Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 11 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in outcomes, with approval rates ranging from 62% to 88% and a median of 73%. Because cases are assigned randomly, the judge you draw can influence your hearing experience. Each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ assigned to your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel del Valle | 88% | 1,318 | |
| 2 | Yeline Quinones-Regalado | 83% | 3,516 | |
| 3 | Ramon E. Quinones | 82% | 1,070 | |
| 4 | Angel X. Viera-Vargas | 74% | 1,165 | |
| 5 | Gregui J. Mercado | 73% | 1,563 | |
| 6 | Judith Torres | 73% | 3,675 | |
| 7 | Maria E. Quant | 72% | 986 | |
| 8 | Luciannette Planas | 67% | 1,131 | |
| 9 | Rosael Gautier | 66% | 3,250 | |
| 10 | Ruy V. Diaz | 65% | 2,971 | |
| 11 | Angel X. Viera | 62% | 846 |
How long you'll wait
At San Juan, 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 will likely last about an hour, during which an ALJ will review your file and hear testimony. You should bring updated medical records, a list of current medications with side effects, and a log of your daily activities. A vocational expert often testifies to identify jobs that might fit your physical or mental limitations, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, ensure all documentation is filed well before your date. With an 8-month wait, use this time to ensure your file is complete, as last-minute additions are often restricted. A clear, chronological medical history is the most effective way to support your claim.
With a 72% approval rate, this office is one where a well-prepared file can make a significant difference. However, the variation across the panel means you cannot rely on averages alone. An attorney who understands the local bench can help you anticipate the questions a judge might ask and ensure your vocational evidence is airtight.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at San Juan, 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 8 months. This has been trending downward recently, providing a more predictable timeline for your appeal.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because individual approval rates vary, an attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the panel.
While not required, having an attorney is highly recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the vocational expert testimony common at this office. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
Dress in neat, professional, or business-casual attire. Your appearance shows the judge that you take the proceedings seriously and are prepared to present your case. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
