Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Among the 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, there is a moderate spread in outcomes, with approval rates for those with at least 30 decisions on record since 2016 ranging from 44% to 71%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Bosch | 71% | 914 | |
| 2 | Sandra H. Morales-Rosa | 70% | 768 | |
| 3 | Howard Wishnoff | 62% | 2,883 | |
| 4 | Susannah Merritt | 49% | 2,091 | |
| 5 | Channing Strother | 49% | 150 | |
| 6 | Michele Lazzaro | 49% | 1,074 | |
| 7 | Bettye L. Rutledge | 48% | 908 | |
| 8 | Hope G. Grunberg | 45% | 767 | |
| 9 | Nycole Watson | 44% | 2,818 |
How long you'll wait
At Philadelphia East, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9.5 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 claim. Because the wait at Philadelphia East is 9.5 months, you have a significant window to strengthen your file with updated medical records and a detailed log of your daily limitations. During the hearing, a Vocational Expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that you can perform given your specific health restrictions. You will have the opportunity to question this expert, which is often the most critical part of the session. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. The wait time at this office has remained steady over the last year.
With a 9.5-month wait, you have time to pressure-test your medical record against the specific criteria an ALJ will use to evaluate your disability. When a panel's approval rates span 27 points, your file needs to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Focusing on the clarity of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare for your appearance.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Philadelphia East, 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 currently 9.5 months. This is longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with more time to ensure your medical evidence is complete. An attorney can help you use this time to strengthen your claim.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Philadelphia East. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your focus should be on building a comprehensive file that clearly documents your limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards used by the judges at this office.
You generally cannot request a specific judge. Because there is a moderate spread in approval rates across the panel, your best strategy is to work with an attorney who can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards used by the judges at this office.
While not required, represented claimants are often more successful at the hearing stage. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process, cross-examine the vocational expert, and ensure your medical records are properly presented.
