Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges ranging from 20% to 82%. Because of this wide spread, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the hearing dynamic. Cases are assigned randomly, and each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henry H. Chambers | 82% | 2,654 | |
| 2 | R. N. Owen | 52% | 306 | |
| 3 | Karen Robinson | 52% | 600 | |
| 4 | Theodore W. Annos | 50% | 1,148 | |
| 5 | Mary C. Peltzer | 49% | 1,349 | |
| 6 | Stephanie Nagel | 47% | 574 | |
| 7 | Peter N. Koclanes | 46% | 1,087 | |
| 8 | William Barto | 44% | 253 | |
| 9 | Brian B. Rippel | 44% | 4,496 | |
| 10 | Carol G. Moore | 42% | 1,986 | |
| 11 | H. Munday | 38% | 3,645 | |
| 12 | Brian P. Kilbane | 26% | 655 | |
| 13 | Mark A. O'Hara | 20% | 730 |
How long you'll wait
At Charlottesville, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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
You have 9 months until your hearing, which provides a significant runway to strengthen your file. Start by gathering all medical records from the period following your initial denial, as these are the most vital pieces of evidence for an ALJ. You should also maintain a daily log of your symptoms and limitations to provide concrete examples of how your condition impacts your ability to work. During your hearing, an ALJ will preside while a vocational expert typically testifies about available jobs in the national economy. You can question this expert to clarify why your specific impairments preclude you from performing those roles. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. Your final decision will arrive by mail after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 60 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Charlottesville panel can help you identify the specific medical gaps that often lead to denials at this office. They will pressure-test your evidence against the vocational expert's likely testimony, ensuring you are prepared for the questions that matter most. Use your 9-month wait to build a case that is ready for any judge.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Charlottesville, 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 for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, so it is important to use this time to strengthen your medical evidence. An attorney can help you prepare your case during this period.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges at this office. Because approval rates vary widely across the panel, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards that different judges may apply.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if there is a conflict of interest, you may be able to request a reassignment. An attorney can help you evaluate your situation and advise on the appropriate steps.
While not required, having an attorney is highly recommended. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits, especially at offices with lower approval rates like Charlottesville. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process.
