With a wide allowance-rate spread across the 12 judges at this office, your outcome depends on the specific ALJ assigned to your case. While the 7-month wait is faster than the national average, the 53% allowance rate means your evidence must be thorough to succeed. An attorney can help you evaluate your medical record against the standards of the Cleveland panel.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Cleveland move faster than the national average, giving you a shorter window to finalize your evidence. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and a list of medication side effects to your hearing. The proceeding typically involves an ALJ and a vocational expert who testifies about available work. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, you must ensure all documentation is filed well before your date. Your testimony under oath is the final piece of the puzzle, and the decision will arrive by mail after your appearance.
The Judges at This Office
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, with allowance rates ranging from 16% to 75%. Because of this variation, the judge assigned to your case matters as much as the strength of your file. While assignments are random, understanding the panel's range is essential for your preparation.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span nearly 60 points, your file must be strong enough to meet the requirements of any judge. Most people spend their 7-month wait simply waiting, but a qualified attorney uses that time to pressure-test your medical evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony. This preparation helps ensure your case is ready for the specific judge assigned to your hearing.
About This Hearing Office
With 5,098 dispositions in the latest reporting period, this office is a high-volume site. Keep these details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Cleveland, OH
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louis Aliberti | 69% | 64% | 24,793 | |
| 2 | Peter R. Bronson | 66% | 56% | 1,602 | |
| 3 | Traci M. Hixson | 65% | 49% | 26,770 | |
| 4 | Cheryl M. Rini | 63% | 54% | 1,382 | |
| 5 | Amy Budney | 60% | 52% | 24,882 | |
| 6 | Joseph Vallowe | 59% | 50% | 13,283 | |
| 7 | Joseph A. Rose | 59% | 60% | 29,366 | |
| 8 | Eric Westley | 55% | 47% | 27,174 | |
| 9 | Keith J. Kearney | 52% | 50% | 25,593 | |
| 10 | Pamela E. Loesel | 49% | 42% | 17,889 | |
| 11 | Frederick Andreas | 48% | 45% | 25,656 | |
| 12 | Genevieve Adamo | 46% | 41% | 22,018 | |
| 13 | William Leland | 44% | 51% | 28,062 | |
| 14 | Martin McClelland | 36% | 31% | 4,248 | |
| 15 | Peter Beekman | 36% | 31% | 20,316 | |
| 16 | Penny Loucas | 35% | 22% | 21,004 | |
| 17 | Joseph G. Hajjar | 31% | 28% | 24,390 | |
| 18 | George D. Roscoe | 29% | 25% | 16,052 | |
| 19 | Jonathan Eliot | 29% | 25% | 2,166 | |
| 20 | Scott R. Canfield | 28% | 24% | 8,357 | |
| 21 | Susan G. Giuffre | 21% | 18% | 11,656 | |
| 22 | Catherine Ma | 19% | 11% | 20,080 |
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.