Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, as the approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record range from 43% to 88%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence differently. This wide variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits, regardless of which judge presides over your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steven C. Smith | 88% | 176 | |
| 2 | Dennis J. Raterink | 66% | 3,473 | |
| 3 | Douglas W. Johnson | 64% | 330 | |
| 4 | Nicholas M. Ohanesian | 60% | 4,000 | |
| 5 | Kevin R. Himebaugh | 60% | 3,588 | |
| 6 | Cynthia S. Harmon | 55% | 4,242 | |
| 7 | Donna J. Grit | 51% | 2,149 | |
| 8 | William G. Reamon | 45% | 4,566 | |
| 9 | Michael S. Condon | 43% | 2,539 | |
| 10 | Robert J. Tjapkes | 43% | 3,414 |
How long you'll wait
At Grand Rapids, 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 will likely last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will review your claim and hear testimony. Because the wait time in Grand Rapids is a steady 7.5 months, use this time to update your medical records with any treatments or tests performed since your initial denial. You should bring a current list of medications, a log of your daily activities, and any new statements from doctors or coworkers that clarify your limitations. A vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that you can perform given your health; you may question them on these findings. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. While you wait for a hearing date, you can use that time to pressure-test your evidence against the specific standards of the local panel. Reviewing your case with a professional can help ensure your file is fully prepared.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Grand Rapids, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 7.5 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you navigate this wait time.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the panel.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. Cases are assigned through a random process to ensure impartiality, which is why building a comprehensive, evidence-backed file is so important. An attorney can help you prepare for any judge.
While not required, statistics show that represented claimants are often more successful at the hearing stage. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for questioning by the vocational expert.
