The 65% allowance rate at Dallas North is higher than the national average, suggesting this office is favorable to you when you arrive with a well-documented file. Because the 8-month wait is steady, you have a predictable window to organize your medical evidence. An attorney can help you bridge the gap between your current medical records and the specific requirements of the Social Security Administration.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8-month wait, you have a clear runway to strengthen your file before your hearing date. Your primary goal is to ensure your medical records are current and reflect the full scope of your limitations since your initial denial. You should bring an updated list of medications, including any side effects that impact your daily functioning, and a log of your daily activities. During the hearing, an Administrative Law Judge will preside, and a Vocational Expert will likely testify about available work. You and your representative will have the opportunity to question the expert regarding how your specific physical or mental constraints limit your ability to perform those jobs. Finalize your documentation well before the hearing date to meet strict evidence submission deadlines.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at Dallas North features a wide spread in outcomes, with individual judge allowance rates ranging from 32% to 91%. Because cases are assigned randomly, the judge you draw can influence your outcome. This variation makes it essential to prepare a case that is robust enough to meet the standards of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span nearly 60 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. Many claimants at this office find that the difference between a denial and an approval lies in how effectively they address the Vocational Expert's testimony. Preparing your evidence to address these specific vocational hurdles is a standard part of building a successful case.
About This Hearing Office
With 4,220 dispositions processed in the latest period, this office is a high-volume hub. Keep these details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
Dallas, TX
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charles Walters | 88% | 78% | 29,079 | |
| 2 | Whitfield Haigler Jr. | 83% | 86% | 24,196 | |
| 3 | Joseph Liken | 80% | 76% | 34,005 | |
| 4 | Truett M. Honeycutt | 73% | 62% | 5,787 | |
| 5 | Derek N. Phillips | 71% | 58% | 30,642 | |
| 6 | Jana Kinkade | 60% | 63% | 31,074 | |
| 7 | Raymond J. Malloy | 59% | 50% | 2,907 | |
| 8 | Daniel Curran | 56% | 48% | 26,401 | |
| 9 | Elizabeth B. Dunlap | 55% | 47% | 16,138 | |
| 10 | Ralph F. Shilling | 55% | 50% | 30,095 | |
| 11 | Mark Kim | 50% | 36% | 28,460 | |
| 12 | Thomas J. Wheeler | 48% | 36% | 31,689 | |
| 13 | Anne H. Pate | 46% | 39% | 16,055 | |
| 14 | Julie Nestler | 45% | 23% | 6,784 | |
| 15 | John A. Henderson | 45% | 38% | 5,410 | |
| 16 | Carolyn Ebbers | 39% | 33% | 1,142 | |
| 17 | Donald R. Davis | 35% | 30% | 8,848 | |
| 18 | Susanne M. Cichanowicz | 24% | 20% | 12,994 |
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.