Seven Fields maintains a 71% allowance rate, which is high for a hearing office. With a steady 7.5-month wait time, you have a predictable window to organize your medical evidence before your hearing date. Because the panel of judges here is tightly aligned in their decision-making, your success depends on the quality of the documentation you present. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to ensure your case is ready for the ALJ.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
During your hearing, an ALJ will review your file and hear testimony. You must bring updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as this is often the deciding factor in a favorable outcome. A vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform specific jobs, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure your medication list, daily-activity logs, and any witness statements are submitted well before the evidence deadline. Because this office handles a high volume of cases, hearings move with purpose; having a clear, evidence-backed narrative is essential for your testimony.
The Judges at This Office
The seven judges at this office demonstrate a high degree of consistency, with allowance rates clustering between 62% and 77%. This narrow spread suggests that outcomes are driven by the strength of your medical evidence. You can expect the panel to operate within a predictable range of expectations.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Even at an office with a 71% allowance rate, cases often fail when they lack a clear connection between medical limitations and the vocational expert's criteria. You can bridge this gap by pressure-testing your file against the specific questions an ALJ is likely to ask. Building a robust record before your hearing ensures your case is ready for the judge's review.
About This Hearing Office
This office handles nearly 3,000 cases annually; keep these location and contact details handy as you finalize your hearing preparations.
Most Favorable Judges
Mars, PA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Kooser | 71% | 70% | 27,212 | |
| 2 | Christopher P. Grovich | 71% | 68% | 19,559 | |
| 3 | Brian W. Wood | 64% | 59% | 25,314 | |
| 4 | Melissa Tenenbaum | 61% | 62% | 17,044 | |
| 5 | Douglas Cohen | 60% | 43% | 24,509 | |
| 6 | Patricia Daum | 57% | 48% | 5,317 | |
| 7 | Wayne Stanley | 57% | 48% | 18,751 | |
| 8 | William J. Bezego | 56% | 57% | 28,199 | |
| 9 | Kelli J. Kleeb | 54% | 52% | 21,186 | |
| 10 | Daniel F. Cusick | 34% | 29% | 10,775 |
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.