Who decides cases at this office
The 13 ALJs at the Richmond office show a wide spread in approval rates, ranging from a low of 18% to a high of 59%. Because outcomes swing significantly across this panel, which judge you draw matters to your final result. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs evidence differently, so your preparation must focus on creating a clear, evidence-backed record that addresses the specific criteria for your disability.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony J. Johnson | 59% | 276 | |
| 2 | William H. Hauser | 58% | 1,970 | |
| 3 | Eric Eklund | 57% | 3,992 | |
| 4 | Anthony J. Johnson Jr. | 50% | 3,203 | |
| 5 | Theodore P. Kennedy | 50% | 2,423 | |
| 6 | Nicolas R. Foster | 49% | 4,189 | |
| 7 | Maria Nunez | 48% | 1,096 | |
| 8 | Mark Baker | 47% | 2,787 | |
| 9 | Deborah Foresman | 42% | 1,859 | |
| 10 | Linda S. Crovella | 39% | 1,712 | |
| 11 | L. R. BaileySmith | 38% | 2,711 | |
| 12 | Patricia E. Hurt | 34% | 167 | |
| 13 | Suzette Knight | 18% | 3,119 |
How long you'll wait
At Richmond, 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.
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
With an 8-month wait, you have a limited window to strengthen your file before your hearing. Your primary task is gathering updated medical records that document your limitations since your last denial. You should also prepare a daily-activity log and a list of medication side effects, as these details often influence the testimony of the vocational expert. Hearings typically last 45 to 60 minutes, where you will answer questions from the ALJ and your attorney. Because the Richmond panel shows a wide spread in approval rates, your documentation must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. While you wait for your hearing date, you can identify gaps in your medical history that might lead to a denial. You can also prepare for the vocational expert's testimony, which is often the most challenging part of the hearing. Use your remaining time to have a professional review your case before you walk into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Richmond, 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.
Frequently asked questions
The current average wait for a hearing at the Richmond office is 8 months. This wait time has been trending upward recently, so it is important to submit your evidence as early as possible. An attorney can help you track your status and ensure your file is complete.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly at the Richmond office. Because there are 13 judges with varying approval rates, an attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the panel. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of the judge assigned to your case.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. Because the panel at Richmond has a wide spread in approval rates, your best strategy is to build a strong, well-documented file that meets the requirements for disability regardless of who is presiding. An attorney can help you build a case that is prepared for any judge.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the 45% approval rate at this office suggests that hearings are highly competitive. An attorney can help you navigate the evidence-submission process and prepare you for questioning.