With a 7-month wait time, your hearing in St. Louis is scheduled faster than the national average of 8 months. Because the local panel of 18 judges shows a wide allowance-rate spread—ranging from 31% to 84%—your outcome depends on the specific judge assigned to your case. An attorney can help you build a robust medical file that stands up to scrutiny regardless of which judge presides.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at the Robert A. Young Federal Building move at a steady pace, giving you a predictable window to finalize your evidence. You must submit all updated medical records, medication logs, and statements regarding your daily limitations well before your hearing date. During the proceeding, an ALJ will preside while a vocational expert typically testifies about job availability based on your specific physical or mental restrictions. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to question the expert to clarify how your impairments prevent you from maintaining full-time work. A formal decision is usually mailed to your home after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
Outcomes at this office vary significantly, as the panel’s allowance rates span from 31% to 84%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you could draw a judge with a lower or higher approval rate. This variation means your file must be prepared to meet a high standard of evidence, as the judge's individual interpretation of your medical records will be the primary driver of your final decision.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span such a wide range, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. While the office-wide 54% allowance rate is standard, the risk of drawing a judge with a lower approval rate makes professional preparation essential. An attorney can pressure-test your evidence against the specific requirements of the Social Security Administration to ensure your case is ready for any judge on the panel.
About This Hearing Office
This office processes 4,863 dispositions annually; keep these location and contact details handy as you prepare for your hearing date.
Most Favorable Judges
St. Louis, MO
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William Wallis | 78% | 78% | 25,587 | |
| 2 | Mark A. Brown | 77% | 65% | 1,613 | |
| 3 | Alaina Davis | 71% | 66% | 3,849 | |
| 4 | Bradley Hanan | 70% | 69% | 30,074 | |
| 5 | Sherianne Laba | 64% | 54% | 1,694 | |
| 6 | Robert S. Robison | 59% | 50% | 2,565 | |
| 7 | Stephen M. Hanekamp | 57% | 44% | 24,554 | |
| 8 | Nathaniel Plucker | 55% | 51% | 20,307 | |
| 9 | John R. Price | 54% | 43% | 33,052 | |
| 10 | Gerald Meyr | 52% | 0% | 22,445 | |
| 11 | Joseph L. Heimann | 52% | 44% | 12,148 | |
| 12 | Lori Imsland | 49% | 42% | 27,405 | |
| 13 | Richard Hopkins | 48% | 47% | 21,959 | |
| 14 | Chandreka Allen | 48% | 40% | 17,316 | |
| 15 | Henry DeWoskin | 46% | 46% | 22,700 | |
| 16 | Lisa Leslie | 37% | 20% | 24,804 | |
| 17 | Koren Mueller | 34% | 36% | 20,659 | |
| 18 | Robert V. Luetkenhaus | 34% | 30% | 20,852 | |
| 19 | Katherine Jecklin | 31% | 26% | 16,040 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.