Fayetteville maintains a 66% allowance rate, which is notably higher than the national average. Because the panel's allowance rates swing from 40% to 92%, your specific judge significantly influences the outcome. Use the 8.5-month wait to build a medical record that leaves no room for ambiguity. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to meet these specific local standards.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing date.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8.5-month wait time, you have a critical window to strengthen your file before you face an ALJ. Your primary task is to submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and daily-activity logs well before the evidence-submission deadline. During your hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about whether jobs exist that fit your limitations. You have the right to question this expert, which is often the most important part of the proceeding. Because the panel's approval rates vary so widely, your preparation must focus on objective evidence that satisfies the requirements of the Social Security Administration.
The Judges at This Office
The eight judges at this office show a wide spread in their allowance rates, ranging from 40% to 92%. This variation means that which judge you draw can significantly impact your case outcome. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, but you can ensure your evidence is robust enough to withstand any level of scrutiny.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it based on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the tendencies of the Fayetteville panel can pressure-test your medical evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony. This level of preparation is the difference between a successful appeal and a continued denial.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for the day of your hearing at the 150 Rowan Street office.
Most Favorable Judges
Fayetteville, NC
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashley L. Bumgarner | 79% | 64% | 5,820 | |
| 2 | Margo Stone | 78% | 66% | 24,727 | |
| 3 | Gloria W. Green | 75% | 85% | 27,395 | |
| 4 | John A. Thawley | 75% | 85% | 23,635 | |
| 5 | Vanessa Lucas | 69% | 67% | 25,884 | |
| 6 | Adrienne Porter | 66% | 56% | 25,197 | |
| 7 | Rebecca Adams | 58% | 40% | 23,394 | |
| 8 | Christopher Willis | 47% | 38% | 31,044 | |
| 9 | Mark C. Ziercher | 35% | 30% | 6,204 |
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.