Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for individual judges ranging from 21% to 67%. Because of this wide variation, the judge assigned to your case can influence the proceedings more than at offices with more consistent benchmarks. Keep in mind that judge assignment is random, and each ALJ weighs evidence differently based on their interpretation of SSDI regulations.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Susan Preston | 67% | 3,153 | |
| 2 | Regina Carpenter | 55% | 3,375 | |
| 3 | Brian Crockett | 55% | 3,366 | |
| 4 | Juan E. Milanes | 52% | 3,067 | |
| 5 | Jeffrey P. La Vicka | 49% | 3,577 | |
| 6 | Karen B. Kostol | 49% | 2,881 | |
| 7 | Karl Alexander | 48% | 549 | |
| 8 | William R. Stanley | 47% | 2,203 | |
| 9 | George A. Mills III | 33% | 647 | |
| 10 | Nikki Hall | 21% | 1,765 |
How long you'll wait
At Morgantown, 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 will likely last 45 to 60 minutes, during which an Administrative Law Judge will review your file and hear testimony. You should bring updated medical records from the time of your initial denial, a detailed list of your medications and their side effects, and a log of your daily activity limitations. A vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental restrictions, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Because the Social Security Administration restricts last-minute evidence, submit all documentation well before your hearing date. A decision is rarely made on the spot; you will typically receive a written notice by mail weeks later.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Morgantown panel can help you anticipate the specific questions a judge might ask and ensure your testimony aligns with your medical records. This preparation is the best way to move your case toward a favorable decision.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Morgantown, 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 this office is 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you manage your case timeline while you wait.
Hearings are assigned randomly to judges whose most recent office on record is Morgantown. Because approval rates vary widely across this panel, it is important to have a well-documented file regardless of which judge is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if you believe there is a conflict of interest, you or your attorney can file a formal request for recusal.
While not required, having an attorney is highly recommended. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits, especially when navigating a panel with wide variations in approval rates. An attorney can help you build a stronger case.
