At 70%, the Chattanooga office approves a higher share of claims than the national average. Because the panel of 10 judges shows a wide allowance-rate spread—ranging from 48% to 94%—your specific judge assignment carries weight. An attorney can help you build a robust medical record that addresses the specific evidentiary standards of this panel before you step into the hearing room.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, with a 7-month wait that has remained steady recently. You should use this time to organize your medical history, specifically focusing on records generated after your initial denial. Your hearing will typically last about an hour, during which an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work. You must submit all new evidence well before the hearing date, as last-minute additions are restricted. Bring an updated list of your medications, including side effects, and a log of your daily activities to help the judge understand your functional limitations. A decision will generally arrive by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 10 judges at this office exhibits a wide spread in outcomes, with allowance rates ranging from 48% to 94%. Because of this significant variation, the judge you draw can influence the tone and focus of your hearing. While cases are assigned randomly, each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be prepared to meet the highest standard of proof regardless of who presides.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span 46 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. While the 70% allowance rate in Chattanooga is encouraging, cases that fail often do so because they do not anticipate the vocational expert's questions about transferable skills. Preparing your evidence to address these specific inquiries is a standard part of the hearing process.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day at the Chattanooga office.
Most Favorable Judges
Chattanooga, TN
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael R. Swan | 80% | 89% | 22,246 | |
| 2 | Eduardo Soto | 78% | 66% | 6,901 | |
| 3 | John E. Case | 75% | 71% | 30,561 | |
| 4 | James E. Deen Jr. | 71% | 60% | 1,828 | |
| 5 | Michael L. Brownfield | 70% | 100% | 14,888 | |
| 6 | Frederick McGrath | 66% | 56% | 18,552 | |
| 7 | Wesley R. Kliner | 61% | 68% | 26,701 | |
| 8 | Angela Saindon | 61% | 52% | 20,499 | |
| 9 | Randi E. Lappin | 60% | 73% | 24,253 | |
| 10 | William O. Gray | 58% | 49% | 10,036 | |
| 11 | Lauren L. Benedict | 56% | 46% | 29,421 | |
| 12 | Kristie Luffman-Minor | 56% | 51% | 22,881 | |
| 13 | Carey Jobe | 55% | 47% | 15,785 | |
| 14 | Jeannie S. Bartlett | 46% | 39% | 3,182 | |
| 15 | Ronald J. Feibus | 45% | 38% | 3,382 | |
| 16 | Suhirjahaan Morehead | 40% | 35% | 23,953 |
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.