Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes swing across the panel in Omaha, where approval rates for individual judges range from 29% to 83%. Because of this wide spread, which judge you draw can impact your case. Each ALJ weighs evidence differently, and since assignments are random, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emily Cameron Shattil | 83% | 284 | |
| 2 | G. Roderic Anderson | 77% | 506 | |
| 3 | David J. DeLaittre | 77% | 3,551 | |
| 4 | Ronald D. Lahners | 71% | 1,778 | |
| 5 | Matthew Bring | 57% | 2,351 | |
| 6 | David G. Buell | 53% | 4,056 | |
| 7 | Marc Mates | 49% | 1,512 | |
| 8 | Jan E. Dutton | 45% | 4,520 | |
| 9 | Kelly Humphrey | 42% | 1,435 | |
| 10 | Matthew C. Dawson | 42% | 2,509 | |
| 11 | Chris Yokus | 29% | 2,833 |
How long you'll wait
At Omaha, 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 in Omaha involves an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. Because the approval rate here is 49%, your success hinges on the quality of your documentation. Bring updated medical records, a detailed medication list with side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates your limitations. A vocational expert will often testify regarding jobs that fit your profile, and you will have the chance to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the hearing, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span over 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. The 8-month wait between filing and your hearing is a preparation window. You can use this period to bridge gaps in your medical record and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Omaha, 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 average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, which gives you more time to ensure your medical evidence is complete. An attorney can help you manage this timeline.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Omaha. Because approval rates vary across this panel, it is essential to have a well-documented case that addresses the specific criteria for disability. An attorney can help you prepare for the hearing.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you are concerned about the judge assigned to your case, an attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence to meet the requirements of that ALJ.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the variation in approval rates among Omaha judges makes professional preparation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
