Who decides cases at this office
The panel of 4 ALJs at this office maintains a tight consistency in their decision-making, with individual allowance rates clustering between 38% and 51%. Because the judges operate within a narrow 13-point band, outcomes here are less dependent on which specific judge you draw and more reliant on the quality of your evidence. Each judge weighs testimony differently, but the panel's overall structure suggests a predictable standard for evaluating disability claims.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christina Hajjar | 51% | 1,427 | |
| 2 | Maria Hodges | 49% | 6,133 | |
| 3 | Melinda Wells | 46% | 3,454 | |
| 4 | Jerry Meade | 38% | 3,740 |
How long you'll wait
At Huntington, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 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
Hearings at this office move faster than the national average, so you should prioritize gathering updated medical records immediately. Your file must include a current list of medications with side effects and a log of your daily activity limitations. The hearing itself typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, where an ALJ will preside and a vocational expert will often testify about available jobs. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to question the expert regarding your specific physical or mental restrictions. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. Your final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
With a 45% allowance rate, the Huntington office presents a setting where the difference between an approval and a denial often comes down to how well your medical record addresses the vocational expert's testimony. When you are facing a panel that requires precise documentation to reach the median allowance rate, you should focus on identifying and filling the gaps in your file. Reviewing your case with a professional can help ensure your evidence is ready for the hearing.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Huntington, 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 average wait for a hearing at this office is currently 7 months, which is faster than the 8.2-month national average.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 4 ALJs at this office. Because the panel maintains a tight allowance-rate spread, your outcome is driven more by the strength of your medical evidence than by the specific judge assigned.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. An attorney can help you prepare a case that meets the evidentiary standards of any judge on the panel.
While not required, having an attorney is recommended. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and ensure your evidence is presented effectively. An attorney can help you build your case.