Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, with a median of 58%. Outcomes vary across the bench, as each judge weighs medical evidence and vocational testimony differently. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential to have a robust, evidence-backed file that is ready for any perspective.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JoErin O'Leary | 63% | 4,020 | |
| 2 | Laura Chess | 62% | 4,531 | |
| 3 | Adam Dale | 59% | 2,839 | |
| 4 | Mara-Louise Anzalone | 58% | 115 | |
| 5 | Mikel Lupisella | 57% | 3,674 | |
| 6 | Jeffrey Raeber | 56% | 2,795 | |
| 7 | Manh H. Nguyen | 56% | 3,692 | |
| 8 | Sean McKee | 30% | 196 |
How long you'll wait
At MT. Pleasant, 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will review your claim and listen to testimony. Because hearings at this office move faster than the national average, you should prioritize submitting updated medical records and a detailed log of your daily limitations as early as possible. You will likely face questions from a vocational expert regarding your ability to perform past work or other jobs in the national economy. The hearing typically lasts about an hour, and you will receive a written decision by mail several weeks later.
With a 65% approval rate, this office is a favorable venue for claimants, but a high approval rate does not guarantee a win for every individual. When a panel's approval rates span from 30% to 63%, your file must be strong enough to withstand scrutiny from any judge on the bench. Identifying gaps in your medical record and preparing for the vocational expert's testimony are critical steps to take before you step into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at MT. Pleasant, 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 time at this office is 7 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months. This steady timeline allows you to focus on gathering necessary medical evidence.
Cases 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 prepare for the specific nuances of the panel.
While you are not required to have an attorney, an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony. An attorney can help you build a stronger case.
You should dress in neat, professional, or business-casual clothing. The hearing is a formal legal proceeding, and your appearance shows the judge that you are taking the process seriously. An attorney can help you understand what to expect during the hearing.
