With a wide allowance-rate spread across the panel—ranging from 40% to 86%—which judge you draw in Las Vegas significantly impacts your outcome. While the office's 60% allowance rate is standard, the 11-month wait time is trending upward. Use this time to organize your medical records and prepare for vocational expert testimony, as the judge's individual approach to evidence will be the deciding factor in your claim. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the standards of any judge on the panel.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
The 11-month wait in Las Vegas provides a runway to build a robust file before you face an ALJ. Your primary task is to update your medical records with recent clinical notes, as the Social Security Administration requires evidence that reflects your current functional limitations. During your hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs you can perform; you must be prepared to explain why your specific symptoms prevent that work. Ensure you submit all evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. Your hearing will be presided over by one of the nine judges on the panel, and you will receive a written decision by mail.
The Judges at This Office
The panel in Las Vegas exhibits a wide spread in allowance rates, with outcomes varying between 40% and 86% depending on the judge. Because of this variation, your case must be prepared to meet the standards of the most rigorous judge on the panel. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs medical and vocational evidence differently, making thorough preparation essential regardless of who is assigned to your file.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants spend the 11-month wait simply waiting, but an experienced representative uses this time to pressure-test your medical record against the specific criteria the panel uses. A well-documented file that anticipates the vocational expert's questions is the most effective way to navigate the judge-to-judge variation in Las Vegas.
About This Hearing Office
With 1,424 dispositions in the latest period, this office manages a high volume of claims. Keep these location details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Las Vegas, NV
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donald R. Colpitts | 80% | 68% | 14,029 | |
| 2 | Thomas M. Ray | 68% | 80% | 26,073 | |
| 3 | David K. Gatto | 57% | 66% | 28,842 | |
| 4 | Neil Morholt | 50% | 44% | 22,140 | |
| 5 | Barry H. Jenkins | 48% | 41% | 19,427 | |
| 6 | Norman L. Bennett | 46% | 39% | 21,739 | |
| 7 | Arthur Zeidman | 45% | 35% | 23,359 | |
| 8 | John Cusker | 42% | 36% | 13,805 | |
| 9 | Cynthia R. Hoover | 35% | 21% | 31,805 | |
| 10 | Gary L. Vanderhoof | 31% | 26% | 10,507 |
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.