Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
6 of these 15 judges decided cases here in SSA's latest disposition file (July 2026) and are ranked first, on the 12 months from July 26, 2025 to July 31, 2026. The other 9 have no decisions in SSA's data since the month shown and are listed after them, unranked, with every decision on record.
The 6 judges who decided cases here in SSA's latest file maintain an approval-rate range between 32% and 50%. Because outcomes cluster around a 46% median, the panel demonstrates consistent decision-making patterns. While this consistency helps set expectations, random assignment means your specific outcome still depends on the evidence you present.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Decisions | Last Decision | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mattie Harvin-Woode | 50% | 209 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 2 | Amy Benton | 49% | 78 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 3 | Trina Mengesha-Brown | 48% | 338 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 4 | Brian M. Steger | 44% | 403 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 5 | Kathryn Preston | 43% | 324 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 6 | Joseph R. Doyle | 32% | 394 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| NR | Robert M. Butler | 79% | 1,718 | Sep 2020none since | |
| NR | Michael Hazel | 67% | 523 | Sep 2017none since | |
| NR | James B. Griffith | 62% | 191 | Sep 2018none since | |
| NR | Gregory White | 58% | 2,733 | Sep 2025none since | |
| NR | Roosevelt Currie | 55% | 466 | Sep 2019none since | |
| NR | Jerry Faust | 50% | 1,647 | Sep 2020none since | |
| NR | Gwen Anderson | 48% | 453 | Oct 2017none since | |
| NR | James Satterwhite | 44% | 410 | Sep 2019none since | |
| NR | Debra Bice | 41% | 814 | Sep 2021none since |
How long you'll wait
At St. Louis National Hearing Center, the average wait from hearing request to hearing held was 11 months as of May 2026, the latest month SSA has published for this office. The national average was 8.2 months as of July 2026. Here's how it has moved month by month over the 16 months through May 2026.
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 reviews your claim. Because the wait was 11 months as of May 2026, you have time to ensure your medical file is complete. Bring updated records, a list of medications with side effects, and a log of your daily activities to the hearing. The session typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, during which a Vocational Expert may testify about jobs that fit your limitations. You and your attorney have the right to question this expert. A decision will arrive by mail weeks after the judge concludes the hearing.
With an approval rate of 43% over the 12 months to July 31, 2026, the St. Louis National Hearing Center requires a highly documented case to overcome an initial denial. The months of waiting are your opportunity to address the gaps that led to your previous denial. You can use this time to ensure your file meets the evidentiary standards of this panel.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait from the time you request a hearing until the hearing is held was 11 months as of May 2026. This wait time has been rising since December 2025. An attorney can help you prepare your case while you wait for your hearing date.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges who decided cases here in SSA's latest file. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you understand the panel's tendencies. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to address the specific concerns of the judge assigned to your case.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you have a valid legal reason to believe a judge is biased, your attorney can discuss the formal process for requesting a reassignment. An attorney can help you evaluate if a request for reassignment is appropriate for your situation.
While not required, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and cross-examine the vocational expert. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process to improve your chances of a favorable decision.