Who decides cases at this office
The nine judges at this office show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 38% to 77% with a median of 56%. This variation means that while random assignment is the standard, the judge you draw can influence the tone of your hearing. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your case must be prepared to address the specific criteria they prioritize.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanley A. Moskal Jr. | 89% | 2,554 | |
| 2 | Grenville W. Harrop Jr. | 75% | 2,034 | |
| 3 | Eric L. Glazer | 67% | 4,989 | |
| 4 | Timothy M. McGuan | 56% | 12,755 | |
| 5 | Maria Herrero-Jaarsma | 54% | 4,281 | |
| 6 | Stephan Bell | 54% | 24,224 | |
| 7 | Bryce Baird | 52% | 18,482 | |
| 8 | Paul Georger | 52% | 20,798 | |
| 9 | Bruce R. Mazzarella | 52% | 630 | |
| 10 | Mary Mattimore | 50% | 10,383 | |
| 11 | Melissa L. Jones | 49% | 7,332 | |
| 12 | Stephen Cordovani | 47% | 25,257 | |
| 13 | William M. Weir | 46% | 22,440 | |
| 14 | Marilyn D. Zahm | 45% | 1,049 | |
| 15 | Sharon Seeley | 42% | 4,729 | |
| 16 | Lynette Gohr | 34% | 6,979 | |
| 17 | Robert T. Harvey | 28% | 2,003 |
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Free Benefits ReviewHow long you'll wait
At Buffalo, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 10 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 10-month wait, you have a significant runway to ensure your file is complete before you appear before an ALJ. During your hearing, you will testify about your daily limitations and a vocational expert will analyze whether jobs exist that fit your profile. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and statements regarding your side effects well before the deadline, as last-minute evidence is restricted. Because the panel at this office has a moderate spread in allowance rates, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. A clear, documented history of your condition is the most effective way to prepare for the questions you will face under oath.
A 10-month wait is preparation time you can use to bridge the gap between your medical records and the specific requirements of the Social Security Administration. By ensuring your file anticipates the questions a vocational expert will raise, you can better navigate the panel's 39-point allowance rate spread. This period is an opportunity to refine your evidence and ensure your testimony is consistent with your medical history.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Buffalo, 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.