Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The panel of judges associated with this office shows a moderate spread in approval rates, with individual records ranging from 50% to 78%. This variation means that while the office average is high, the specific ALJ assigned to your case will weigh your evidence through their own lens. Cases are assigned randomly, so you cannot choose your judge. Your best strategy is to build a record so comprehensive that it meets the burden of proof under any judge on the panel.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Debra Meachum | 78% | 2,376 | |
| 2 | Joseph D. Jacobson | 72% | 4,433 | |
| 3 | Thomas W. Springer | 70% | 1,023 | |
| 4 | Ahavaha Pyrtel | 67% | 3,469 | |
| 5 | Michael Schaefer | 61% | 3,563 | |
| 6 | Gary A. Freyberg | 59% | 2,431 | |
| 7 | John H. Pleuss | 55% | 184 | |
| 8 | Guila Parker | 50% | 2,914 |
How long you'll wait
At Madison, 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 about 45 to 60 minutes, during which an ALJ will review your file and hear testimony. A vocational expert often attends to provide an opinion on whether jobs exist that fit your specific physical or mental limitations. You should arrive with an updated list of your medications, including any side effects that impact your ability to work, and a log of your daily activities. Because this office has a moderate spread in judge approval rates, your file must stand on its own merits regardless of who presides. Ensure all medical records from the period since your initial denial are submitted well before the hearing deadline. A decision typically arrives by mail several weeks after the proceeding concludes.
With a 69% approval rate, Madison is an office where well-documented claims often succeed, yet the moderate variation across the panel means you cannot rely on the average to carry your case. An attorney understands how to anticipate the questions a vocational expert will ask and can ensure your medical records directly address the criteria for SSDI eligibility. Rather than waiting for your hearing date to arrive, use the 8-month lead time to pressure-test your file.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Madison, 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 wait time has remained steady over the last year, providing a consistent window to prepare your evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to gather the necessary documentation.
Hearings are assigned to judges randomly, and you cannot request a specific judge. Because approval rates across the panel range from 50% to 78%, it is essential to have a strong, well-documented file that is ready for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
While you are not required to have an attorney, representation is highly recommended. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare you for the testimony of the vocational expert, which is often the deciding factor in a hearing.
You should dress in neat, respectful clothing, similar to what you would wear to a job interview. The focus of the hearing is on your medical evidence and your ability to work, but a professional appearance shows the judge that you take the process seriously. An attorney can help you understand what to expect during the hearing process.
