Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record since 2016 ranging from 29% to 83%. Because random assignment determines which judge hears your case, the variation in how they weigh evidence creates a wide spread in results. This is not a guarantee of your outcome, but it underscores why your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brent T. Asseff | 83% | 3,041 | |
| 2 | Saul W. Nathanson | 79% | 104 | |
| 3 | Robert Egan | 79% | 1,110 | |
| 4 | Randall D. Huggins | 78% | 3,936 | |
| 5 | Peter Jamison | 75% | 4,013 | |
| 6 | D. Randall Frye | 73% | 2,409 | |
| 7 | Mary Ryerse | 73% | 3,742 | |
| 8 | Theresa R. Jenkins | 67% | 3,686 | |
| 9 | Kristi Bellamy | 67% | 956 | |
| 10 | Kevin F. Foley | 63% | 806 | |
| 11 | Darrell Fun | 62% | 1,531 | |
| 12 | Nancy McCoy | 59% | 2,929 | |
| 13 | Todd D. Jacobson | 59% | 1,647 | |
| 14 | Clinton C. Hicks | 57% | 2,104 | |
| 15 | Wendell M. Sims | 54% | 2,180 | |
| 16 | Paul Goodson | 52% | 3,117 | |
| 17 | R. Dirk Selland | 51% | 2,983 | |
| 18 | Susan Poulos | 29% | 3,342 |
How long you'll wait
At Charlotte, 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 will likely last about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an Administrative Law Judge will review your case and hear testimony. You should bring updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence for your claim. Be prepared for a vocational expert to testify regarding jobs that might fit your functional limitations. Ensure your medication list and a log of your daily activities are current, as these details often clarify your limitations to the bench. Evidence must be submitted well before your hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span over 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. While Charlotte's 71% approval rate is high, the cases that fail often do so because they did not anticipate the vocational expert's testimony or failed to connect medical findings to work-related limits. A well-prepared file is the most effective way to navigate the variation in judge decision-making.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Charlotte, 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 time for a hearing at the Charlotte office is 8.5 months. This wait has been rising recently, providing you with additional time to organize your medical evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to strengthen your claim.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges at the Charlotte office. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, it is essential to have a well-prepared file that addresses your specific limitations clearly. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of the judge assigned to your case.
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 ensure your medical evidence is properly formatted and ready for the ALJ.
You should dress in neat, respectful clothing. The focus of the hearing is on your medical evidence and testimony, so keeping your appearance professional helps maintain the focus on your claim. An attorney can help you understand what to expect during your testimony.
