Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, as approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions range from 21% to 76%. This wide variation means that which judge you draw matters, and your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs evidence differently, so you should prepare for the most rigorous standard of review.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C. F. Moore | 76% | 1,216 | |
| 2 | Rebecca D. Westfall | 75% | 349 | |
| 3 | Tammy A. Thames | 70% | 3,845 | |
| 4 | Gal Lahat | 69% | 2,865 | |
| 5 | Janis Estrada | 66% | 906 | |
| 6 | J. M. Brounoff | 65% | 1,384 | |
| 7 | Mary E. Johnson | 64% | 1,472 | |
| 8 | James W. Lessis | 62% | 3,029 | |
| 9 | Rebecca B. Sartor | 57% | 2,808 | |
| 10 | Tresie Kinnell | 56% | 3,983 | |
| 11 | David Foley | 55% | 1,264 | |
| 12 | Michael Sauve | 52% | 1,264 | |
| 13 | J. Frederick Gatzke | 51% | 182 | |
| 14 | Evelyn Maiben | 51% | 3,971 | |
| 15 | Mark J. Mendola | 51% | 2,978 | |
| 16 | Kim Soo Nagle | 46% | 1,519 | |
| 17 | Sharon L. Steckler | 43% | 58 | |
| 18 | Peri Collins | 21% | 2,204 |
How long you'll wait
At Dallas Downtown, 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
With an 8-month wait, you have a critical window to strengthen your file before you appear before an ALJ. Your hearing will typically last 45 to 60 minutes, where you will testify under oath about your limitations. A vocational expert will often testify regarding what jobs, if any, exist for someone with your specific health profile. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and daily activity logs well before the deadline, as last-minute evidence is often restricted. Because the panel here has a wide approval spread, your file must be self-sufficient and clearly documented to succeed regardless of which judge is assigned to your case. A final decision will arrive by mail weeks after the proceeding.
When a panel's approval rates span over 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Dallas Downtown panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical evidence directly addresses the criteria for SSDI eligibility.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Dallas Downtown, 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 8 months. While this is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, the trend has been rising recently, making early preparation essential. An attorney can help you navigate these delays.
Judges are assigned randomly to cases at this office. Because there is a wide spread in approval rates among the 18 judges associated with this location, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards likely to be applied.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. If you believe there is a conflict of interest, you must raise the issue formally through your representative as soon as you receive your hearing notice. An attorney can help you manage this process.
While not required, representation is highly recommended. Given the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office, an attorney can help ensure your medical evidence is organized to meet the specific requirements of the Social Security Administration.
