Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary significantly across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 33% to 77%. Because cases are assigned randomly, the judge you draw can impact your hearing experience. This wide spread means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific judge presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Naggi | 77% | 3,294 | |
| 2 | Michael A. Lehr | 65% | 3,477 | |
| 3 | Sherianne Laba | 64% | 114 | |
| 4 | Diana Erickson | 63% | 3,592 | |
| 5 | Jack D. McCarthy | 59% | 983 | |
| 6 | Christine A. Cooke | 53% | 3,136 | |
| 7 | Peter Jung | 52% | 3,316 | |
| 8 | Richard N. Staples | 45% | 2,305 | |
| 9 | Michael Comisky | 44% | 3,577 | |
| 10 | Joan H. Deans | 44% | 3,962 | |
| 11 | Michael Werner | 39% | 2,961 | |
| 12 | George M. Bock | 37% | 821 | |
| 13 | Christina Young Mein | 36% | 3,891 | |
| 14 | Scot Gulick | 35% | 3,063 | |
| 15 | Toni Neal | 34% | 306 | |
| 16 | Janice E. Barnes-Williams | 34% | 3,031 | |
| 17 | Robert A. Kelly | 33% | 3,663 |
How long you'll wait
At Kansas City, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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 hear testimony. You should arrive with updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as these are the most critical documents for your case. Expect to answer questions about your daily activities and how your symptoms prevent you from working. A vocational expert will often testify to identify jobs that might fit your limitations, and you will have the opportunity to question them. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, and you will receive a written decision by mail several weeks later. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, ensure all your documentation is organized well before your scheduled date.
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. You can use your wait time to pressure-test your evidence before you walk into the hearing room to ensure your medical records clearly define your functional limitations.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Kansas City, 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 8 months. While this is slightly faster than the 8.2-month national average, wait times have been trending upward recently. An attorney can help you understand how these delays might impact your specific case timeline.
Cases are assigned randomly to the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. You will not know who is presiding until your hearing notice arrives. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific preferences of the judge assigned to your case.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you have a valid legal reason, such as a conflict of interest, you may be able to request a reassignment through your attorney.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be approved because attorneys know how to prepare the specific medical and vocational evidence that ALJs require. An attorney can help you organize your records and present your case effectively.
