Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 29% to 76%. Because cases are assigned randomly, which judge you draw matters, as each weighs evidence differently. This wide spread means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ presiding over your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donald E. Garrison | 76% | 878 | |
| 2 | Linda Gail Roberts-Reap | 68% | 2,747 | |
| 3 | Kerry Morgan | 67% | 3,904 | |
| 4 | Linda Gail Roberts | 64% | 952 | |
| 5 | J. Dennis Reap | 63% | 3,935 | |
| 6 | John R. Daughtry | 62% | 3,910 | |
| 7 | Troy M. Patterson | 59% | 2,036 | |
| 8 | Brian Dougherty | 53% | 3,574 | |
| 9 | Scott C. Shimer | 50% | 4,035 | |
| 10 | Elizabeth P. Neuhoff | 49% | 3,596 | |
| 11 | Michael E. Finnie | 43% | 3,526 | |
| 12 | Shannon H. Smith | 34% | 235 | |
| 13 | Shannon H. Heath | 29% | 3,456 | |
| 14 | Gary J. Suttles | 29% | 2,983 |
How long you'll wait
At Franklin, 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
An Administrative Law Judge will review your claim and hear testimony. Because the wait time at this office has been rising, use these 8 months to gather updated medical records, a detailed log of your daily activities, and statements from those who witness your limitations. A vocational expert will often testify regarding whether jobs exist that you can perform given your specific health restrictions. You and your attorney have the right to question this expert to ensure they understand your actual capacity. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so provide documentation well in advance of your hearing date.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. The 8-month wait time is a preparation runway that experienced representatives use to pressure-test your file against the vocational expert's likely testimony. A well-documented case is your best defense against the inherent variability of the hearing process.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Franklin, 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 time for a hearing at this office is 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, though wait times have been trending upward recently. An attorney can help you prepare your case during this waiting period.
Cases are assigned randomly to judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, it is important to have a representative who is familiar with the evidence requirements of the entire bench. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific approach of the judge assigned to you.
You generally cannot choose your judge. Because the panel shows a wide spread in approval rates, your best strategy is to build a comprehensive medical record that addresses the specific limitations an ALJ will look for. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process regardless of which judge is assigned.
While not required, having an attorney is a proven way to navigate the complexities of an ALJ hearing. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare you for the vocational expert's testimony.
