With an allowance rate of 72%, this office is more favorable than the national average. Because individual judge allowance rates range from 32% to 91%, your outcome may depend on which judge is assigned to your case. An attorney can help you prepare a robust file that addresses the specific requirements of the judges at this office.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at this office move at a steady pace, with a 7-month wait time that has remained consistent recently. You should prioritize organizing your medical evidence and work history as soon as you receive your hearing notice. Ensure your records are updated and clearly highlight your functional limitations. During your hearing, you will likely face questions about your ability to perform past work or other jobs in the national economy. Because the judges here have a wide range of allowance rates, your evidence must be comprehensive enough to meet the standards of any judge on the panel.
The Judges at This Office
The 12 judges at this office show a wide variation in their decision-making, with allowance rates ranging from 32% to 91%. Since cases are assigned randomly, you should prepare your case to be as strong as possible to account for these differing judicial perspectives.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 59 percentage point spread in allowance rates across the panel, the quality of your documentation is critical. Preparing for the specific lines of questioning used by vocational experts can help you feel more confident during your testimony. Focusing on clear, objective medical evidence helps bridge the gap between your symptoms and the requirements for disability benefits.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the Charlotte office.
Most Favorable Judges
Charlotte, NC
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brent T. Asseff | 82% | 87% | 18,824 | |
| 2 | Saul W. Nathanson | 79% | 67% | 1,125 | |
| 3 | Randall D. Huggins | 78% | 88% | 26,563 | |
| 4 | Robert Egan | 78% | 66% | 8,321 | |
| 5 | Peter Jamison | 74% | 77% | 27,340 | |
| 6 | Mary Ryerse | 73% | 76% | 25,220 | |
| 7 | D. Randall Frye | 73% | 62% | 18,175 | |
| 8 | Theresa R. Jenkins | 66% | 76% | 24,819 | |
| 9 | Kristi Bellamy | 65% | 55% | 7,099 | |
| 10 | Kevin F. Foley | 64% | 54% | 6,814 | |
| 11 | Darrell Fun | 62% | 53% | 11,168 | |
| 12 | Valorie Stefanelli | 61% | 76% | 22,640 | |
| 13 | Nancy McCoy | 60% | 46% | 19,335 | |
| 14 | Vincent Hill | 60% | 50% | 22,241 | |
| 15 | Clinton C. Hicks | 59% | 50% | 17,059 | |
| 16 | Todd D. Jacobson | 59% | 50% | 13,909 | |
| 17 | Wendell M. Sims | 55% | 47% | 17,126 | |
| 18 | Paul Goodson | 51% | 46% | 21,152 | |
| 19 | R. Dirk Selland | 50% | 60% | 22,595 | |
| 20 | Susan Poulos | 28% | 27% | 24,217 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.