At 7 months, the wait for a hearing at Dallas Downtown is faster than the national average of 8 months. With an office-wide allowance rate of 60%, your outcome depends on the quality of your medical documentation. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to ensure your functional limitations are clearly defined for the ALJ.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With a 7-month wait, you have a window to ensure your medical records are complete. Focus on gathering recent treatment notes, a detailed log of your daily activities, and statements from people who can describe your limitations. Your hearing will typically involve an ALJ and a vocational expert who may testify about your ability to perform specific jobs. Because the evidence-submission deadline is strict, you must provide all new documentation well before your date. The ALJ will weigh this evidence against the vocational expert's testimony to determine your eligibility, and you will receive the final decision by mail after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at Dallas Downtown consists of 10 judges with allowance rates ranging from 47% to 78%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span a wide range, your file must be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. Identifying these weaknesses early ensures your medical evidence directly addresses the criteria the ALJ uses to evaluate disability.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these office details handy as you prepare for your hearing at the Harwood Center.
Most Favorable Judges
Dallas, TX
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rebecca D. Westfall | 76% | 65% | 2,677 | |
| 2 | C. F. Moore | 76% | 65% | 10,417 | |
| 3 | Gal Lahat | 70% | 67% | 19,656 | |
| 4 | Tammy A. Thames | 69% | 68% | 25,531 | |
| 5 | J. M. Brounoff | 66% | 56% | 11,327 | |
| 6 | Janis Estrada | 65% | 55% | 7,050 | |
| 7 | Mary E. Johnson | 64% | 54% | 11,960 | |
| 8 | James W. Lessis | 62% | 53% | 22,499 | |
| 9 | Rebecca B. Sartor | 58% | 45% | 22,291 | |
| 10 | Tresie Kinnell | 56% | 49% | 27,370 | |
| 11 | David Foley | 56% | 44% | 5,678 | |
| 12 | Michael Sauve | 52% | 46% | 6,079 | |
| 13 | J. Frederick Gatzke | 51% | 43% | 1,576 | |
| 14 | Mark J. Mendola | 51% | 33% | 21,289 | |
| 15 | Evelyn Maiben | 49% | 54% | 26,729 | |
| 16 | William E. Sampson | 47% | 40% | 18,594 | |
| 17 | Sharon L. Steckler | 43% | 37% | 612 | |
| 18 | Peri Collins | 20% | 11% | 19,298 |
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.