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 27% to 74%. Because cases are assigned randomly, which judge you draw matters, as each weighs medical evidence and vocational testimony differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to succeed regardless of the specific judge assigned to your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William Andersen | 74% | 3,241 | |
| 2 | Robert Rideout | 71% | 2,104 | |
| 3 | Kelly Davis | 70% | 3,608 | |
| 4 | Paula Wordsworth | 68% | 3,953 | |
| 5 | Robert J. Phares | 65% | 1,262 | |
| 6 | Yvonne K. Stam | 61% | 1,761 | |
| 7 | Catherine Harper | 60% | 3,663 | |
| 8 | David J. Shea | 59% | 2,733 | |
| 9 | Mason Hogan | 56% | 3,497 | |
| 10 | Wanda L. Wright | 55% | 3,428 | |
| 11 | Katherine D. Wisz | 55% | 3,418 | |
| 12 | Joseph L. Brinkley | 55% | 4,405 | |
| 13 | Larry A. Miller | 54% | 1,906 | |
| 14 | Teresa L. Hoskins-Hart | 51% | 3,435 | |
| 15 | James E. Williams | 48% | 3,744 | |
| 16 | Anne-Marie Ofori-Acquaah | 41% | 4,012 | |
| 17 | Gary Brockington | 27% | 1,569 |
How long you'll wait
At Raleigh, 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 involve an ALJ presiding over the proceedings. A vocational expert often testifies to determine if jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations. You should bring an updated list of your medications, including any side effects, and a log of your daily activities to help the judge understand your functional capacity. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, ensure all medical records from your recent treatments are filed well before your date. If you have witness statements from family or former coworkers, these can provide valuable context for your limitations. The judge will not issue a decision at the hearing; you will receive a written notice by mail several weeks later.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who knows the Raleigh panel can pressure-test your medical evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony before you ever walk into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Raleigh, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, providing you with a window to ensure your medical records are complete. An attorney can help you manage this timeline.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges at this office. Because there is a wide spread in approval rates among the 17 judges associated with this location, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards each judge may prioritize.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, you or your attorney can file a formal request for recusal. It is more effective to focus on building a robust, evidence-backed case that meets the requirements of any judge on the panel. An attorney can help you evaluate your options.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variance in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help organize your medical evidence and prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony.
