Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes swing significantly across the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates spanning from 13% to 77%. Because of this wide variation, which judge you draw matters as much as the office average. Cases are assigned randomly, and each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John R. Barker | 77% | 97 | |
| 2 | Stephanie M. Jones | 70% | 2,221 | |
| 3 | J. Elaine Burke | 68% | 2,278 | |
| 4 | K. Dickson Grissom | 66% | 3,149 | |
| 5 | Donna Lefebvre | 62% | 3,941 | |
| 6 | Juliana P. Heaton | 56% | 2,429 | |
| 7 | Joan A. Lawrence | 55% | 707 | |
| 8 | James Dixon | 54% | 3,912 | |
| 9 | Mark Dowd | 54% | 686 | |
| 10 | Jim Beeby | 53% | 4,017 | |
| 11 | Mary E. Richardson | 53% | 2,281 | |
| 12 | Mark Siegel | 53% | 1,289 | |
| 13 | Edward Bowling | 49% | 1,749 | |
| 14 | Todd Spangler | 49% | 2,996 | |
| 15 | Andrea L. Wirth | 42% | 970 | |
| 16 | Joyce Francis | 13% | 2,759 |
How long you'll wait
At Knoxville, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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
Hearings at the Knoxville office involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. You should bring updated medical records, a list of medications with side effects, and a log of your daily activities to demonstrate your limitations. A vocational expert will often testify regarding whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental constraints. Because the office has a wide spread in judge approval rates, your file must be self-sufficient and clearly documented. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. The office is currently seeing a rising trend in wait times, which now sit at 9 months.
When a panel's approval rates span over 60 points, your file has to be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Identifying specific evidence gaps that often lead to denials is a standard part of preparing for a hearing. Using the 9-month wait to pressure-test your file before you walk into the hearing room helps ensure you are ready for the specific requirements of this office.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Knoxville, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, providing additional time to strengthen your medical evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to build a stronger case.
Cases are assigned randomly to the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely among these judges, your best strategy is to ensure your medical file is comprehensive regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific tendencies of this panel.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, you should discuss this with an attorney immediately to determine if a formal request is appropriate. An attorney can help you evaluate your options.
While not required, having an attorney is highly recommended. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits, especially at offices with wide judge variation like Knoxville. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process.
