Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The panel at this office shows a moderate spread in approval rates, with judge records ranging from 33% to 68%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your preparation must focus on the objective medical facts that support your claim, as these are the primary tools an ALJ uses to reach a decision.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William G. Brown | 68% | 1,816 | |
| 2 | David B. Washington | 67% | 3,058 | |
| 3 | Jeffrey W. Hart | 60% | 3,789 | |
| 4 | Corey Ayling | 60% | 4,022 | |
| 5 | Michael D. Quayle | 58% | 445 | |
| 6 | Sarah Lough | 56% | 979 | |
| 7 | Peter Kimball | 53% | 4,195 | |
| 8 | Micah Pharris | 47% | 3,653 | |
| 9 | Nicholas Grey | 46% | 2,675 | |
| 10 | Joshua Klasic | 46% | 1,076 | |
| 11 | Virginia Kuhn | 46% | 1,918 | |
| 12 | Mary M. Kunz | 44% | 527 | |
| 13 | Stewart Alford | 43% | 260 | |
| 14 | Roger W. Thomas | 33% | 815 |
How long you'll wait
At Minneapolis, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8.5 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
With an 8.5-month wait, you have a window to ensure your medical records are complete. Gather all treatment notes, medication lists with side effects, and daily-activity logs that document your inability to work. Your hearing will last roughly 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will likely testify about available jobs. Because the panel shows moderate variation in approval rates, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. Submit all new evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
The 8.5-month wait between your request and your hearing is a preparation runway. While the 52% approval rate suggests a fair chance of success, the moderate variation across the panel means that a well-documented file is your best defense against an unfavorable outcome.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Minneapolis, 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 time for a hearing at this office is 8.5 months. This has been trending upward recently, so it is important to use this time to strengthen your medical evidence. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.
ALJ assignments are made randomly. Because there is a moderate spread in approval rates across the panel, your focus should be on building a robust, evidence-backed case that addresses your specific functional limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
You generally cannot request a specific judge. Because the panel's approval rates vary, your best strategy is to work with an attorney to ensure your file is as strong as possible, regardless of who is assigned to your case.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process, prepare for testimony, and ensure your medical records are properly presented to the ALJ.
