Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges with at least 30 decisions on record since 2016 ranging from 8% to 73%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This wide variation makes it essential to prepare a file that is strong enough to stand on its own regardless of who is presiding.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helen F. Strong | 73% | 2,961 | |
| 2 | Laura Bach | 67% | 3,787 | |
| 3 | Timothy Suing | 64% | 2,097 | |
| 4 | Robert N. Burdette | 56% | 4,283 | |
| 5 | Donald J. Willy | 54% | 3,187 | |
| 6 | Richard A. Gilbert | 51% | 4,442 | |
| 7 | Solomon Boyle | 50% | 2,315 | |
| 8 | Thomas G. Norman | 48% | 134 | |
| 9 | Kimani R. Eason | 46% | 4,131 | |
| 10 | Vincent Bennett | 42% | 2,688 | |
| 11 | Caroline H. Beers | 42% | 3,762 | |
| 12 | Kelly Matthews | 34% | 3,382 | |
| 13 | Michelle Whetsel | 29% | 2,210 | |
| 14 | Susan J. Soddy | 8% | 334 |
How long you'll wait
At Houston West, 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 your opportunity to present evidence that was missed during the initial-decision stage in Texas, which has an approval rate of 38%. With an 8-month wait, you have a runway to update your medical records and document how your condition limits your daily activities. Gather a current medication list, including side effects, and consider obtaining witness statements from those who see your limitations firsthand. The hearing itself typically lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, where an ALJ will preside and a Vocational Expert will likely testify regarding available work. You or your representative will have the chance to question the expert, which is often the most critical part of the proceeding. Decisions are rarely made on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 60 points, your file must be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. An attorney who understands the nuances of the Houston West panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's testimony and identify gaps in your medical record. Preparing a comprehensive file ensures you are ready for the hearing regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Houston West, 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 8 months, which is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months.
Cases are assigned randomly to the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common in this office.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA. However, an attorney can help you build a case that addresses the concerns of any judge on the panel.
While not required, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony.
