Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary significantly across the panel, with approval rates ranging from 36% to 81% for the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because cases are assigned randomly, the judge you draw matters as much as the office average. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who sits on the bench.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marissa A. Pizzuto | 81% | 2,227 | |
| 2 | Joani Sedaca | 81% | 3,013 | |
| 3 | Lucian A. Vecchio | 79% | 2,032 | |
| 4 | Thomas Grabeel | 79% | 1,031 | |
| 5 | Moises Penalver | 77% | 2,314 | |
| 6 | Robert C. Dorf | 75% | 877 | |
| 7 | Gitel Reich | 75% | 1,908 | |
| 8 | Mark Hecht | 65% | 648 | |
| 9 | Ifeoma N. Iwuamadi | 59% | 3,404 | |
| 10 | Wallace Tannenbaum | 59% | 376 | |
| 11 | Lori Romeo | 55% | 2,148 | |
| 12 | Flor M. Suarez | 53% | 1,573 | |
| 13 | Kieran McCormack | 50% | 3,085 | |
| 14 | Seth I. Grossman | 41% | 2,755 | |
| 15 | Mark Solomon | 36% | 3,209 |
Former & transferred judges
SSA rosters change as judges retire, transfer, or move to national assignments. These judges previously decided Social Security disability cases from this location, and their most recent office on record has no hearing-office page on this site. Their full public decision records are on their profiles.
How long you'll wait
At New York, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 10 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
With a 10-month wait, you have significant runway to build a robust file before your hearing. Your most important task is to provide updated medical records that document your limitations since your initial denial. Include a detailed medication list, a log of your daily activities, and any relevant statements from family or coworkers. During your hearing, an ALJ will preside while a vocational expert typically testifies about jobs that might fit your restrictions. You will have the opportunity to question this expert, which is often the turning point in a case. A decision will arrive by mail after the proceedings conclude.
When a panel's approval rates span 45 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the New York panel can pressure-test your evidence and prepare you for the specific questions a judge might ask. Use your remaining months of waiting to build the case that will stand up under oath.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at New York, 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 10 months. This is a steady trend, giving you a predictable window to work with an attorney to strengthen your medical evidence.
Cases are assigned randomly to judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, it is important to focus on the objective strength of your medical file. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively to any judge.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about a specific judge, an attorney can help you evaluate if there are valid grounds for a request.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Given the wide variation in approval rates among the 15 judges associated with this office, having an attorney to organize your evidence and prepare you for vocational expert testimony significantly improves your chances.
