You face a 44% allowance rate at the Charlottesville office, which is lower than the national average. Your wait time is currently 7 months, which is faster than the 8-month national average and trending downward. Because the allowance rate is lower, your success depends on the quality of your medical evidence; an attorney can help you organize your records to meet the specific requirements of this panel.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, so you should prioritize gathering updated medical records immediately after your hearing is scheduled. You will sit before an ALJ for a session where a vocational expert will often testify about your ability to perform specific jobs. Bring a detailed log of your daily activities and a list of your current medications, including any side effects that impact your ability to work. Be aware that there is a strict deadline for submitting new evidence before your hearing date. Your attorney can help you cross-examine the vocational expert to ensure your physical or mental limitations are accurately represented.
The Judges at This Office
The panel at this office is consistent, with all four judges clustering within an allowance spread between 40% and 48%. Because the judges operate with such uniformity, you can expect a similar standard of evidence regardless of which judge is assigned to your case. While this predictability helps in planning, remember that each judge still weighs testimony and medical records differently, so your file must be complete and persuasive on its own merits.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 44% allowance rate, the Charlottesville office requires a high level of evidentiary precision to secure a favorable outcome. When the margin for error is this slim, an attorney helps by identifying the specific medical gaps that often lead to denials at this stage. By anticipating the vocational expert's testimony and ensuring your file is fully developed, you move from simply waiting for a date to actively building a case.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these location details and office hours handy as you finalize your travel plans for your hearing date.
Most Favorable Judges
Charlottesville, VA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henry H. Chambers | 82% | 70% | 19,142 | |
| 2 | R. N. Owen | 53% | 45% | 2,280 | |
| 3 | Theodore W. Annos | 50% | 43% | 9,383 | |
| 4 | Peter N. Koclanes | 48% | 40% | 4,631 | |
| 5 | Stephanie Nagel | 48% | 41% | 4,143 | |
| 6 | Mary C. Peltzer | 48% | 41% | 11,003 | |
| 7 | Karen Robinson | 47% | 40% | 3,618 | |
| 8 | Brian B. Rippel | 45% | 38% | 31,661 | |
| 9 | William Barto | 44% | 37% | 2,261 | |
| 10 | Carol G. Moore | 42% | 41% | 12,542 | |
| 11 | H. Munday | 39% | 30% | 25,492 | |
| 12 | Brian P. Kilbane | 25% | 21% | 4,994 | |
| 13 | Mark A. O'Hara | 19% | 16% | 6,347 |
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.