Greensboro's 66% allowance rate is high for an SSDI hearing office, suggesting that well-documented claims often succeed here. With a steady 7-month wait time, you have a predictable window to organize your medical records and prepare for the ALJ panel. Because judge allowance rates vary from 45% to 85%, your preparation should focus on building a case that is robust enough to satisfy any judge on the panel. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence and testimony to improve your chances of a favorable decision.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Greensboro move at a steady pace, giving you 7 months to refine your evidence before you face an ALJ. Your most important task is submitting updated medical records that document your condition since your initial denial. During your hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that fit your limitations, and you must be ready to address their assessments. Ensure your medication list, daily-activity logs, and any witness statements are submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute evidence is restricted. The judge will preside over the hearing, and you will receive a written decision by mail.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 9 judges in Greensboro shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 45% to 85%. While the median rate of 61% is encouraging, the variation means that the judge you draw can influence your outcome. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential to build a file that stands on its own merits regardless of who sits on the bench.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 66% allowance rate, Greensboro is an office where a strong, evidence-backed file often leads to a favorable outcome. However, the 40-point spread across the judge panel means that even in a favorable office, a poorly prepared case remains at risk. You can use your remaining time to have your case reviewed by a professional to ensure your medical narrative is airtight before your hearing date.
About This Hearing Office
With 2,461 dispositions in the latest reporting period, this office is a high-volume site; keep these location details nearby for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Greensboro, NC
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E. Norman Graham | 90% | 77% | 9,403 | |
| 2 | Maria L. Spitz | 87% | 64% | 2,692 | |
| 3 | Daniel J. Stein | 76% | 65% | 10,119 | |
| 4 | Clint Dorman | 73% | 64% | 24,217 | |
| 5 | Frederick Johnson | 72% | 61% | 14,214 | |
| 6 | Helen O. Evans | 71% | 60% | 4,748 | |
| 7 | Benjamin R. McMillion | 70% | 53% | 26,209 | |
| 8 | Richard Jackson | 69% | 74% | 24,635 | |
| 9 | Marc Seidman | 69% | 59% | 7,672 | |
| 10 | Nancy L. Brock | 64% | 54% | 17,016 | |
| 11 | Barbara von Euler | 64% | 44% | 20,277 | |
| 12 | Michelle D. Cavadi | 61% | 26% | 25,152 | |
| 13 | Scott C. Firestone | 61% | 51% | 14,511 | |
| 14 | LaRonna Harris | 61% | 52% | 18,099 | |
| 15 | Joseph Booth III | 49% | 51% | 24,878 |
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.