Grand Rapids moves faster than most, with a 6.5-month wait time compared to the 8-month national average. This speed means you have less time to organize your medical evidence before your hearing date. With a 58% allowance rate, your success depends on how clearly you present your limitations to the ALJ. An attorney can help you prioritize the medical records that matter most to your specific judge.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Grand Rapids move quickly, so you must submit your updated medical records well before the deadline. You will likely spend time in the hearing room where an ALJ will ask about your daily activities and work history. A vocational expert often testifies to clarify whether jobs exist that match your physical or mental restrictions. Bring a list of your current medications and notes on how side effects impact your ability to function. Decisions are rarely made on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail after your appearance.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 6 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, ranging from 40% to 73%. Because outcomes vary depending on which judge is assigned to your case, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the draw. This variation is common, and each judge weighs evidence differently based on their own interpretation of the law.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office come up quickly, leaving little room for a second pass at evidence submission once your date is set. When a panel's allowance rates span over 30 points, your file must be documented so thoroughly that no judge can dismiss your claim on weak evidence. Preparing for the vocational expert's testimony and building a record that addresses the panel's specific concerns is a standard part of the process.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for the day of your hearing at the Grand Rapids office.
Most Favorable Judges
Grand Rapids, MI
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven C. Smith | 87% | 74% | 1,627 | |
| 2 | Dennis Raterink | 66% | 68% | 22,474 | |
| 3 | Douglas W. Johnson | 66% | 56% | 2,075 | |
| 4 | Nicholas M. Ohanesian | 60% | 67% | 29,866 | |
| 5 | Kevin Himebaugh | 59% | 56% | 23,540 | |
| 6 | Cynthia S. Harmon | 54% | 49% | 27,945 | |
| 7 | Donna J. Grit | 52% | 44% | 16,749 | |
| 8 | William G. Reamon | 45% | 35% | 30,111 | |
| 9 | Michael S. Condon | 44% | 37% | 19,691 | |
| 10 | Robert J. Tjapkes | 43% | 25% | 24,482 |
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.