Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a wide approval-rate spread, ranging from 17% to 86%. Because outcomes vary significantly across the panel, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ assigned. These figures reflect aggregate records since 2016 and are not a guarantee of how any individual judge will weigh your specific evidence.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Bridges | 86% | 1,162 | |
| 2 | Peter V. Train | 68% | 1,142 | |
| 3 | Patrick S. Cutter | 64% | 3,607 | |
| 4 | Lawrence J. Neary | 56% | 2,592 | |
| 5 | Shawn Bozarth | 54% | 3,160 | |
| 6 | Theodore Burock | 54% | 2,089 | |
| 7 | Susan L. Torres | 50% | 1,721 | |
| 8 | Scott M. Staller | 47% | 4,311 | |
| 9 | Sharon Zanotto | 47% | 1,732 | |
| 10 | Howard Kauffman | 40% | 4,035 | |
| 11 | Randy Riley | 37% | 2,986 | |
| 12 | Richard E. Guida | 29% | 4,569 | |
| 13 | Gwendolyn M. Hoover | 17% | 1,337 |
How long you'll wait
At Harrisburg, 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 Administrative Law Judge will review your file and hear testimony. You should bring updated medical records, a list of your medications with side effects, and a daily-activity log that clearly defines your physical or mental limitations. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, during which a Vocational Expert will often testify about jobs that might fit your profile. You and your attorney have the right to question this expert to clarify why those jobs may not be realistic for you. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, ensure all records are filed well before your date. A decision is rarely made on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 70 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Harrisburg panel can identify the gaps in your medical record that often lead to denials. By pressure-testing your case before the hearing, they ensure you are ready for the questions an ALJ will ask. Request a free case review to see how representation can strengthen your position.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Harrisburg, 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 is a steady trend that gives you time to ensure your medical evidence is complete. An attorney can help you build the evidence an ALJ needs to see to approve your claim.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges associated with this office. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, your focus should be on building a comprehensive, evidence-backed file. An attorney can help you build the evidence an ALJ needs to see to approve your claim.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you have a valid legal reason to believe a judge is biased, you can discuss the possibility of a recusal request with your attorney. An attorney can help you build the evidence an ALJ needs to see to approve your claim.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Given the 43% approval rate in Harrisburg, having an attorney to organize your evidence and cross-examine the vocational expert can significantly impact your outcome. An attorney can help you build the evidence an ALJ needs to see to approve your claim.
