Tulsa's 7-month wait time is faster than the national average of 8 months, giving you a predictable timeline to finalize your medical record. With an office-wide allowance rate of 64%, your success depends on the quality of evidence you present. Because the panel of judges shows a moderate spread in their approval rates, your preparation must be thorough enough to meet the standards of any judge assigned to your case. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare your testimony to improve your chances of a favorable decision.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your Tulsa hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Tulsa typically involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing your testimony. You should arrive with updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as this is the most critical evidence for your claim. Be prepared to discuss your daily activities and any side effects from your medications with the judge. A vocational expert will often testify regarding whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to question this expert to clarify how your impairments prevent you from working. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 10 judges in Tulsa shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 46% to 84%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge presides over your hearing.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, leaving less room for error if your evidence is incomplete when your date is set. An attorney understands how to anticipate the questions of the vocational expert and can ensure your medical records are properly indexed to highlight your limitations. By reviewing your file before the hearing, you can address potential gaps that might otherwise lead to a denial.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for the day of your hearing at the Eastgate Metroplex.
Most Favorable Judges
Tulsa, OK
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeffrey S. Wolfe | 81% | 69% | 14,198 | |
| 2 | David W. Engel | 80% | 68% | 29,715 | |
| 3 | James Stewart | 67% | 57% | 14,459 | |
| 4 | Deirdre O. Dexter | 65% | 64% | 30,202 | |
| 5 | Cindy Martin | 63% | 60% | 22,211 | |
| 6 | B. D. Crutchfield | 61% | 52% | 23,569 | |
| 7 | Richard J. Kallsnick | 61% | 52% | 2,747 | |
| 8 | Luke Liter | 61% | 46% | 30,644 | |
| 9 | Christopher Hunt | 60% | 48% | 27,526 | |
| 10 | Edmund C. Werre | 58% | 49% | 927 | |
| 11 | Dennis LeBlanc | 56% | 51% | 26,976 | |
| 12 | Deborah L. Rose | 42% | 36% | 2,952 | |
| 13 | Lantz McClain | 38% | 32% | 19,065 | |
| 14 | John W. Belcher | 37% | 31% | 6,448 |
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.