Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions ranging from 32% to 81%. Because of this variation, the judge assigned to your case plays a role in your hearing experience. Assignment is random, and each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moira Ausems | 81% | 2,254 | |
| 2 | B. Hobbs | 67% | 3,611 | |
| 3 | Ted W. Neiswanger | 62% | 897 | |
| 4 | John D. Sullivan | 59% | 4,204 | |
| 5 | Katherine Weatherly | 57% | 3,976 | |
| 6 | Robert F. Spaulding | 55% | 1,680 | |
| 7 | William P. Reeves | 52% | 1,277 | |
| 8 | Steven A. De Monbreum | 48% | 2,025 | |
| 9 | Jason W. Crowell | 46% | 3,678 | |
| 10 | Alex S. Karlin | 32% | 82 |
How long you'll wait
At Eugene, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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
Hearings in Eugene are presided over by an Administrative Law Judge. You should arrive with updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence for your appeal. Prepare a detailed list of your medications and their side effects, along with a log of your daily activities to demonstrate your functional limitations. A Vocational Expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform past or other work, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A final decision will be mailed to you after the proceedings.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. The months leading up to your hearing are your final opportunity to ensure your medical records and vocational testimony are airtight. An attorney who understands the Eugene panel can help you identify gaps in your evidence and prepare you for the specific questions an ALJ is likely to ask.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Eugene, 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 the Eugene office is 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with a predictable timeframe to finalize your medical evidence.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges who list Eugene as their most recent office on record. Because judge approval rates vary from 32% to 81%, you should focus on building a strong, evidence-based case that can succeed under any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, you can discuss the possibility of a recusal with an attorney who understands the local procedures.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your records and prepare for the vocational testimony that often determines the outcome.
