Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions ranging from 34% to 80%. This wide variation means that random assignment plays a major role in your hearing experience. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your case must be prepared to meet the highest standard of documentation.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donald R. Colpitts | 80% | 1,727 | |
| 2 | Thomas M. Ray | 67% | 3,269 | |
| 3 | David K. Gatto | 58% | 4,078 | |
| 4 | Neil Morholt | 50% | 3,280 | |
| 5 | Barry H. Jenkins | 48% | 2,529 | |
| 6 | Norman L. Bennett | 47% | 2,736 | |
| 7 | Arthur Zeidman | 45% | 2,893 | |
| 8 | John Cusker | 44% | 1,866 | |
| 9 | Cynthia R. Hoover | 36% | 4,056 | |
| 10 | Gary L. Vanderhoof | 34% | 1,140 |
How long you'll wait
At Las Vegas, 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
Hearings at this office typically last 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will review your file and hear testimony. You should bring an updated list of all medications, including side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates your functional limitations. Since the office has a wide spread in judge approval rates, your evidence must be comprehensive enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides. Ensure all new medical records from since your initial denial are submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A vocational expert will likely testify about available jobs, and you will have the opportunity to question them regarding your specific physical or mental constraints. A final decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. While you wait out the 9-month processing time, you can identify gaps in your medical record that an ALJ might seize upon during the hearing. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to succeed at this stage, as they are better prepared to counter the testimony of the vocational expert.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Las Vegas, 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 9 months. While this is slightly longer than the 8.2-month national average, it provides a valuable window to ensure your medical evidence is complete. An attorney can help you ensure your file is ready before your date arrives.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely across this panel, it is essential to have a well-documented file that addresses your specific impairments. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific tendencies of the panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the Social Security Administration to ensure impartiality. An attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the panel and prepare your testimony accordingly.
While not required, legal representation is highly recommended given the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare you for the questions a judge or vocational expert may ask.
