Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 8 judges at this office shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, with a median of 54% and a range between 46% and 69%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge presides over your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heidi Southern | 69% | 3,712 | |
| 2 | Kevin R. Barnes | 68% | 4,941 | |
| 3 | Laura S. Twilley | 57% | 851 | |
| 4 | Stuart Adkins | 54% | 3,004 | |
| 5 | Carrie Kerber | 48% | 4,852 | |
| 6 | Gregory G. Kenyon | 48% | 5,122 | |
| 7 | Mark Hockensmith | 48% | 2,431 | |
| 8 | Elizabeth A. Motta | 46% | 1,061 |
How long you'll wait
At Dayton, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 months— versus a national average of 8 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 is your opportunity to present evidence that was overlooked during the initial denial. You have 9 months on average to organize your medical records, including updated treatment notes and a detailed log of your daily limitations. Be prepared to discuss your medication side effects and how they prevent you from performing full-time work. During the hearing, an ALJ will preside, and a Vocational Expert will likely testify regarding job availability. You can question the expert to clarify how your specific physical or mental restrictions limit your ability to work. Ensure all new evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
With a 23-point spread between the most and least lenient judges on the panel, the risk of a judge who interprets evidence strictly is a reality you must account for. An attorney who understands the Dayton panel can pressure-test your file against these different judicial approaches before you walk into the hearing room. By identifying gaps in your medical record early, you can ensure your case is ready for any judge.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Dayton, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. 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 9 months. This duration is typical compared to the national average of 8.2 months, providing you time to work with an attorney to ensure your medical evidence is complete.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 8 ALJs at this office. Because allowance rates vary across the panel, it is important to have a well-prepared case that addresses your specific limitations clearly. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the standards of the Dayton panel.
You generally cannot request a specific judge. Because the panel has a moderate spread in allowance rates, your best strategy is to focus on the quality of your medical evidence and testimony rather than the identity of the judge. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and prepare your evidence to meet the standards of the Dayton panel.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and prepare your evidence to meet the standards of the Dayton panel.