With an office-wide allowance rate of 58%, your outcome depends on the quality of evidence you present. Because the panel features a wide spread in judge allowance rates—ranging from 32% to 89%—your preparation must be thorough enough to withstand scrutiny from any judge. Use the 10.5-month wait to organize your medical file and anticipate vocational testimony. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your medical record and prepare you for the vocational questions that often decide the outcome of your hearing.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
The 10.5-month wait in Tacoma provides a significant runway to strengthen your file before you face an ALJ. Your most critical task is gathering updated medical records that document your limitations since your initial denial. You should also prepare a detailed log of your daily activities and medication side effects, as these details often clarify your functional capacity for the Vocational Expert. Because evidence submission deadlines are strictly enforced, ensure all documents are filed well before your date. A well-documented file is your strongest tool for a favorable outcome.
The Judges at This Office
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, as allowance rates for the six judges range from 32% to 89%. This wide variation means that which judge you draw can impact your case, making it essential to prepare for the most rigorous standards. Cases are assigned randomly, and each judge weighs evidence differently, so your file must be comprehensive enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific judge presiding.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
When a panel's allowance rates span nearly 60 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. The 10.5-month wait is not just a period of inactivity; it is a window to pressure-test your evidence against the specific criteria an ALJ will use to determine your eligibility. Focusing on your functional limitations now can help you build a more persuasive case for your hearing date.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these details handy for your hearing day, as you prepare to visit the office located at Suite 200, 2413 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402.
Most Favorable Judges
Tacoma, WA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gene Duncan | 77% | 65% | 3,468 | |
| 2 | Margaret M. Sullivan | 72% | 84% | 25,102 | |
| 3 | Gary Elliott | 67% | 57% | 2,960 | |
| 4 | Joanne E. Dantonio | 59% | 50% | 11,205 | |
| 5 | Marilyn S. Mauer | 57% | 48% | 12,688 | |
| 6 | James W. Sherry | 56% | 48% | 3,754 | |
| 7 | S. Andrew Grace | 51% | 43% | 8,594 | |
| 8 | David Johnson | 49% | 35% | 28,706 | |
| 9 | Robert P. Kingsley | 48% | 41% | 1,566 | |
| 10 | Keith Allred | 48% | 41% | 7,176 | |
| 11 | Kelly Wilson | 45% | 38% | 4,013 | |
| 12 | Lawrence Lee | 44% | 100% | 14,105 | |
| 13 | Mark Triplett | 42% | 43% | 25,434 | |
| 14 | Gerald J. Hill | 36% | 31% | 5,994 | |
| 15 | Michael Gilbert | 36% | 31% | 1,941 | |
| 16 | Allen G. Erickson | 31% | 20% | 27,397 | |
| 17 | Rebecca L. Jones | 30% | 26% | 11,324 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.