Knoxville's 7-month wait time is faster than the 8-month national average, giving you a predictable window to organize your medical evidence. With an office-wide allowance rate of 56%, your outcome often depends on the quality of your documentation. An attorney can help you evaluate your file and ensure your medical records directly address the limitations an ALJ will examine.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in Knoxville move faster than the national average, so prioritize gathering your updated medical records and a detailed log of your daily activities immediately. You will appear before an ALJ, where a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that fit your physical or mental limits. Because the panel here shows a wide spread in allowance rates, your file must be robust enough to withstand scrutiny regardless of which judge is assigned. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. Your final decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 8 judges in Knoxville shows a wide spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 14% to 76%. Because this variation is significant, your case must be prepared to meet a high standard of evidence. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs medical testimony differently, so a strong, well-documented file is your best tool for success.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span 62 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants spend their 7-month wait time simply waiting for a date, while represented claimants use that period to bridge gaps in their medical history. An attorney who understands the Knoxville panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and build a record that speaks for itself.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day, including the office location at 135 Circle Lane and the contact information for the Knoxville staff.
Most Favorable Judges
Knoxville, TN
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John R. Barker | 78% | 66% | 948 | |
| 2 | J. Elaine Burke | 69% | 65% | 17,720 | |
| 3 | Stephanie M. Jones | 68% | 68% | 15,717 | |
| 4 | Kerry Morgan | 67% | 56% | 25,202 | |
| 5 | K. Dickson Grissom | 66% | 57% | 23,097 | |
| 6 | Donna Lefebvre | 63% | 54% | 29,933 | |
| 7 | Juliana P. Heaton | 57% | 48% | 18,087 | |
| 8 | Mark Dowd | 55% | 47% | 4,609 | |
| 9 | Jim Beeby | 55% | 47% | 30,195 | |
| 10 | James Dixon | 53% | 60% | 26,294 | |
| 11 | Edward Bowling | 50% | 43% | 14,131 | |
| 12 | Andrea L. Wirth | 42% | 36% | 8,279 | |
| 13 | Joyce Francis | 13% | 11% | 18,434 |
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.