Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, as approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions range from 30% to 77%. Because cases are assigned randomly, which judge you draw matters as much as the office average. Each ALJ weighs evidence differently, so your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabrielle R. Vitellio | 77% | 3,025 | |
| 2 | Earl Ashford | 51% | 4,512 | |
| 3 | Noceeba Southern | 51% | 4,148 | |
| 4 | Meredith L. Jacques | 50% | 1,510 | |
| 5 | Patricia Carey | 47% | 3,973 | |
| 6 | Dianne S. Mantel | 45% | 4,006 | |
| 7 | Richard Horowitz | 44% | 1,584 | |
| 8 | Paul Sher | 44% | 3,418 | |
| 9 | Terry M. Banks | 38% | 1,537 | |
| 10 | Kathleen Winters | 30% | 3,163 |
How long you'll wait
At Toledo, 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, your hearing in Toledo will arrive faster than in many other regions. Use this time to gather updated medical records, as the ALJ will focus on evidence generated since your initial denial. You should also compile a detailed log of your daily activities and medication side effects to explain how your condition limits your ability to work. During the hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that might fit your profile. You have the right to question this expert, which is often a critical moment for your claim. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision typically arrives by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. The 7-month wait is not just a period of inactivity; it is your runway to build the precise medical narrative an ALJ needs to see. Identifying the gaps in your record that might otherwise lead to a denial is a key step in your preparation.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Toledo, 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 7 months. This is faster than the national average of 8.2 months, meaning you should be prepared to submit your evidence promptly. An attorney can help you manage this timeline.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Toledo. Because approval rates vary widely across this panel, it is important to have a well-documented file that addresses your specific limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA. If you are concerned about the judge assigned to your case, an attorney can help you evaluate your options for presenting evidence that addresses that specific judge's history.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
