With a wide spread in judge allowance rates ranging from 20% to 84%, your outcome in San Antonio depends on which judge hears your case. Because the office maintains a steady 7-month wait, you have a predictable window to build a robust medical record. An attorney can help you evaluate your evidence against the specific standards of this panel before you step into the hearing room.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings in San Antonio move slightly faster than the national average, so prioritize submitting updated medical records immediately. You will typically spend time before an ALJ, where a vocational expert will testify about jobs available for your specific limitations. Bring your photo ID, a current list of medications including side effects, and a daily activity log to clarify how your condition impacts your work capacity. Because the judge panel shows significant variation in allowance rates, your file must be complete before the evidence-submission deadline. A decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 22 judges at this office exhibits a wide spread in outcomes, with allowance rates ranging from 20% to 84%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence differently. This variance makes it essential to prepare a file that addresses potential gaps regardless of which judge presides over your session.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span over 60 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the San Antonio panel can help you anticipate the questions a vocational expert will ask and ensure your medical evidence is properly organized. Use the 7-month wait time to pressure-test your case before your hearing date arrives.
About This Hearing Office
With 6,689 total dispositions in the latest reporting period, this office manages a high volume of claims; keep these location details ready for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
San Antonio, TX
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexis Murdock | 69% | 74% | 18,679 | |
| 2 | Peter F. Gazda | 66% | 73% | 27,934 | |
| 3 | Dwight D. Wilkerson | 60% | 59% | 22,909 | |
| 4 | Lissette C. Perez | 58% | 50% | 16,148 | |
| 5 | Ilene B. Kramer | 53% | 60% | 26,924 | |
| 6 | Don A. Harper | 52% | 44% | 16,214 | |
| 7 | Melinda W. Kirkpatrick | 51% | 42% | 29,852 | |
| 8 | David R. Wurm | 49% | 36% | 30,406 | |
| 9 | Matthew Allen | 48% | 38% | 33,915 | |
| 10 | Stanley M. Schwartz | 47% | 40% | 8,249 | |
| 11 | Bernard J. McKay | 45% | 40% | 27,414 | |
| 12 | Robert M. McPhail | 44% | 56% | 24,658 | |
| 13 | Charles L. Brower | 43% | 38% | 29,763 | |
| 14 | Janice L. Holmes | 42% | 33% | 25,189 | |
| 15 | Penny Wilkov | 41% | 35% | 23,399 | |
| 16 | Katherine W. Brown | 39% | 36% | 28,564 | |
| 17 | Ben Barnett | 39% | 34% | 25,933 | |
| 18 | Barbara C. Marquardt | 34% | 29% | 2,604 | |
| 19 | Marc Jones | 32% | 42% | 15,136 | |
| 20 | Mark M. Swayze | 27% | 18% | 26,697 | |
| 21 | Barbara Powell | 23% | 20% | 13,144 | |
| 22 | Gordan Momcilovic | 20% | 16% | 27,412 | |
| 23 | Susan Whittington | 20% | 17% | 12,820 | |
| 24 | Jonathan P. Blucher | 18% | 15% | 11,691 |
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.