Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and they show a moderate spread in approval rates, ranging from 39% to 78% for judges with significant records. Because outcomes vary across this range, which judge you draw can influence your hearing experience. Random assignment is standard, and each judge weighs evidence differently, so your case must be prepared to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ assigned.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valerie A. Bawolek | 78% | 4,004 | |
| 2 | Jon K. Johnson | 75% | 1,623 | |
| 3 | Toby J. Buel Sr. | 71% | 4,472 | |
| 4 | M. Drew Crislip | 66% | 4,366 | |
| 5 | Sabrina M. Tilley | 64% | 2,299 | |
| 6 | William R. Paxton | 61% | 948 | |
| 7 | Breinne A. Mullins | 59% | 908 | |
| 8 | Francine A. Serafin | 46% | 3,318 | |
| 9 | Nathan Brown | 39% | 2,336 |
How long you'll wait
At Charleston, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 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. Because the wait in Charleston is 8 months, use this time to gather updated medical records, a comprehensive medication list, and a daily-activity log that highlights your functional limitations. The most important step is submitting this evidence well before the deadline, as late additions are often restricted. During the hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that might fit your profile, and you will have the opportunity to question them. A final decision typically arrives by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
With a 62% approval rate, the Charleston office is a venue where well-documented cases frequently succeed, yet the moderate variation across the panel means there is no room for error in your presentation. Focusing on the specific functional limitations documented in your medical records remains the most effective way to address the panel's varying approaches to evidence.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Charleston, 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 Charleston office is 8 months. This wait time has shown a rising trend recently, making it essential to use this period to prepare your case thoroughly. An attorney can help you manage this timeline.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly, and you will not know your specific judge until closer to your hearing date. Because approval rates across this panel range from 39% to 78%, having a strong, evidence-backed file is the best way to prepare for any outcome. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific judge assigned to your case.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made through a random process to ensure impartiality. If you are concerned about your assigned judge, an attorney can help you evaluate your options and prepare your case to meet the specific standards of the ALJ presiding over your hearing.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process, cross-examine the vocational expert, and ensure your medical evidence is presented effectively.
