Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, with a median of 54% and a range between 43% and 75%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel A. Traver | 75% | 1,052 | |
| 2 | Roland D. Mather | 69% | 49 | |
| 3 | Patrick B. Kimberlin III | 61% | 234 | |
| 4 | Susan Brock | 58% | 3,680 | |
| 5 | Stacey L. Foster | 57% | 3,554 | |
| 6 | Brandie Hall | 56% | 2,629 | |
| 7 | Dennis L. Pickett | 54% | 1,600 | |
| 8 | William C. Zuber | 51% | 4,082 | |
| 9 | Dennis Lyndell Pickett | 51% | 3,354 | |
| 10 | Candace A. McDaniel | 50% | 3,722 | |
| 11 | Eric Anschuetz | 49% | 2,425 | |
| 12 | Steven Collins | 45% | 3,940 | |
| 13 | Michael J. Nichols | 43% | 83 |
How long you'll wait
At Louisville, 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, you have a window to ensure your file is complete before your hearing date. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence for your ALJ. You should also prepare a daily-activity log and a list of your current medications, noting any side effects that impact your ability to work. During your hearing, an ALJ will preside, and a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that might fit your restrictions. You have the right to question this expert, so having your medical evidence organized is vital. Decisions are not made on the spot; you will receive a written notice in the mail after your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span over 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. While the 7-month wait in Louisville is faster than the national average, it leaves less time to correct errors in your medical record once the hearing is scheduled. An attorney can pressure-test your file against the vocational expert's likely testimony before you ever step into the courtroom.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Louisville, 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 to reach a hearing at this office is 7 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months.
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 ensure your medical records are comprehensive. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, an attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the panel and ensure your evidence is presented in a way that addresses common concerns.
While not required, represented claimants are often more successful at the hearing stage. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
