Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 12 ALJs in Detroit shows a wide spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 25% to 75%. Because of this variation, the judge assigned to your case can influence the hearing dynamic. Cases are assigned randomly, so you must prepare your file to be robust enough to withstand the scrutiny of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joy Turner | 75% | 4,692 | |
| 2 | James N. Gramenos | 69% | 238 | |
| 3 | Jennifer Overstreet | 57% | 3,604 | |
| 4 | Elias Xenos | 56% | 4,018 | |
| 5 | John J. Rabaut | 53% | 830 | |
| 6 | Therese Tobin | 53% | 4,501 | |
| 7 | Jacquelyn A. McClinton | 49% | 1,039 | |
| 8 | Carol Guyton | 47% | 3,310 | |
| 9 | Crystal L. White-Simmons | 45% | 4,245 | |
| 10 | Mary D. Morrow | 44% | 3,969 | |
| 11 | Colleen M. Mamelka | 39% | 3,292 | |
| 12 | Ethel Revels | 25% | 58 |
How long you'll wait
At Detroit, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 months— versus a national average of 8 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
Hearings at the Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building move faster than the national norm, so early preparation is essential. You should arrive with updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence for an ALJ. Prepare a daily-activity log and a list of medication side effects to discuss under oath. During the hearing, a Vocational Expert will likely testify about jobs that fit your physical or mental limits. You can question this expert to clarify why your specific impairments prevent sustained work. The ALJ will not issue a decision on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail later.
With a 50-point spread between the lowest and highest-approving judges, your file needs to be thorough regardless of who sits on the bench. Identifying the specific evidentiary gaps that lead to denials at this office is a key step in your preparation.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Detroit, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. 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 currently 7 months, which is faster than the 8.2-month national average. An attorney can help you manage your timeline while you wait.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly at this office. Because the 12 judges here have a wide range of allowance rates, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidence requirements common to this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are automated. However, a qualified attorney can ensure your case is presented effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
While not required, representation is recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the complex testimony of a vocational expert and ensure your medical evidence is properly presented.