Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The panel at this office shows a moderate spread in approval rates, with individual judge outcomes ranging from 33% to 72%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge presides over your session.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Kooser | 72% | 4,067 | |
| 2 | Christopher P. Grovich | 72% | 3,114 | |
| 3 | Brian W. Wood | 64% | 3,782 | |
| 4 | Melissa Tenenbaum | 62% | 2,347 | |
| 5 | Douglas Cohen | 60% | 3,631 | |
| 6 | Wayne Stanley | 57% | 2,476 | |
| 7 | William J. Bezego | 56% | 3,701 | |
| 8 | Kelli J. Kleeb | 55% | 3,443 | |
| 9 | Patricia Daum | 55% | 731 | |
| 10 | Daniel F. Cusick | 33% | 1,090 |
How long you'll wait
At Seven Fields, 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 Administrative Law Judge will review your claim. You have an 8-month window to prepare, which is essential for gathering updated medical records and a detailed log of your daily limitations. Ensure your medication list is current and includes notes on side effects, as these details often influence the Vocational Expert who will testify about your ability to work. Evidence must be submitted well before your hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. During the session, you will answer questions about your condition and work history. A final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. While the 70% approval rate at this office is encouraging, it does not guarantee a favorable outcome. Focusing on the specific evidence needed to meet the threshold of the most rigorous judges is a standard part of preparing for your day in court.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Seven Fields, 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 to reach a hearing at this office is 8 months. This is slightly shorter than the national average of 8.2 months, though wait times have been trending upward recently.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of the panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. If you are concerned about the judge assigned to your case, discuss your options with an attorney who understands the panel's history.
While you are not required to have an attorney, having one can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare for testimony. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process.
