Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a tight approval-rate spread, with outcomes clustering around a 54% median. This consistency suggests that the bench evaluates cases with a similar approach. While cases are assigned randomly, each ALJ weighs evidence differently, and this data represents a historical record rather than a guarantee of your specific hearing outcome.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christopher Galloway | 60% | 1,153 | |
| 2 | Kerith Cohen | 56% | 1,884 | |
| 3 | William Pflugrath | 55% | 2,533 | |
| 4 | Chad Gendreau | 55% | 3,590 | |
| 5 | Jeffrey M. Jordan | 54% | 4,090 | |
| 6 | O. P. Dodson | 54% | 2,351 | |
| 7 | Monica L. Flynn | 52% | 1,992 | |
| 8 | Stewart Goldstein | 52% | 1,115 | |
| 9 | Maryann S. Bright | 51% | 3,847 | |
| 10 | Irving A. Pianin | 49% | 1,405 | |
| 11 | Carol Matula | 49% | 3,468 | |
| 12 | William T. Vest Jr. | 48% | 1,341 |
How long you'll wait
At Norfolk, 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
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will review your claim. You should arrive with updated medical records covering the period since your initial denial, as these are critical for proving your ongoing disability. A vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Ensure your medication list, a log of daily activities, and any witness statements are submitted well before the deadline. Because this office maintains a steady 9-month wait, use this time to ensure every limitation is documented by your physician.
With a 9-month wait between your request and your hearing, you have a significant runway to refine your evidence. Cases that fail at this stage often do so because the medical record does not directly address the specific criteria an ALJ uses to determine work capacity. Focusing on objective medical findings and clear documentation of your functional limitations remains the most effective way to navigate the hearing process.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Norfolk, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with additional time to gather necessary medical evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to strengthen your file.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because assignment is not within your control, focusing on the quality of your medical documentation is the most effective way to prepare for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of the hearing.
You generally cannot choose your judge. If you have concerns about your assigned judge, an attorney can help you evaluate your file to determine if there are valid legal grounds to address the assignment.
While not required, having an attorney who understands the panel's tendencies can be a significant advantage. Representation helps ensure your testimony and medical records align with the requirements of the Social Security Administration. An attorney can help you present your case effectively.
