Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record since 2016 ranging from 41% to 90%. Because this wide spread means your specific judge can influence your result, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits. Cases are assigned randomly, and each judge weighs evidence differently, so thorough preparation is your best tool for navigating this variability.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edwin E. Kerstine | 90% | 1,051 | |
| 2 | Windell R. Owens | 60% | 654 | |
| 3 | Elizabeth De Gruy | 59% | 2,041 | |
| 4 | Marilyn R. Brand | 50% | 4,257 | |
| 5 | Willie L. Rose | 49% | 959 | |
| 6 | Larry J. Stroud | 48% | 4,028 | |
| 7 | Jeffrey C. Narvil | 45% | 3,789 | |
| 8 | Patricia Melvin | 41% | 4,263 |
How long you'll wait
At Jackson, 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 at the McCoy Federal Building will likely last about an hour, with an Administrative Law Judge presiding over the proceedings. Because the approval rate at this office is 55%, your success depends on presenting a clear, updated medical record that directly addresses your functional limitations. You should bring an updated list of medications, a log of your daily activities, and any new medical evidence generated since your initial denial. A vocational expert will typically testify about whether jobs exist for someone with your specific health profile. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who knows the Jackson panel can pressure-test your evidence against the specific standards these judges apply. They can also prepare you for the vocational expert's questions, which are often the pivot point of a hearing.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Jackson, 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 to hearing at this office is 7.5 months, which is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months. This timeframe provides a window to ensure your medical records are complete and up to date. An attorney can help you prepare your case during this period.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Jackson. Because approval rates vary widely across this panel, you should focus on building a robust case that addresses your limitations regardless of which judge is assigned. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you are concerned about how your case is being handled, an attorney can help you evaluate your options for presenting evidence.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variance in approval rates among Jackson judges makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the vocational expert testimony.
