Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes vary across the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 41% to 88%. This wide spread means that the judge you draw can impact your case, as each weighs evidence differently. Because assignment is random, your best strategy is to build a case that is strong enough to succeed regardless of the specific judge presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Douglas G. White | 88% | 1,546 | |
| 2 | Marshall D. Riley | 78% | 3,457 | |
| 3 | Gentry C.M. Hogan | 73% | 2,967 | |
| 4 | Michael J. Davenport | 71% | 1,827 | |
| 5 | Keith C. Pilkey | 68% | 5,181 | |
| 6 | Charles R. Howard | 63% | 5,161 | |
| 7 | George L. Evans III | 62% | 1,297 | |
| 8 | Sherman D. Schwartzberg | 58% | 3,208 | |
| 9 | Mary M. Renfroe | 57% | 808 | |
| 10 | John A. Pottinger | 55% | 3,132 | |
| 11 | John L. McFadyen | 53% | 864 | |
| 12 | Benjamin Burton | 47% | 2,840 | |
| 13 | Robin J. Barber | 44% | 3,122 | |
| 14 | Brian Battles | 42% | 2,438 | |
| 15 | Carolyn Keen | 41% | 2,512 |
How long you'll wait
At Kingsport, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 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 is the most important stage of your SSDI claim, and the 7-month wait at Kingsport gives you a window to organize your evidence. You must submit updated medical records, a current medication list with side effects, and a daily-activity log before the deadline. During the hearing, an ALJ will preside while a vocational expert typically testifies about available work. Because the panel of judges here shows a wide variation in approval rates, your file must clearly document your functional limitations. Decisions are mailed after the hearing, so ensure your contact information is current with the SSA.
When a panel's approval rates span nearly 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the local panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical records are fully updated before the hearing date.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Kingsport, 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 7 months, which is faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you understand how to manage this timeline.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, it is vital to have a well-documented case regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, an attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the local panel and ensure your evidence is prepared for any outcome.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are often better positioned to navigate the hearing process. An attorney can help you present your evidence effectively and improve your chances of approval.
