Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 8 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, with a median of 54% and a range between 46% and 69%. Because cases are assigned randomly, the judge you draw can influence the outcome of your hearing. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Heidi Southern | 69% | 3,176 | |
| 2 | Kevin R. Barnes | 68% | 4,261 | |
| 3 | Laura S. Twilley | 57% | 684 | |
| 4 | Stuart Adkins | 54% | 2,613 | |
| 5 | Mark Hockensmith | 48% | 2,010 | |
| 6 | Gregory G. Kenyon | 48% | 4,301 | |
| 7 | Carrie Kerber | 48% | 4,252 | |
| 8 | Elizabeth A. Motta | 46% | 905 |
How long you'll wait
At Dayton, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 months— versus a national average of 8.2 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 is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will review your claim. You should bring updated medical records, a list of current medications with side effects, and a daily-activity log that details your physical or mental limitations. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, during which a Vocational Expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific restrictions. You have the right to question this expert, which is a critical opportunity to clarify why your condition prevents sustained work. Evidence must be submitted well before the hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
With a 67% approval rate, this office is favorable, but a high approval rate does not guarantee a win for every claimant. Cases that fail often do so because the medical record did not clearly address the specific vocational limitations the judge is required to evaluate. Focusing on functional limitations rather than just a diagnosis helps align your evidence with the criteria used by the panel.
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. 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 for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This wait time has been trending downward recently, providing a window to ensure your medical file is complete. An attorney can help you manage this timeline effectively.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, it is important to prepare your case thoroughly regardless of the specific judge assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific tendencies of the panel.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are often more successful at the hearing stage. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for testimony from the vocational expert.
You should dress in neat, professional attire. While the hearing is not a criminal trial, it is a formal legal proceeding, and presenting yourself professionally shows respect for the court. An attorney can help you understand the expectations for your appearance.
