Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes vary across the 8 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with individual approval rates ranging from 32% to 80%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variation means your preparation must be thorough enough to satisfy the standards of any judge on the bench.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raymond J. Zadzilko | 80% | 1,342 | |
| 2 | Marty R. Pillion | 76% | 1,643 | |
| 3 | Robert Baker | 62% | 13 | |
| 4 | Barbara Artuso | 58% | 432 | |
| 5 | Erin Powers | 55% | 1,505 | |
| 6 | Tiesh I. Reaves | 51% | 1,407 | |
| 7 | Donald M. Graffius | 50% | 1,307 | |
| 8 | John A. Fraser | 32% | 2,441 |
How long you'll wait
At Johnstown, 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will review your case. Because the wait time in Johnstown has been trending upward, you have a window to gather updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily limitations, and statements from those who witness your struggles. A vocational expert will likely testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental restrictions. You have the right to question this expert, which is often a critical part of the hearing. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. A decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span 48 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Johnstown panel can pressure-test your medical evidence against the criteria your assigned judge is known to prioritize.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Johnstown, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 8 months. While this is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, the wait has shown a rising trend recently. An attorney can help you understand how to manage this wait time effectively.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges associated with this office. Because approval rates vary widely among these judges, an attorney can help you prepare a file that addresses the evidentiary needs of the panel. An attorney can help you navigate these variables.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you have concerns about a conflict of interest, an attorney can advise you on the proper procedures for addressing them. An attorney can help you evaluate your options.
While not required, having an attorney is a significant advantage. Represented claimants are often better positioned to navigate a panel with a wide spread in approval rates. An attorney can help you prepare your case for the best possible outcome.
