Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and they show a moderate spread in approval rates, with outcomes ranging from 32% to 70%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation makes it essential to build a robust, objective case that stands on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ presiding over your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jessica H. Pugrud | 70% | 332 | |
| 2 | Tanya Dvarishkis | 69% | 3,817 | |
| 3 | John C. Arkoosh | 64% | 634 | |
| 4 | John Kays | 63% | 4,170 | |
| 5 | Richard A. Opp | 62% | 1,543 | |
| 6 | Brian J. Henry | 54% | 1,086 | |
| 7 | Luke A. Brennan | 51% | 4,513 | |
| 8 | Russell B. Wolff | 50% | 317 | |
| 9 | Stephen Marchioro | 45% | 2,876 | |
| 10 | Michael A. Kilroy | 44% | 2,259 | |
| 11 | Lloyd E. Hartford | 33% | 490 | |
| 12 | Michele M. Kelley | 32% | 2,520 | |
| 13 | Christopher R. Inama | 32% | 1,603 |
How long you'll wait
At Billings, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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, typically lasting about an hour. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed list of medications with side effects, and a log of your daily activities to address the specific limitations that prevent you from working. A vocational expert will often testify to identify jobs that might fit your profile, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Because the SSA restricts last-minute evidence submissions, ensure all documentation is filed well before your date. The final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
With a panel where approval rates vary, the strength of your medical documentation is the primary factor in your favor. You can anticipate the questions a vocational expert will ask and ensure your file is complete before the hearing date. Rather than leaving your outcome to chance, use the 9-month wait to pressure-test your evidence.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Billings, 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 9 months. This duration has remained steady, providing a consistent timeline for your preparations. An attorney can help you manage this wait time effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because you cannot select your judge, it is vital to have a well-documented file that addresses the criteria for SSDI benefits comprehensively. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
Generally, you cannot request a specific judge. If you have concerns about a potential conflict of interest, you should discuss them with an attorney who can advise you on the proper procedures for raising those issues with the SSA.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and involves technical testimony from vocational experts. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the specific questions you will face under oath.
