Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 11 ALJs at this office shows a moderate spread in decision outcomes, with approval rates ranging from 62% to 88%. While the median rate of 73% is high, the variation means that which judge you draw can influence the nuances of your hearing. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs evidence differently, so your preparation must remain focused on the objective medical facts of your claim.
| 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 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
With an 8-month wait, you have a valuable runway to ensure your medical records are complete. Focus on gathering updated treatment notes, a detailed medication list including side effects, and a daily-activity log that illustrates your limitations. Your hearing will last roughly 45 to 60 minutes, where an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work. Because this office has a moderate spread in judge approval rates, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. Submit all new evidence well before the deadline to ensure the ALJ has time to review it. You will receive the final decision by mail weeks after your appearance.
When a panel's approval rates span 26 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Even at an office like San Juan where the aggregate approval rate is high, the cases that fail often do so because they did not anticipate the vocational expert's questions. An attorney who understands the local panel can help you pressure-test your file and prepare your testimony before you walk into the hearing room.
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. 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 to reach a hearing at this office is 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you understand how to manage your case during this waiting period.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly at this office. Because there is a moderate spread in approval rates among the 11 judges, it is important to have a well-prepared file that addresses your specific medical limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, you or your attorney can raise the issue with the hearing office. An attorney can help you navigate the process of requesting a change if a valid conflict exists.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony, which is often the deciding factor in a claim.