Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 24% to 88%. This wide variation means that random assignment plays a major role in your case. Each judge weighs evidence differently, and while the office average is 64%, your specific outcome depends on how well your medical documentation aligns with the standards of the judge assigned to your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Walters | 88% | 4,253 | |
| 2 | Whitfield Haigler Jr. | 84% | 3,804 | |
| 3 | Joseph Liken | 81% | 4,817 | |
| 4 | Truett M. Honeycutt | 73% | 692 | |
| 5 | Derek N. Phillips | 71% | 4,381 | |
| 6 | Samuel Thomason | 64% | 1,289 | |
| 7 | Jana Kinkade | 62% | 4,421 | |
| 8 | Raymond J. Malloy | 60% | 320 | |
| 9 | Daniel Curran | 58% | 3,180 | |
| 10 | Ralph F. Shilling | 56% | 3,937 | |
| 11 | Elizabeth B. Dunlap | 54% | 1,914 | |
| 12 | Mark Kim | 51% | 3,945 | |
| 13 | Anne H. Pate | 48% | 1,843 | |
| 14 | Thomas J. Wheeler | 48% | 4,446 | |
| 15 | John A. Henderson | 46% | 679 | |
| 16 | Stanley M. Schwartz | 45% | 1,677 | |
| 17 | Julie Nestler | 42% | 1,267 | |
| 18 | Donald R. Davis | 36% | 1,114 | |
| 19 | Paul Isherwood | 29% | 3,097 | |
| 20 | Susanne M. Cichanowicz | 24% | 1,672 |
How long you'll wait
At Dallas North, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7.5 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 an opportunity to present evidence that was missed during the initial denial. You should bring updated medical records, a detailed medication list noting side effects, and a daily-activity log that captures your physical limitations. The hearing typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will preside and a Vocational Expert will likely testify about available work. Because the SSA restricts last-minute evidence submissions, ensure your file is complete well before your date. The judge will not give you a decision at the table; you will receive a written notice by mail weeks later. Since the panel here shows a wide spread in approval rates, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned.
When a panel's approval rates span over 60 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. Many claimants spend their 7.5-month wait time simply waiting for a date, while represented claimants use that period to build a record that anticipates the vocational expert's testimony. An attorney who understands the Dallas North panel can help you identify the specific evidence needed to bridge the gap between a denial and an approval.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Dallas North, 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 to hearing at this office is 7.5 months. This is faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing a steady timeline for your preparation. An attorney can help you use this time to build a stronger case.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because approval rates vary widely across this panel, an attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the judge assigned to your specific case. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions your judge may ask.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, an attorney can advise you on the formal process for requesting a reassignment. An attorney can help you navigate these procedural requests.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can ensure your medical evidence is properly presented to meet the specific requirements of the ALJ assigned to your case. An attorney can help you pressure-test your file against the specific vocational questions you will face under oath.
