Franklin's 6.5-month wait time is faster than the national average, giving you a shorter window to finalize your evidence. With a 53% allowance rate, the office sits in the middle of national performance, meaning your outcome depends on the quality of your medical documentation. Because the panel of 11 judges shows a wide spread in approval rates, an attorney can help you pressure-test your file before the hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at this office move quickly, so you must submit all updated medical records well before your date to ensure the judge has time to review them. Your hearing will typically involve answering questions about your daily limitations and work history. A vocational expert will likely testify regarding whether jobs exist that accommodate your specific restrictions. You should bring a clear, updated list of your medications and their side effects, along with any logs of your daily activities. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, last-minute additions are often restricted. A final decision usually arrives by mail several weeks after the proceedings conclude.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 11 judges at this office demonstrates a wide spread in decision outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 34% to 77%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides over your hearing.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 40 points, your file must be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. Hearings at this office come up faster than the national average, leaving little room for error once your date is set. Preparing your medical history and anticipating the questions experts often ask can help you navigate the hearing process.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day, including the office location and contact information for the Franklin hearing site.
Most Favorable Judges
Franklin, TN
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donald E. Garrison | 76% | 65% | 6,503 | |
| 2 | Linda Gai Roberts-Reap | 67% | 75% | 17,506 | |
| 3 | Linda Gail Roberts | 66% | 56% | 6,698 | |
| 4 | John R. Daughtry | 63% | 47% | 26,019 | |
| 5 | J. D. Reap | 60% | 58% | 25,741 | |
| 6 | Troy M. Patterson | 59% | 50% | 15,349 | |
| 7 | Brian Dougherty | 52% | 50% | 24,015 | |
| 8 | Scott C. Shimer | 50% | 41% | 26,949 | |
| 9 | Elizabeth P. Neuhoff | 50% | 38% | 23,672 | |
| 10 | Michael E. Finnie | 42% | 37% | 25,586 | |
| 11 | Shannon H. Smith | 33% | 28% | 1,097 | |
| 12 | Shannon H. Heath | 30% | 26% | 23,128 | |
| 13 | Gary J. Suttles | 29% | 22% | 22,324 |
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.