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 approval rates, with individual records ranging from 48% to 78%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs evidence differently. This variation makes thorough preparation essential, as your file must address the specific concerns that often lead to denials.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donna L. Walker | 78% | 3,997 | |
| 2 | Lori L. Freund | 71% | 3,735 | |
| 3 | Caroline Siderius | 71% | 1,538 | |
| 4 | Stewart Stallings | 63% | 3,439 | |
| 5 | R. J. Payne | 56% | 1,774 | |
| 6 | Jesse K. Shumway | 50% | 3,864 | |
| 7 | Marie Palachuk | 48% | 3,477 |
How long you'll wait
At Spokane, 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
With a 9-month wait, you have a substantial runway to ensure your medical evidence is complete. Your hearing will last roughly 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will review your file and likely hear testimony from a vocational expert. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and daily-activity logs well before the evidence-submission deadline. Since the panel shows moderate variation in approval rates, your file must be strong enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned. The vocational expert will testify about jobs that might fit your limitations, and you will have the opportunity to question their conclusions. A final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
A 69% approval rate suggests that this office is receptive to well-documented claims, but the moderate variation across the panel means that weak evidence is still a significant risk. When you have months to prepare, you can identify the specific medical gaps that an ALJ might use to justify a denial. By pressure-testing your file against the vocational expert's likely testimony, you can enter your hearing with a clear, evidence-backed strategy.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Spokane, 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 Spokane office is 9 months. This is consistent with recent trends and is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you understand how to use this time to strengthen your claim.
ALJ assignments are made randomly, and you will not know which judge is presiding until your hearing notice arrives. Because there is a moderate spread in approval rates among the judges, it is vital to have a case that is strong enough to succeed under any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions an ALJ is likely to ask.
Generally, you cannot request a different judge based on their historical approval rate. The best approach is to ensure your medical evidence is so comprehensive that it meets the criteria for approval regardless of which judge is assigned to your case. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is as robust as possible.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and involves testimony from vocational experts. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare for the specific questions an ALJ is likely to ask.
