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 ranging from 31% to 77%. Because cases are assigned randomly, which judge you draw matters as much as the office average. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides over your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kenneth Wilson | 77% | 939 | |
| 2 | John M. Prince | 73% | 3,203 | |
| 3 | Cristen Meadows | 64% | 3,153 | |
| 4 | Kristen King | 64% | 1,760 | |
| 5 | Billy Thomas | 57% | 282 | |
| 6 | Peter J. Boylan | 55% | 2,796 | |
| 7 | Andrew Gollin | 53% | 401 | |
| 8 | Anne Shaughnessy | 53% | 3,463 | |
| 9 | Lloyd Hubler | 50% | 1,234 | |
| 10 | Jessica Hodgson | 49% | 2,760 | |
| 11 | Lloyd E. Hubler III | 44% | 2,334 | |
| 12 | Christopher S. Tindale | 44% | 3,449 | |
| 13 | Thuy-Anh T. Nguyen | 37% | 3,368 | |
| 14 | Renita K. Bivins | 31% | 1,768 |
How long you'll wait
At Cincinnati, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 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
With a 7-month wait, you have a limited window to ensure your medical records are complete and up-to-date. The most critical step is gathering all medical evidence generated since your initial denial, as the judge will rely on these documents to assess your current capacity. Your hearing will last roughly 45 to 60 minutes, during which a vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that accommodate your specific physical or mental limitations. You have the right to question this expert to clarify how your symptoms prevent you from performing these roles. Ensure your medication list and a log of your daily activities are ready for review, as these details provide the context an ALJ needs to understand your daily reality. Decisions are rarely made on the spot, so expect to receive a written notice by mail weeks after your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span a 46-point gap, your file has to be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the tendencies of this panel can pressure-test your evidence against the specific questions a vocational expert is likely to ask. This preparation helps ensure your medical and vocational evidence is presented in a way that addresses the specific concerns of the ALJ.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Cincinnati, 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 this office is 7 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months.
Cases are assigned randomly to judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because there is a wide spread in approval rates among the panel, your focus should be on building a comprehensive medical file. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of the judge assigned.
You generally cannot choose your judge. If you have concerns about the assignment, an attorney can help you evaluate if there are valid legal grounds to request a change or if your efforts are better spent strengthening your evidence.
While not required, having representation is highly recommended. Given the wide variation in judge approval rates, an attorney can help ensure your medical and vocational evidence is presented in a way that addresses the specific concerns of the ALJ.
