Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The panel at this office shows a moderate spread in approval rates, with outcomes clustering around a median of 65%. While the range from 48% to 85% indicates meaningful variation, cases are assigned randomly, meaning you cannot choose your judge. Each ALJ weighs evidence differently, so your preparation must focus on building a robust, objective record that addresses the specific criteria for your condition.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sharif F. Nesheiwat | 85% | 214 | |
| 2 | Edward H. Hein | 78% | 1,024 | |
| 3 | Thomas C. Gray | 77% | 3,244 | |
| 4 | M. Reeves | 73% | 1,517 | |
| 5 | Jason A. Miller | 65% | 3,879 | |
| 6 | Janet McEneaney | 64% | 1,480 | |
| 7 | James Kearns | 64% | 1,581 | |
| 8 | Sommattie Ramrup | 63% | 1,364 | |
| 9 | Latanya White Richards | 61% | 2,902 | |
| 10 | Aaron M. Morgan | 48% | 821 |
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 Varick, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8.5 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 at New York Varick is your primary opportunity to present evidence that was missed during the initial DDS review. You should arrive with updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of medications including their side effects. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will likely testify about available work. Because this office has a moderate approval spread, your file must clearly define your functional limitations to withstand scrutiny. Submit all new evidence well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will be mailed to you after the proceeding.
With a 66% approval rate, New York Varick is more favorable than many other offices, yet the moderate variation across the panel means your case must be airtight. A strong record prevents a denial based on inconsistent documentation or a failure to address the vocational expert's testimony. Focusing on clear, objective medical evidence remains the most effective way to navigate the hearing process.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at New York Varick, 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 8.5 months. This is consistent with the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with a predictable timeline to prepare your case. An attorney can help you manage your timeline and evidence submission.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your best strategy is to ensure your medical file is comprehensive regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of an ALJ hearing.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about your case, an attorney can help you evaluate your options for presenting your evidence effectively to any judge.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing is a complex legal proceeding where your medical evidence is tested against vocational standards. Representation often helps you navigate these requirements more effectively. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
