Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 6 judges at this office shows a wide spread in allowance rates, with outcomes ranging from 28% to 84%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be prepared to meet a high standard of proof, regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M. Thayne Warner | 85% | 5,076 | |
| 2 | Kathleen H. Switzer | 77% | 10,046 | |
| 3 | Denzel R. Busick | 72% | 28,574 | |
| 4 | J. Doug Wolfe | 68% | 28,209 | |
| 5 | Donald R. Jensen | 68% | 945 | |
| 6 | Preston L. Mitchell | 51% | 24,673 | |
| 7 | Gilbert A. Martinez | 43% | 10,478 | |
| 8 | David W. Thompson | 36% | 30,271 | |
| 9 | Gerald R. Bruce | 28% | 26,697 |
Heading to an ALJ hearing? See if you qualify for representation before your hearing.
Free Benefits ReviewHow long you'll wait
At Salt Lake City, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 months— versus a national average of 8 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — represented vs. on your own
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
The 8-month wait for a hearing in Salt Lake City provides a window to build a robust medical record. You should gather updated treatment notes, a log of your daily limitations, and statements from those who witness your struggles. During your hearing, an Administrative Law Judge will preside while a vocational expert often testifies about jobs that might fit your restrictions. You have the opportunity to cross-examine this expert, which is often a turning point for a claim. Because the panel here is diverse in its decision-making, your evidence must be comprehensive enough to stand up to any judge. Ensure all documents are submitted well before the deadline.
When a panel's allowance rates span a wide range, your file must be strong enough that it remains persuasive regardless of the judge's individual tendencies. Many people wait months for their hearing date only to arrive with gaps in their medical history that could have been identified and filled earlier. Preparing a case that addresses the specific requirements of the hearing stage helps you navigate the diverse decision-making styles found within this office.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Salt Lake City, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. 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.