Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Approval rates for these judges show a moderate spread, ranging from 24% to 54% with a median of 44% since 2016. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs medical 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 case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karen Wiedemann | 54% | 3,793 | |
| 2 | Holly Hansen | 51% | 3,896 | |
| 3 | Timothy G. Stewart | 48% | 1,261 | |
| 4 | David Benedict | 47% | 4,481 | |
| 5 | Michael S. Hertzig | 44% | 3,503 | |
| 6 | Richard M. Exnicios | 44% | 3,427 | |
| 7 | Benita A. Lobo | 41% | 857 | |
| 8 | Gerardo Perez | 40% | 1,411 | |
| 9 | Ruth Ramsey | 24% | 622 |
How long you'll wait
At Metairie, 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your claim. Because the wait time in Metairie is steady at 7.5 months, you have a clear runway to update your medical records and document how your condition impacts your daily tasks. Bring a current list of medications and their side effects, as these details are vital when a vocational expert testifies about your ability to work. Evidence must be submitted well before your hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. The judge will preside over the session, and you or your representative may question the expert witness. You will receive the final decision by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span a 30-point gap, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Identifying the specific medical gaps that often lead to denials and addressing them before you walk into the hearing room is the highest-leverage step you can take to prepare for your day in court.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Metairie, 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 7.5 months. This is faster than the national average of 8.2 months, giving you a predictable timeline to prepare your case. An attorney can help you build a file that addresses the specific limitations an ALJ will weigh during your testimony.
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 file is comprehensive. An attorney can help you build a file that addresses the specific limitations an ALJ will weigh during your testimony.
You generally cannot request a specific judge for your hearing. Since the panel has a moderate approval-rate spread, your focus should be on building a strong, evidence-based case that can succeed with any judge. An attorney can help you build a file that addresses the specific limitations an ALJ will weigh during your testimony.
While you are not required to have an attorney, representation is highly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and ensure your medical evidence is properly presented to the judge.
