Johnstown's 53% allowance rate is typical for a hearing office, meaning your outcome depends on the quality of your medical evidence. With a steady 7.5-month wait, you have a predictable window to organize your records. An attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your hearing will likely involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. You should bring updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as this is the most critical evidence for your claim. Prepare a detailed list of your medications and their side effects, along with a log of your daily activities to illustrate your physical or mental limitations. A vocational expert will often testify to identify jobs that might fit your profile, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. The judge will not issue a decision on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The four judges at this office demonstrate a high degree of consistency, with allowance rates clustering between 48% and 56%. Because the panel is uniform, you are unlikely to see different outcomes based solely on which judge is assigned to your case. Each ALJ weighs evidence differently, and random assignment means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a steady 7.5-month wait, you can use the time before your hearing to bridge the gap between your medical history and the specific legal standards required for SSDI approval. Identifying gaps in your documentation before you walk into the hearing room ensures the vocational expert's testimony is properly addressed.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the Johnstown office.
Most Favorable Judges
Johnstown, PA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raymond J. Zadzilko | 81% | 69% | 9,987 | |
| 2 | Marty R. Pillion | 75% | 64% | 12,794 | |
| 3 | Barbara Artuso | 57% | 48% | 3,449 | |
| 4 | Erin Powers | 56% | 47% | 7,136 | |
| 5 | Channing Strother | 52% | 44% | 891 | |
| 6 | Tiesh I. Reaves | 51% | 39% | 6,921 | |
| 7 | Donald M. Graffius | 49% | 42% | 10,649 | |
| 8 | John A. Fraser | 32% | 27% | 19,310 |
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.