Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 6 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, which range from 31% to 54% with a median of 45%. Because there is meaningful variation across the panel, the judge you are assigned can influence the tone of your hearing. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs evidence differently, so your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raymond L. Souza | 58% | 9,762 | |
| 2 | Robert A. Lynch | 49% | 15,173 | |
| 3 | Perry L. Franklin | 48% | 28,216 | |
| 4 | Mary J. Leary | 37% | 24,096 | |
| 5 | James F. Gillet | 36% | 16,160 | |
| 6 | Mark A. Clayton | 34% | 23,622 | |
| 7 | Jo Ann L. Draper | 33% | 20,343 | |
| 8 | Patrick H. Morrison | 33% | 10,288 | |
| 9 | Walter R. Hellums | 27% | 24,532 | |
| 10 | David K. Fromme | 25% | 1,116 | |
| 11 | Victor L. Horton | 25% | 11,368 |
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Free Benefits ReviewHow long you'll wait
At Springfield, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 months— versus a national average of 8 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — represented vs. on your own
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 a 7-month wait, your preparation runway is shorter than in many other regions, making early evidence submission vital. You should focus on gathering updated medical records, a detailed medication list noting specific side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates your functional limitations. During your hearing, an ALJ will preside while a vocational expert typically testifies about your ability to perform work. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to question this expert regarding the jobs they suggest you can perform. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after your appearance.
When an office has a 41% allowance rate and a panel with a 23-point spread, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Most claimants spend their 7-month wait simply waiting, but an attorney uses that time to pressure-test your medical evidence against the specific standards the Springfield panel expects. A focused review of your file now can prevent the common gaps that lead to denials.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Springfield, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. 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.