Who decides cases at this office
The 12 ALJs at the Portland office show a moderate spread in their decision-making, with approval rates clustering around a 51% median. Because rates vary from 34% to 66% across the panel, the judge assigned to your case will weigh your evidence differently than their colleagues. While assignment is random, your file must be robust enough to meet the standards of any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S. Pines | 66% | 3,539 | |
| 2 | Paula M. Martin | 66% | 4,207 | |
| 3 | Linda Thomasson | 66% | 4,214 | |
| 4 | Derek Johnson | 62% | 3,077 | |
| 5 | Steve Lynch | 57% | 2,681 | |
| 6 | Richard Geib | 51% | 3,626 | |
| 7 | Jo Hoenninger | 50% | 2,973 | |
| 8 | Paul G. Robeck | 45% | 713 | |
| 9 | Vadim Mozyrsky | 42% | 3,125 | |
| 10 | Rudolph Murgo | 39% | 1,957 | |
| 11 | John Michaelsen | 36% | 2,343 | |
| 12 | Cynthia D. Rosa | 34% | 2,083 |
How long you'll wait
At Portland, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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
With an 8-month wait, you have a consistent runway to organize your case before your hearing date. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these are the most persuasive documents for an ALJ. You should also prepare a detailed daily-activity log and a list of medication side effects to explain how your symptoms prevent full-time work. During your hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that might fit your limitations. You and your attorney have the right to question this expert, which is often the turning point in a case. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will typically arrive by mail several weeks after the judge concludes the hearing.
When a panel's approval rates span over 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants spend their 8-month wait simply hoping for a favorable outcome, but you can use that time to bridge the gap between a denied claim and a documented disability. A professional review of your file can identify the specific evidence gaps that often lead to a denial at the hearing stage.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Portland, 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 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you a stable timeline to prepare your evidence. An attorney can help you manage this timeline effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 12 ALJs at the Portland office. Because approval rates vary across the panel, it is important to have a well-documented file that addresses your specific functional limitations regardless of which judge is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the Social Security Administration to ensure impartiality. An attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the Portland panel and ensure your evidence is tailored to meet the requirements of any judge.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and involves testimony from vocational experts. Statistics show that represented claimants are more likely to be allowed benefits, as an attorney can help organize your medical records and prepare you for the judge's questions.