Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary across the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions ranging from 40% to 86%. This variation means that which judge you draw can impact your case, as each ALJ weighs evidence differently. Because assignments are random, you should prepare for the possibility of a judge with a stricter approach by ensuring your medical record is airtight.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John M. Lischak | 86% | 1,638 | |
| 2 | Barry E. Ryan | 62% | 470 | |
| 3 | Jeremy G. Eldred | 61% | 3,535 | |
| 4 | Jennifer Gale Smith | 60% | 3,874 | |
| 5 | F. P. Flanagan | 59% | 102 | |
| 6 | Bruce S. Fein | 55% | 3,815 | |
| 7 | John P. Ramos | 53% | 3,381 | |
| 8 | Marie Greener | 52% | 487 | |
| 9 | Robyn L. Hoffman | 50% | 2,115 | |
| 10 | Robert E. Gale | 48% | 230 | |
| 11 | Mary Jane Pelton | 47% | 1,453 | |
| 12 | Kenneth Theurer | 44% | 4,323 | |
| 13 | Elizabeth W. Koennecke | 40% | 2,449 |
How long you'll wait
At Syracuse, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7.5 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 is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews the evidence you submitted after your initial denial. You should arrive with updated medical records, a log of your daily activities, and a list of your current medications including their side effects. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, during which a vocational expert often testifies about whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations. You have the right to question this expert to clarify how your impairments prevent you from working. Because the Syracuse office has a wide spread in judge outcomes, your file must be complete and well-documented before you walk into the room. A decision is rarely made on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail after your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it based on weak documentation. While the 7.5-month wait at the Syracuse office provides a runway for preparation, it is also time that can be lost if your evidence is not properly aligned with SSA requirements. An attorney who understands the local panel can help you identify the specific gaps in your record that a judge might use to deny your claim.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Syracuse, 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 the Syracuse office is 7.5 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you use this time to ensure your evidence is ready.
ALJ assignments are made randomly. Because approval rates across the panel vary from 40% to 86%, your best strategy is to build a robust case that addresses your specific limitations regardless of which judge is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for these variables.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are automated. If you have concerns about a specific judge, an attorney can help you evaluate if there are valid legal grounds to request a change or how to best present your evidence to that specific ALJ.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
