Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 35% to 78%. This wide spread means that which judge you draw can impact your case, as each weighs evidence differently. Because assignments are random, you must be prepared for the judge with the strictest standards rather than relying on the office average.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Margo Stone | 78% | 3,293 | |
| 2 | John A. Thawley | 75% | 3,223 | |
| 3 | Adrienne Porter | 68% | 3,970 | |
| 4 | Vanessa Lucas | 68% | 4,000 | |
| 5 | Rebecca Adams | 57% | 3,098 | |
| 6 | Christopher Willis | 47% | 4,537 | |
| 7 | Mark C. Ziercher | 35% | 809 |
How long you'll wait
At Fayetteville, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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, with an Administrative Law Judge presiding over the proceedings. Because the approval rates at this office vary widely across the panel, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. Bring your identification and any medical records updated since your last denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence. You should also prepare a list of your current medications and their side effects, along with a log of your daily activities. A vocational expert will often testify regarding what jobs might exist for someone with your specific limitations. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to question this expert to clarify how your impairments prevent you from maintaining gainful employment.
With a wide spread in judge approval rates, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Fayetteville panel can pressure-test your evidence against the specific vocational questions you will face under oath. They can identify gaps in your medical record that might otherwise lead to a denial.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Fayetteville, 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 months. This is slightly shorter than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you understand how to manage your case during this waiting period.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because judge-specific approval rates vary, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common to this panel.
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 ensure your medical evidence is properly organized and that you are prepared for vocational expert testimony.
You should dress in neat, professional attire that you would wear to a formal appointment. The focus of the hearing is on your medical evidence and your ability to work, but presenting yourself professionally shows the judge that you take the process seriously. An attorney can help you understand the expectations for your hearing appearance.
