.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office come up quickly, leaving little room for error once your date is set. When a panel's allowance rates span 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to incomplete documentation or missing medical context. Preparing your evidence early ensures you are ready for the hearing room.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles over 4,229 dispositions annually; keep these contact details and location information handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Lexington, KY
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gregory O. Varo | 80% | 68% | 11,060 | |
| 2 | Gloria B. York | 68% | 58% | 8,767 | |
| 3 | Kendra S. Kleber | 61% | 65% | 20,610 | |
| 4 | Jonathan Stanley | 54% | 50% | 29,486 | |
| 5 | Davida H. Isaacs | 53% | 44% | 25,381 | |
| 6 | Christopher C. Sheppard | 53% | 53% | 25,724 | |
| 7 | Boyce Crocker | 53% | 40% | 27,163 | |
| 8 | Antony Saragas | 51% | 36% | 20,514 | |
| 9 | Greg Holsclaw | 50% | 43% | 28,922 | |
| 10 | Lyle Eastham | 48% | 44% | 7,831 | |
| 11 | Karen R. Jackson | 46% | 42% | 29,415 | |
| 12 | Jerry Lovitt | 45% | 47% | 20,602 | |
| 13 | Roger L. Reynolds | 39% | 33% | 10,758 | |
| 14 | Robert B. Bowling | 36% | 31% | 21,055 | |
| 15 | Don C. Paris | 34% | 29% | 2,328 | |
| 16 | Bonnie Kittinger | 27% | 23% | 5,003 | |
| 17 | Ronald M. Kayser | 20% | 17% | 2,289 |
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.