Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in outcomes, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 63%. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, the specific ALJ assigned to your case can influence the process. This variation is why your file must stand on its own merits regardless of who presides over your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Larry C. Marcy | 63% | 2,549 | |
| 2 | Herbert J. Green | 58% | 1,552 | |
| 3 | Jack W. Raines | 56% | 1,768 | |
| 4 | Laura Roberts | 54% | 3,308 | |
| 5 | Christopher Van Dyck | 53% | 3,411 | |
| 6 | Darren Hamner | 52% | 4,622 | |
| 7 | Dan Dane | 52% | 184 | |
| 8 | Sherrill A. L. Carvalho | 51% | 4,137 | |
| 9 | Carol K. Bowen | 50% | 3,722 | |
| 10 | William E. Sampson | 46% | 2,426 | |
| 11 | Brock Cima | 45% | 4,172 | |
| 12 | William H. Helsper | 43% | 688 | |
| 13 | Ward D. King | 37% | 1,394 | |
| 14 | Marjorie Panter | 37% | 3,409 | |
| 15 | Kevin Batik | 32% | 3,962 |
How long you'll wait
At Fort Worth, 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will evaluate your claim. Because the wait time in Fort Worth is 8 months, use this time to ensure your medical records are complete and up to date. You should bring an updated list of medications, including side effects, and a daily-activity log that details how your condition prevents you from working. A Vocational Expert will likely testify about available jobs, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure all documentation is filed well before your date, as a decision is typically mailed to you several weeks after the hearing concludes.
With a panel where approval rates vary, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. The 8-month wait is a runway to identify gaps in your medical history that a vocational expert might exploit. Preparing your evidence now ensures you are ready for the specific questions you will face under oath.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Fort Worth, 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 current 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, making it essential to prepare your evidence early. An attorney can help you manage this timeline effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because there is a moderate spread in approval rates across the panel, an attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the Social Security Administration to ensure impartiality. Instead of focusing on the judge, focus on building a robust medical record that clearly supports your claim. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is the most complex part of the SSDI process. A qualified attorney can help you navigate the vocational testimony and ensure your medical evidence is properly presented.
