Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in outcomes, with approval rates ranging from 41% to 66%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each one weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joseph T. Scruton | 66% | 4,227 | |
| 2 | Thomas W. Erwin | 59% | 4,082 | |
| 3 | Jeffrey J. Schueler | 53% | 2,323 | |
| 4 | Geraldine H. Page | 45% | 1,679 | |
| 5 | James Gabello | 41% | 996 |
How long you'll wait
At Roanoke, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8.5 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 Administrative Law Judge reviews the evidence that led to your initial denial. You should arrive with updated medical records from the months following your last rejection, as these are the most powerful tools to prove your ongoing limitations. The hearing typically lasts about an hour, during which a vocational expert testifies about whether jobs exist that fit your specific functional capacity. You and your attorney have the right to question this expert. Because evidence submission deadlines are strict, you must ensure all documents are filed well before your date. A decision will not be made in the room; you will receive a written notice by mail several weeks later.
With a moderate spread in judge approval rates, your file must be strong enough to address the specific vocational limitations that ALJs and experts look for in a successful claim. By using the 8.5-month wait to build a comprehensive record, you move from a position of uncertainty to one of preparation. This proactive approach to evidence gathering remains the most effective way to navigate the hearing process.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Roanoke, 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 the Roanoke office is 8.5 months. This is slightly higher than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with extra time to gather necessary medical documentation. An attorney can help you use this time to build a stronger case.
Hearings are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is Roanoke. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific tendencies of the panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the Social Security Administration to ensure impartiality. If you are concerned about a conflict of interest, an attorney can help you navigate the formal process for requesting a recusal.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are statistically more likely to receive an approval at the hearing stage. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the SSDI process and ensure your evidence is ready for the ALJ.
