FARGO, North dakota Odar offices
At the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) in Fargo, NORTH DAKOTA, 16 different administrative law judges (ALJ) conduct Social Security Disability (SSD) hearings and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearings. Currently, in Fargo, the average wait time for a SSI or SSD hearing is 11 months. The average case processing time in Fargo is 373 days. The Fargo average for winning a SSI or SSD disability hearing is 46%. Click on the name of one of the ALJs below to see detailed information about their hearing results. This information for the Fargo ODAR office was last updated on 10/01/2021.
AVERAGE STATISTICS
| Office | Judges | Avg. Hearing | Average Processing Time |
Avg. Depositions Per Day Per ALJ |
Cases Dismissed |
Cases Approved |
Cases Denied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FARGO | 16 | 11.0 months | 373 days | 2.0 | 18% | 46% | 36% |
| NORTH DAKOTA | 11.8 months | 419 days | 2.0 | 18% | 46% | 36% | |
| National Average: | 11.8 months | 418 days | 1.9 | 18% | 44% | 38% | |
AVERAGE TIME
| Hearing Wait Time |
Depositions Per Day Per ALJ |
Average Processing Time |
Cases Pending |
Depositions | New Cases | Hearings In Person |
Video Hearings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| months | days | % | % |
LIST OF JUDGES / 22
| Full Name | Dismissed | Approved | Denied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Stuber | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Marsha Stroup | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Brenda Rosten | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| James W Olson | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Lyle Olson | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Christopher Messina | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Robert Maxwell | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nicholas J LoBurgio | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Donna Lefebvre | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Hallie E Larsen | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Randi E Lappin | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Theodore P Kennedy | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jeffrey N Holappa | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| William L Hogan | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Richard Hlaudy | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| James Geyer | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Denzel R Busick | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Eskunder Boyd | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Kristi Bellamy | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Michael N Balter | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Christel Ambuehl | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Warren H Albrecht | 0% | 0% | 0% |
102 Comments
just saw him yesterday, and very nice and listened to me. i had a lot more things i wanted to say, but when you're there, it's a different situation and you forget some stuff. However, my attorney said not to ramble on, and i would tend to do that, so i just spoke how my condition affects me. So, hopefully it will be enough.
I was very impressed with Judge Boyd. He was very professional, compassionate to the vunerabilities needing to be discussed and explained the hearing process well. I feel blessed that he was assigned to my case. Communication was very clear and I left my hearing "feeling heard" for one of the first times in almost two years. Definitely a five star Judge!
I was very impressed with Judge Boyd. He was very professional, compassionate to the vunerabilities needing to be discussed and explained the hearing process well. I feel blessed that he was assigned to my case. Communication was very clear and I left my hearing "feeling heard" for one of the first times in almost two years. Definitely a five star Judge!
I was very impressed with Judge Boyd. He was very professional, compassionate to the vunerabilities needing to be discussed and explained the hearing process well. I feel blessed that he was assigned to my case. Communication was very clear and I left my hearing "feeling heard" for one of the first times in almost two years. Definitely a five star Judge!
Judge Boyd was by far the first Social Security employee that I have run across who showed compassion, showed me respect, explained things well, and set a nice friendly relaxed atmosphere from the start. I have not yet received my determination, but at least this time I felt someone from SS listened and wasn't full of themselves. Judge Boyd is an asset, 5 stars!
I am not sure how a person is to get a fair hearing when the doctors he is seeing at the Fargo VA won't get legally involved. I believe mr Boyd should have questioned this at the start. He had several mistakes in my hearing that shouldn't be allowed in a courtroom. An eighty pound weight gain is not "slight". T.M.J. can cause hearing loss. Ulcerative colitis is a very disabling disease process. U.C., arthritis are diseases of the immune system. He also erred writing that I could work lite jobs recommended by vocational expert. The expert online at hearing stated no one would allow unconditional bathroom breaks. A long time to get to court. Judge makes mistakes. Another year to appeal. This court is broken.
To Whom it may concern: 2 Dec 2014 I had applied for SSDI (Disability) after my last pregnancy triggered a horrible Auto-Immune Disease called MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease) which is a dangerous combo of Lupus, RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), Fibromyalgia, Raynaud's Syndrome and Scleroderma. The Dz is also called "SHARP's Disease" & even the best of physicians have never heard of it unless He/She were a Rheumatologist. This point made my case extremely hard to discuss w medical professionals & even myself, as a Doctor of Pharmacy has never heard of MCTD or Sharp's! Again, I applied 3 separate times. Why? Well, at first I thought I could beat it and recover. I really didn't understand how sick I was until it began attacking my heart and other internal organs! We also had to move our family between the 1st & 2nd time I applied as my husband had to find a better-paying job in order to support us & that didn't even include paying for my medications which were $1500 per month and/or all the medical bills that I put on credit cards to save my husb from a nervous breakdown over money! I was very naive about SS and Disability. I could have saved us ALOT of stress had I just appealed the first rejection where we lived before! And believe me, it was really STRESSFUL! My husb would have lost his job if they (employer) found out @our financial issues. So we kept all that debt in only my name and we almost had to divorce even though we love our children & each other very much! We consulted a lawyer that suggested we separate, but we knew there had to be another way! From the time I was diagnosed until going before the Federal Court Judge Boyd was 7 LONG years. The last time I applied for SS, another attorney had told me that I had no chance bc it had been too long since I worked. He said it would depend on this "calculation" of numbers to determine if I was still "insured" as that is how it is thought of ... as "Workforce Insurance". So.. I just started the online app again and unbelievably I was within a few wks or a month! I think someone was looking out for me! It then took nearly a year to get a "Court Date" after I had secured a SS attorney. The judge was very animated & jolly which really helped me bc I had been in tears bc I took a HARD fall on ice behind the building & it was -10 F that day too! My hands were all cut up, my coat, an ivory one that our 9 yr old daughter had picked out for me to wear was now muddy and I was all wet! My husb calmed me down , thank goodness! We had.to enter right away and met w the attorney for only a short 5 min. He said the judge would ask odd questions but NO QUESTIONS ARE odd to me bc I am a pharmacist & ppl not only ASK odd things but they SHOW you things as well that should be kept private! Sorry to write so much! It's just I want the reader to understand the entire situation. I have to admit that I really had no hope for getting a fair case. Dr's do not like to "label" patients even if I am barely able to walk and honestly in need of a motorized chair. My legs are too weak & painful to go far & since my back has been "under attack" by lupus or RA I cannot walk more than ~50 feet & my back begins to go out & I fall unless there is a car or a post, anything to grab onto! It's extremely frightening for me and the kids! So I gave in & got a walker. Anyhow, Judge Boyd was so wonderful, so caring, compassionate & I could tell that he was empathetic, which not many ppl are! Perhaps he could just see how ill I am or the questions were the right ones for me?? Idk but I DO know that he SAVED OUR FAMILY w his decision that cold Winter day! And even though this Dz has all but ruined my life, I still pray for remission even though I've only had 1 in 10+ years and it only lasted 4 to 5 mos! I'm grateful for EVERYTHING still bc my children could be without a mother! Or if one of my kids were sick ... I couldn't handle that, to see them suffering horribly in pain and no amt of meds help me or even dull the pain. I know I probably won't live very long (the heart dr all but told me that) but I just pray I can get our children to where they are ok w me being "at peace..., out of pain"! As for "Quality of life"??? I have NONE.. But I do NOT let the kids see this. My husb knows of course. My heart breaks when I think about missing their college yrs, missing my kids weddings, and of course having children of their own, and what will my husband DO without me???! I bring him back down to earth and he makes me keep going, being TOUGH and trying to not let myself get to feeling too sorry for myself! So... this judge saved our family! I don't know how we could've gotten thru this without his ruling. I didn't even know how it worked, backpay & all that bc I figured on losing the case but honestly, .. He changed our lives & our children's too bc now that we have csome money like 'normal' working families! He is in my prayers everyday!
I felt that Judge Boyd listened to me and I actually felt heard. He explained everything very thoroughly to me and was very compassionate towards my issues. I really feel he cares and did his job well. I really feel great about our interaction. He has a good heart and I believe he will help me get the benefits I deserve. Praise God for Judge Boyd!!!!!
My to judge Eskunder Boyod administrative law judge, I've received my decision by you on 812016, I'm taking it upon myself to leave this commit as to why and how you made your decision. First off I highly feel you've made the wrong decision you made in your entire career as up holding your law degree, on 712016 my lawyer and myself meet with you for a hearing to determine my decision of disibility. You stated in your letter you throughly went over my your decision of how you you feel I'm not disable, and I carefully read everything you stated to my best ability. And in doing that you also implied numerous times of my past life way before I came disable, as to I carried out several jobs,spoke well and my current appearance, I don't live that life anymore you never implied my disabilities. As you know things can change and nothing remains the same, so I wanna state to you as I did in my hearing. I'm bipolar which is proving to be a mental illness, and because it's a disability I constantly suffer from on a day to day basis, in lieu to that I also suffer from PTSD which is I'm to references of why I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. You did not state any of this in making you decision and because of what I suffer my life has bcome a living hell for years. I'm up and down everyday, confused frustrated irretated emotional in destressed and depressed. When I held this jobs Ive gotten terminated from everyone due to these disorders, my PTSD alone has cause night terrors and insomnia to the brutal to the brutal beatings and molestation I've Indured as a child, which affects me as an adult. Not to mention my cronic physical pain, so just because I'm not skitsophric illeterate brain dead in a wheelchair or have a life thearting disease or what ever else you consider a disality does not mean I'm not disable. As I stated earlier my life is a living hell it's a constant battle I'm fighting in my head to overcome but the fact of the matter is there's no cure for my disability so there's no right to determine my disability. I lost all my independence I rely on medication for the rest of my life for stability, I'm currently homeless I've lived on the streets and my condition has not gotten better it has worsened due to my disibility, you also stated I have a diploma as well as attending college, but present I can't doing any kind of schooling what so ever.I'm forgetful confused spaced out and easily distracted. Resently I tried to take my life due to depression my depression and your depression is completely different because of being bipolar,if for once you think my I can carry out normal activities your abosulty wrong, there's not a job I can upload living this life I Iive. I've ruined relationships every thing I endure is abosulty due to my disabilities, so despite how well you think I put this letter together I'm not retarded I'm bipolar which is still a mental illness. So i'm asking you to put yourself in my shoes and find it in your heart to reconsider your decision. NatashaLynn Taylor. P.s this is the only hope I have left Thank you
Hi first let me just say this is the second time I'm writing a comment, on July 1st 2006 I was granted a hearing due to being a dire needs case. In the hearing I was asked numerous questions about concerning my disability, and I answerd them to the best of my ability, while there I was very anxious and jumpy being apart of my disability also I was holding my chest trying not to have a panic attack as I was diagnosed anxiety and panic attack disorder. Also because of my chronic physical pain I stood up a lot, my disability was baisted on my mental illness. The whole time there I felt this judge didn't feel any kind of sympathy, when asked about my child hood I was trying to hold back my tears, and because of what I insured as a child I suffer from PTSD, which causes me night terrors during sleeping hours. My mental illness is so misunderstood simply because its hard to diagnose, I really feel at heart maised majorty of African Americans don't believe its a disability, as to Caucasian people do. When I was diagnosed I was evaluated several times, as to have the disability. I to didn't believe it but as an adult I would acted in ways to of this mental illness one of my aunts came to me and said I might be Bipolar,now I had already been diagnosed to suffering from this illness but because of dinial I still couldn't believe it. So I goglled bipolar signs and symptoms and I couldn't believe as to what I was reading, it was totally me. The next session with my pyhchaitrist she stated I needed to be on on medication to stabalize my moods as well as a medication for my anxiety and panic attacks. I tottaly aggrieved. Now why I could understand why my moods was so up and down, why I was always frustraided,confused, aggravated, agaited and so many other things that go along with my disability. I graduated from high school but it was a struggled, I attended college also struggling. I held many jobs throughout my life but gotten fired from most of them due to my disability. I am now thirty five haven't worked in three years because of my mental illness my condition had worsend, and I started slowly started to lose my independace I'm constantly crying because I can't get my mind in order. And mention again my physical chronic pain that was diagnosed way after my mental illness theres always a war going on inside my head each and everyday. My condition kept getting worse and worse, I complete loss my independace so two years ago filled for Social security benefits, and at that i was denied bot times so my lawyer appeled it. I am currently homeless I have no money nothing of my own anymore, can't hold down no jobs my life is completely ruined, I started having sychosis epiosed hearing and seeing things that werent really a reallty, was put on medication for that. I once lived a normal life to my life being a living hell all because I'm disable, now most people with this disability can live a productive life, and some can't I'm one of them. I have so much things I wanna say to this jugde that I couldnt say due to my anxiety, and I'm so frustrated confused and lost and not saying it. As I write this comment and my feelings I'm crying I've been extremely emotional, I've giving up on life my hope and faith or out the door. I feel fell very hopeless and worthless.like I mentioned earlier, on July1st of this year judge Exsdure danied me to social security benits. That's all I had in life to go on,and be some what productive. It took me twenty somthing minutes to open that letter because I had so much anxiety my cousin could literally see me shaking and chest puping through my shirt. When I finally opened it first thing I read was danied, I completly felt like I died inside.later after my head went blanked I tried to comment suised , all I heard was my cousin streaming that's when I came to she had a butcher knife in her hand and my wrist was bleeding, I said take me to the ER I need to go right now I feel like I'm losing my mind. When getting there they put me the observation clinic for 48 hours, I still felt suicidal, my memory is all over the place. Now that I'm out the hospital I took it upon myself to write this judge a letter of reconsideration, now I don't solely blame him but that was my only hope. Now I don't no the chain of comanments as to how he can get this letter, and I say letter because its more than a comment its my life. I'm not suicidal at this point but I don't know how what how I feel tomorrow next week or even months from now, is I'm hurting inside and suffering from my illness. If juged Excundar Boyd has a heart he would reconsider his decision. My lawyers are fighting for me because I can't do this alone anymore.
Hi first let me just say this is the second time I'm writing a comment, on July 1st 2006 I was granted a hearing due to being a dire needs case. In the hearing I was asked numerous questions about concerning my disability, and I answerd them to the best of my ability, while there I was very anxious and jumpy being apart of my disability also I was holding my chest trying not to have a panic attack as I was diagnosed anxiety and panic attack disorder. Also because of my chronic physical pain I stood up a lot, my disability was baisted on my mental illness. The whole time there I felt this judge didn't feel any kind of sympathy, when asked about my child hood I was trying to hold back my tears, and because of what I insured as a child I suffer from PTSD, which causes me night terrors during sleeping hours. My mental illness is so misunderstood simply because its hard to diagnose, I really feel at heart maised majorty of African Americans don't believe its a disability, as to Caucasian people do. When I was diagnosed I was evaluated several times, as to have the disability. I to didn't believe it but as an adult I would acted in ways to of this mental illness one of my aunts came to me and said I might be Bipolar,now I had already been diagnosed to suffering from this illness but because of dinial I still couldn't believe it. So I goglled bipolar signs and symptoms and I couldn't believe as to what I was reading, it was totally me. The next session with my pyhchaitrist she stated I needed to be on on medication to stabalize my moods as well as a medication for my anxiety and panic attacks. I tottaly aggrieved. Now why I could understand why my moods was so up and down, why I was always frustraided,confused, aggravated, agaited and so many other things that go along with my disability. I graduated from high school but it was a struggled, I attended college also struggling. I held many jobs throughout my life but gotten fired from most of them due to my disability. I am now thirty five haven't worked in three years because of my mental illness my condition had worsend, and I started slowly started to lose my independace I'm constantly crying because I can't get my mind in order. And mention again my physical chronic pain that was diagnosed way after my mental illness theres always a war going on inside my head each and everyday. My condition kept getting worse and worse, I complete loss my independace so two years ago filled for Social security benefits, and at that i was denied bot times so my lawyer appeled it. I am currently homeless I have no money nothing of my own anymore, can't hold down no jobs my life is completely ruined, I started having sychosis epiosed hearing and seeing things that werent really a reallty, was put on medication for that. I once lived a normal life to my life being a living hell all because I'm disable, now most people with this disability can live a productive life, and some can't I'm one of them. I have so much things I wanna say to this jugde that I couldnt say due to my anxiety, and I'm so frustrated confused and lost and not saying it. As I write this comment and my feelings I'm crying I've been extremely emotional, I've giving up on life my hope and faith or out the door. I feel fell very hopeless and worthless.like I mentioned earlier, on July1st of this year judge Exsdure danied me to social security benits. That's all I had in life to go on,and be some what productive. It took me twenty somthing minutes to open that letter because I had so much anxiety my cousin could literally see me shaking and chest puping through my shirt. When I finally opened it first thing I read was danied, I completly felt like I died inside.later after my head went blanked I tried to comment suised , all I heard was my cousin streaming that's when I came to she had a butcher knife in her hand and my wrist was bleeding, I said take me to the ER I need to go right now I feel like I'm losing my mind. When getting there they put me the observation clinic for 48 hours, I still felt suicidal, my memory is all over the place. Now that I'm out the hospital I took it upon myself to write this judge a letter of reconsideration, now I don't solely blame him but that was my only hope. Now I don't no the chain of comanments as to how he can get this letter, and I say letter because its more than a comment its my life. I'm not suicidal at this point but I don't know how what how I feel tomorrow next week or even months from now, is I'm hurting inside and suffering from my illness. If juged Excundar Boyd has a heart he would reconsider his decision. My lawyers are fighting for me because I can't do this alone anymore.
Checked my email. Took my time writting this letter for hours for hours due to my confusion coming from my disability, of his decison to deny to being disable. Now my letter of comments are not in my emails, neathir one. They were not out of line disrespect rude or down grating his expertise. I see in these individuals comments nothing but five stars explaing being rewarding disability benifits. Like I said earlier not down grading his expertis but because I did rate him one star, my comment was not aceptable which makes me think the official letter I wrote won't get to him eaither,I should be giving a fair chance.
Dear judge Eskunder Boyd what do you consider disable I had the pleasure to have met you a humble man as yourself. Me myself still have a lot of struggling going on in my life due to two different illness that have come upon me one having stage three breast cancer,two congested heart failure that require me to take medication for the rest of my living life.if you could find it in your heart for reconsideration I would be very thankful for that on that note take good care of yourself
I found Judge Boyd to be very professional and understanding toward my medical issues. I have been experiencing severe pain since 2014. Now, I am facing two major surgeries on my neck and back. Thanks to Judge Boyd giving my claim an approval, I can stop worrying about money and focus on healing and recovering from these two procedures. I am in constant pain and unable to work. I just want Judge Boyd to know that he has really impacted my life with his decision. God bless you, Judge Boyd!
Dear Judge Boyd, I would like to know why you have denied my husband his disability for the last 4 years. He is not faking and he is not getting better. It breaks my heart seeing him get worse and worse. I was wondering what qualifies someone to be approved. The vocational advocate and all of his doctors have stated that he is unable to work. My husband has diabetes, 6 buldging disks (shots don't work) 1 broken disc. Pinched nerve. Sciatica on both sides. COPD, PTSD, bi polar, borderline personality disorder. Among other medical and mental issues. He has to walk with a cane. He can only walk short distances. He walks with a bad limp. Not a normal gait at all. I pray you read this and approve his disability. It scares me when he disassociates. I fear one of these days I will not be able to bring him back to reality. I mean no disrespect by this letter. I have read that you have a high approval rating. Please reconsider? I have been the only one able to work for the last 4 years. I work part time so I can care for my husband. I have to help him shower and get dressed. He is not getting better and I fear he never will. Please find it on your heart to approve him. You dismissed his last 3 denials for which I am grateful. Thank you for your time.
I had a positive hearing experience with Judge Boyd. His instructions were clear, his demeanor was respectful and I was given sufficient time to speak.
Judge Eskunder Boyd , was very understanding and nice during the hearing.
How can a judge with no medical experience decide the fate of my life!?!? These judges have no medical training.This judge chose to not "give weight" to my 2 specialist.My records clearly show my conditions.How can they know better than a person that has spent 8 yrs or more of their life in schooling. He did not clearly state why he did not give my Dr any weight,he made untrue statements. The job vocationalist said that hypotheticaly that with my my side affects of my meds I was unemployable,that with my mental state I was unemployable,that with the time needed off for dr appointments I was unemployable.
Judge Busick did an exceptional job taking the time to understand my case. Having an extremely complicated condition with medical science having a relatively limited understanding and few treatments has left me struggling with putting together a core group of specialists overseeing my treatment. Judge Busick reasoned through my complicated records and made the correct decision. This was no easy task and I will forever be greatful to him for doing a thorough job. My only complaint is my family and I may be homeless before my approval is processed. I’m not sure where food will come from the next two weeks. The system is extremely backed up and the government would do well to find more competent judges like Judge Busick.
This judge denied me on a persistent basis and without giving my two 10 yr. long treating specialists any weight. During my final hearing with him, he would literally rip a page out of my file and throw it. He would slam his coffee cup down. It was clear the man did not like me for some reason. He was not professional and had a anger problem. Later my case was given to the federal judge and reversed and said for payments to begin immediately. I have no respect for Busick
This judge will not hear your case and rule out all evidence you provide.
Judge Richard Hlaudy was great . Thank you
Throws out all relevant medical records from all doctors across various specialties. Ignores medical source statements from multiple doctors (including social security consulting doctors) stating you medically/physically cannot work. Ignores the fact that there is more than one illness affecting you. Ignores life threatening condition. Ignores the fact that you are in constant pain. Ignores all medical records and lab results PROVING the causes and seriousness of your condition. Ignores impact of drug side effects. Then creates a new version of what was in your medical records by splicing together various irrelevant pieces of medical records out of context. My doctors were livid when they saw the work of fiction in the decision-denial letter.
Schmogan
What a ****. He didn't know what was an "A1C" level in a diabetic claimant.
This judge is ****.he need to go **** he not a doctor he a pos.... he ***** as a human being what go round come round
this judge hogan is **** need to go **** he is pos...he thing he a doctor.he need to be can..as human being he ***...
judge does not know about people with pstd and chronic depression and anxiety needs to be fire aspa. and about degenerative joint disease.fibromyalgia syndrome. and osa. and chronic fatigue.polyarthralgia.paresthesia. spinal stenosis he does not know noting about med. he not doctor.
I rlealy appreciate free, succinct, reliable data like this.
I rlealy appreciate free, succinct, reliable data like this.
I rlealy appreciate free, succinct, reliable data like this.
Fits in good with many of the negative ALJs here Swank, Dawson, and Pierce
Fits in good with many of the negative ALJs here Swank, Dawson, and Pierce
Fits in good with many of the negative ALJs here Swank, Dawson, and Pierce
Fits in good with many of the negative ALJs here Swank, Dawson, and Pierce
He is a pleasant man and most of my clients find him comforting and personable. But, for his cases, if the doctor has not outlined limitations that put claimant below sedentary, then forget it! Explicit limitations or a Medical Source Statement outlining limitations must be on record. Or else, this judge is not approving this case. And if you have an awesome case, then expect him to apply a GRID for anyone having a recent birthday, resulting in less back pay. I rather take this than a denial altogether. I like this guy a lot but case needs to be SOLID or else he's not approving it.
He is a pleasant man and most of my clients find him comforting and personable. But, for his cases, if the doctor has not outlined limitations that put claimant below sedentary, then forget it! Explicit limitations or a Medical Source Statement outlining limitations must be on record. Or else, this judge is not approving this case. And if you have an awesome case, then expect him to apply a GRID for anyone having a recent birthday, resulting in less back pay. I rather take this than a denial altogether. I like this guy a lot but case needs to be SOLID or else he's not approving it.
He is a pleasant man and most of my clients find him comforting and personable. But, for his cases, if the doctor has not outlined limitations that put claimant below sedentary, then forget it! Explicit limitations or a Medical Source Statement outlining limitations must be on record. Or else, this judge is not approving this case. And if you have an awesome case, then expect him to apply a GRID for anyone having a recent birthday, resulting in less back pay. I rather take this than a denial altogether. I like this guy a lot but case needs to be SOLID or else he's not approving it.
The judge didn’t believe my testimony, I remember him saying something like which one is it as if I was lying I don’t know if I heard his question right or if I understood his question, this is one of the symptoms that I have. The counselors at Region Ten and the medical dr at Northridge, Dr John Azer at outpatient psychiatric twisted my words around and didn’t write their notes right about me. I saw another medical doctor there also that didn’t listen to me how I was feeling about my symptoms. I tried to find another place to go but with my insurance a lot of doctors don’t take it so it is limited. My nurse practitioner kept telling me to go back to Northridge and I did finally. The psychiatrist that I see now listen to me about my symptoms and cared enough to do different tests on me to get to the root about how I be feeling. If you say that you are suidical they will help you, if you say you are not they won’t help you and take you seriously. Everyone is different and symptoms are not the same as the next person, it is a shame that the doctors wait until you try to kill yourself then you can get help. You might look ok on the outside but inside you are not because depression and ptsd symptoms are visible. I was doomed from the get go to be denied by the Ali judge, Theodore P Kennedy. My nurse practitioner has helped me a lot, she kept telling me to try the medicine, she knew I was hurting and an emotional wreck and at my lowest. I was denied because the Alj judge didn’t believe my testimony and what the nurse practitioner said about how I would be affected at work. I don’t have any reasons to lie about how I feel everyday, this is not living, I mostly stay home to myself and just because the medicine helps some that I don’t need help. I guess you have to be suidical to get help, I don’t want to kill myself,I want the pain to stop.
I would agree that he is tough but fair. If he finds you not credible it’s over. He will try to trip you up to make sure you are consistent but that’s his job. Don’t try to lie to him. He does his casework and he knows more about you than you would think. Remember one thing- your attorney will never win your case for you. 90% of the questions asked are to you personally- not your lawyer. Your case needs to be very well documented. He already has all the information he needs -but he is fair and will give you the time you need to defend your case. He is totally by the book. There are no free rides with him.
I FIND JUDGE RANDI E LAPPIN TO BE A HONORABLE KIND AND JUST PERSON IN POWER SHE REALLY LISTENS TO YOU AND IS EASY TO TALK TO SHE TOOK THE TIME TO REALLY LOOK AT MY CASE AND I AM GLAD OF THE FAIRNESS I RECEIVED I HAVE NOT GOTTEN MY DECISION YET HOWEVER NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS APPROVED DENIED OR WHATEVER I AM STILL GLAD SHE TREATED ME WITH RESPECT AS A HUMAN OF COURSE I WOULD BE HAPPY WITH A FAVORABLE DECISION HOWEVER IF NOT I HAVE TO HOLD MY HEAD HIGH AND KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT BLESSED BE TO YOU HONORABLE JUDGE RANDI E LAPPIN
very profesional
very profesional
very profesional
very profesional
I really liked this judge, she really seemed to understand what I had gone through, seemed compassionate and professional! When I received my letter from her, not only was I in shock, but my attorney was as well! She went totally opposite of how we thought she would go, not only because of the evidence but also just the way she reacted to everything in court! I think I would've rather had a judge that would've been a total ***** and pretty much let me know how she felt in court than to have a total surprise like we did!
I really liked this judge, she really seemed to understand what I had gone through, seemed compassionate and professional! When I received my letter from her, not only was I in shock, but my attorney was as well! She went totally opposite of how we thought she would go, not only because of the evidence but also just the way she reacted to everything in court! I think I would've rather had a judge that would've been a total ***** and pretty much let me know how she felt in court than to have a total surprise like we did!
I really liked this judge, she really seemed to understand what I had gone through, seemed compassionate and professional! When I received my letter from her, not only was I in shock, but my attorney was as well! She went totally opposite of how we thought she would go, not only because of the evidence but also just the way she reacted to everything in court! I think I would've rather had a judge that would've been a total ***** and pretty much let me know how she felt in court than to have a total surprise like we did!
Catty and treacherous. Watch out and make sure you have a strong lawyer.
Catty and treacherous. Watch out and make sure you have a strong lawyer.
Catty and treacherous. Watch out and make sure you have a strong lawyer.
She goes through the motions of being professional but she has no respect for anyone trying to get disability. She has a hateful, angry look etched into her face and her dislike of disability claimants is obvious. In the legal community she's known as poison. She will attack you in her decision over things that she didn't even bring up in the hearing. She is spiteful and malicious and clearly has a private vendetta against disability claimants.
I regularly appear in front of Judge Lefebvre and have found her to be both professional and courteous. She takes the time to listen to the claimant and is thorough in her questions. She appreciates a case that is thoroughly prepared beforehand and allows the attorneys who appear before her to make their case before she makes her decision. Edwin A. Anderson of Cannon & Anderson, Attorneys. (865) 522-9000.
Judge Lefebvre made me feel at ease, because honestly I was a nervous wreck. An incident in the waiting area prior to the hearing left me a little shaken and embarrassed and was part of one of my conditions, so when my lawyer asked about this problem I broke down in the hearing. I was also embarrassed that when I had to stand up to readjust during the questioning, my hip popped quite loudly but the judges demeanor did not show disdain. I have not received the outcome of my case yet. Either way it goes, I hold no feelings either way towards the judge as a person. She has a job to do like everyone else in the system. I am just grateful I finally got my chance to tell my story, and was well enough to stand(and sit) before her to do so.
I can't believe the things this judge used against me. I can't believe my denial has down that the VE said there were THOUSANDS of jobs available that I could do. I KNOW that was NOT said. At my hearing I know I was upset & nervous, but I would remember if the VE said THOUSANDS of jobs. My VE said NONE at my hearing. I trusted the system. I believed the position of a Judge is an honorable one. I just can't believe the lies I am reading in my denial. My attorney is acting like she/he doesn't want to touch my case anymore. I don't understand. I really don't. I felt secure in knowing I was telling the truth. PLEASE if you go before this Judge bring a witness. I have YEARS of records. I have more than one medical issue. I saw so many Drs. I tried so many things to feel better. I was in an abusive relationship for 9 1/2 years & did not work outside the home. Everything had to be perfect & our kids weren't allowed to go to a sitters. Then I escaped & hid for 6 1/2 yrs while helping a widower raise his kid & mine. My lapse in working was never asked about but it was used against me. Sorry I may not have been making $ but I was WORKING! My BRAND new Dr who I only saw twice & didn't even have my old records was used against me. She shouldn't of even been asked anything. It says I sleep fine. Really? Then why was I sent for a sleep study & put on medication to help me stay awake? This was also not mentioned. The fact that my child had problems was mentioned in the denial. What does that have to do with my suffering everyday with pain? Everything that could be twisted & used against me was, but it was also everything he did not ask me anything about. Why would he not ask me about these things unless he planned ahead of time to use them against me? I have seen numerous specialist. Tried every drug imaginable & found no relief. I have a medication sensitivity which has put me in the ER because I couldn't breath from a drug side effect already. More than once, I have spent WEEKS sick hoping a side effect would wear off & it would magically help me, but this was not mentioned in the denial. The way it is worded, it makes me look like I am lying & trying to play the system. I am upset I lost, but I am crushed at the way things were twisted & manipulated to make me look like a malingerer. I am shocked. I thought this was a good Judge. When I complained about what I couldn't do, I was penalized for not concentrating on what I could do. When I tried to cope & was cheerful with my Drs it was made to appear like I had no problem. I had a totally different problem with a different Dr who could not treat the reason I applied, & because I told this Dr I was feeling fine, it was used against me. You don't go to a psychiatrist to have a wart removed, so why would I have complained to this Dr about something that was not his specialty? PLEASE bring a witness with you when you go before this Judge. I trusted the system. I didn't think I needed anyone to vouch for me, or what was said. I have so many records. For the 1st time in my life, I am doubting my own sanity & feel crazy. And I did not apply for a mental reason. I just can't believe this could happen with a Judge. Everything I ever believed about the law & our system in now in question with me.
I can't believe the things this judge used against me. I can't believe my denial has down that the VE said there were THOUSANDS of jobs available that I could do. I KNOW that was NOT said. At my hearing I know I was upset & nervous, but I would remember if the VE said THOUSANDS of jobs. My VE said NONE at my hearing. I trusted the system. I believed the position of a Judge is an honorable one. I just can't believe the lies I am reading in my denial. My attorney is acting like she/he doesn't want to touch my case anymore. I don't understand. I really don't. I felt secure in knowing I was telling the truth. PLEASE if you go before this Judge bring a witness. I have YEARS of records. I have more than one medical issue. I saw so many Drs. I tried so many things to feel better. I was in an abusive relationship for 9 1/2 years & did not work outside the home. Everything had to be perfect & our kids weren't allowed to go to a sitters. Then I escaped & hid for 6 1/2 yrs while helping a widower raise his kid & mine. My lapse in working was never asked about but it was used against me. Sorry I may not have been making $ but I was WORKING! My BRAND new Dr who I only saw twice & didn't even have my old records was used against me. She shouldn't of even been asked anything. It says I sleep fine. Really? Then why was I sent for a sleep study & put on medication to help me stay awake? This was also not mentioned. The fact that my child had problems was mentioned in the denial. What does that have to do with my suffering everyday with pain? Everything that could be twisted & used against me was, but it was also everything he did not ask me anything about. Why would he not ask me about these things unless he planned ahead of time to use them against me? I have seen numerous specialist. Tried every drug imaginable & found no relief. I have a medication sensitivity which has put me in the ER because I couldn't breath from a drug side effect already. More than once, I have spent WEEKS sick hoping a side effect would wear off & it would magically help me, but this was not mentioned in the denial. The way it is worded, it makes me look like I am lying & trying to play the system. I am upset I lost, but I am crushed at the way things were twisted & manipulated to make me look like a malingerer. I am shocked. I thought this was a good Judge. When I complained about what I couldn't do, I was penalized for not concentrating on what I could do. When I tried to cope & was cheerful with my Drs it was made to appear like I had no problem. I had a totally different problem with a different Dr who could not treat the reason I applied, & because I told this Dr I was feeling fine, it was used against me. You don't go to a psychiatrist to have a wart removed, so why would I have complained to this Dr about something that was not his specialty? PLEASE bring a witness with you when you go before this Judge. I trusted the system. I didn't think I needed anyone to vouch for me, or what was said. I have so many records. For the 1st time in my life, I am doubting my own sanity & feel crazy. And I did not apply for a mental reason. I just can't believe this could happen with a Judge. Everything I ever believed about the law & our system in now in question with me.
I can't believe the things this judge used against me. I can't believe my denial has down that the VE said there were THOUSANDS of jobs available that I could do. I KNOW that was NOT said. At my hearing I know I was upset & nervous, but I would remember if the VE said THOUSANDS of jobs. My VE said NONE at my hearing. I trusted the system. I believed the position of a Judge is an honorable one. I just can't believe the lies I am reading in my denial. My attorney is acting like she/he doesn't want to touch my case anymore. I don't understand. I really don't. I felt secure in knowing I was telling the truth. PLEASE if you go before this Judge bring a witness. I have YEARS of records. I have more than one medical issue. I saw so many Drs. I tried so many things to feel better. I was in an abusive relationship for 9 1/2 years & did not work outside the home. Everything had to be perfect & our kids weren't allowed to go to a sitters. Then I escaped & hid for 6 1/2 yrs while helping a widower raise his kid & mine. My lapse in working was never asked about but it was used against me. Sorry I may not have been making $ but I was WORKING! My BRAND new Dr who I only saw twice & didn't even have my old records was used against me. She shouldn't of even been asked anything. It says I sleep fine. Really? Then why was I sent for a sleep study & put on medication to help me stay awake? This was also not mentioned. The fact that my child had problems was mentioned in the denial. What does that have to do with my suffering everyday with pain? Everything that could be twisted & used against me was, but it was also everything he did not ask me anything about. Why would he not ask me about these things unless he planned ahead of time to use them against me? I have seen numerous specialist. Tried every drug imaginable & found no relief. I have a medication sensitivity which has put me in the ER because I couldn't breath from a drug side effect already. More than once, I have spent WEEKS sick hoping a side effect would wear off & it would magically help me, but this was not mentioned in the denial. The way it is worded, it makes me look like I am lying & trying to play the system. I am upset I lost, but I am crushed at the way things were twisted & manipulated to make me look like a malingerer. I am shocked. I thought this was a good Judge. When I complained about what I couldn't do, I was penalized for not concentrating on what I could do. When I tried to cope & was cheerful with my Drs it was made to appear like I had no problem. I had a totally different problem with a different Dr who could not treat the reason I applied, & because I told this Dr I was feeling fine, it was used against me. You don't go to a psychiatrist to have a wart removed, so why would I have complained to this Dr about something that was not his specialty? PLEASE bring a witness with you when you go before this Judge. I trusted the system. I didn't think I needed anyone to vouch for me, or what was said. I have so many records. For the 1st time in my life, I am doubting my own sanity & feel crazy. And I did not apply for a mental reason. I just can't believe this could happen with a Judge. Everything I ever believed about the law & our system in now in question with me.
Apparently all ALJ's are liars. They probably hire the ones who would pull the legs off baby kittens. It appears the attorneys put forth little effort to win and just play a numbers game, get as many clients as possible and hope you get a 50% win rate which is about the average.
Apparently all ALJ's are liars. They probably hire the ones who would pull the legs off baby kittens. It appears the attorneys put forth little effort to win and just play a numbers game, get as many clients as possible and hope you get a 50% win rate which is about the average.
Apparently all ALJ's are liars. They probably hire the ones who would pull the legs off baby kittens. It appears the attorneys put forth little effort to win and just play a numbers game, get as many clients as possible and hope you get a 50% win rate which is about the average.
I did my hearing by video and i was very nervous but all went well this judge is great i listened to the advice and brought a witness and i had a fantastic lawyer dont do it alone get a lawyer. I had my hearing january 31st and got my fully favorable decsion today im am so happy and this judge treated me fair and was compassionate and liaten to every detail. Bring a witness and lawyer dont go alone before this judge or any judge thank judge maxwell for you decsion
I did my hearing by video and i was very nervous but all went well this judge is great i listened to the advice and brought a witness and i had a fantastic lawyer dont do it alone get a lawyer. I had my hearing january 31st and got my fully favorable decsion today im am so happy and this judge treated me fair and was compassionate and liaten to every detail. Bring a witness and lawyer dont go alone before this judge or any judge thank judge maxwell for you decsion
I did my hearing by video and i was very nervous but all went well this judge is great i listened to the advice and brought a witness and i had a fantastic lawyer dont do it alone get a lawyer. I had my hearing january 31st and got my fully favorable decsion today im am so happy and this judge treated me fair and was compassionate and liaten to every detail. Bring a witness and lawyer dont go alone before this judge or any judge thank judge maxwell for you decsion
Judge Messina, I must say seemed to be very attentive and compassionate towards myself and my disability case. He listened and made me feel very comfortable and at ease even though I was extremely nervous! My attorney on the other hand, my God was he awful, but I have to give all the Glory and Honor to God for placing me in the hands of Judge Messina, may God bless you sir!
Judge Messina, I must say seemed to be very attentive and compassionate towards myself and my disability case. He listened and made me feel very comfortable and at ease even though I was extremely nervous! My attorney on the other hand, my God was he awful, but I have to give all the Glory and Honor to God for placing me in the hands of Judge Messina, may God bless you sir!
Judge Messina, I must say seemed to be very attentive and compassionate towards myself and my disability case. He listened and made me feel very comfortable and at ease even though I was extremely nervous! My attorney on the other hand, my God was he awful, but I have to give all the Glory and Honor to God for placing me in the hands of Judge Messina, may God bless you sir!
I am an attorney, and I must say that this ALJ is incompetent. He took more than 90 days to finally make a decision on my case, and did not want to approve the fee agreement without giving any reason for it. He then asked me to write a fee petition which he did not want to approve. He further stated that I was only going to get one payment that would cover claimant and all of her dependents, which is against Social Security standards. An attorney gets pay for each separate claim, his client and the auxiliaries (dependents). I had to appeal his decision on this matter to the Chief Regional, and won. I finally got all the attorney fees that were due. This case was seen in January and I finally got paid in August. He needs to be instructed on Social Security guidelines.
I am an attorney, and I must say that this ALJ is incompetent. He took more than 90 days to finally make a decision on my case, and did not want to approve the fee agreement without giving any reason for it. He then asked me to write a fee petition which he did not want to approve. He further stated that I was only going to get one payment that would cover claimant and all of her dependents, which is against Social Security standards. An attorney gets pay for each separate claim, his client and the auxiliaries (dependents). I had to appeal his decision on this matter to the Chief Regional, and won. I finally got all the attorney fees that were due. This case was seen in January and I finally got paid in August. He needs to be instructed on Social Security guidelines.
I am an attorney, and I must say that this ALJ is incompetent. He took more than 90 days to finally make a decision on my case, and did not want to approve the fee agreement without giving any reason for it. He then asked me to write a fee petition which he did not want to approve. He further stated that I was only going to get one payment that would cover claimant and all of her dependents, which is against Social Security standards. An attorney gets pay for each separate claim, his client and the auxiliaries (dependents). I had to appeal his decision on this matter to the Chief Regional, and won. I finally got all the attorney fees that were due. This case was seen in January and I finally got paid in August. He needs to be instructed on Social Security guidelines.
I am an attorney, and I must say that this ALJ is incompetent. He took more than 90 days to finally make a decision on my case, and did not want to approve the fee agreement without giving any reason for it. He then asked me to write a fee petition which he did not want to approve. He further stated that I was only going to get one payment that would cover claimant and all of her dependents, which is against Social Security standards. An attorney gets pay for each separate claim, his client and the auxiliaries (dependents). I had to appeal his decision on this matter to the Chief Regional, and won. I finally got all the attorney fees that were due. This case was seen in January and I finally got paid in August. He needs to be instructed on Social Security guidelines.
He sounds like a fair Judge. I hope I'll get him on my case.
He sounds like a fair Judge. I hope I'll get him on my case.
He sounds like a fair Judge. I hope I'll get him on my case.
I have handled dozens of cases before Judge Messina. He is one of the most fair ALJs around. There are no pre determinations of clients and he follows the law. It does not matter if you are black, white, blue, or orange. It does not matter if your an SSI only case or someone who has worked for 30 years. If your records and testimony prove your case he will award benefits and if it doesn't then he won't. We need more ALJ's like this. He gets it right more often then not and anyone who says otherwise was probably unprepared or just has an axe to grind.
I have handled dozens of cases before Judge Messina. He is one of the most fair ALJs around. There are no pre determinations of clients and he follows the law. It does not matter if you are black, white, blue, or orange. It does not matter if your an SSI only case or someone who has worked for 30 years. If your records and testimony prove your case he will award benefits and if it doesn't then he won't. We need more ALJ's like this. He gets it right more often then not and anyone who says otherwise was probably unprepared or just has an axe to grind.
I have handled dozens of cases before Judge Messina. He is one of the most fair ALJs around. There are no pre determinations of clients and he follows the law. It does not matter if you are black, white, blue, or orange. It does not matter if your an SSI only case or someone who has worked for 30 years. If your records and testimony prove your case he will award benefits and if it doesn't then he won't. We need more ALJ's like this. He gets it right more often then not and anyone who says otherwise was probably unprepared or just has an axe to grind.
I found ALJ Messina to be very thorough and he considered all of the facts in my younger claimant's case. He dictated the decision right there in the courtroom and it was in my mailbox the next day. That's pretty awesome service!
I found ALJ Messina to be very thorough and he considered all of the facts in my younger claimant's case. He dictated the decision right there in the courtroom and it was in my mailbox the next day. That's pretty awesome service!
I found ALJ Messina to be very thorough and he considered all of the facts in my younger claimant's case. He dictated the decision right there in the courtroom and it was in my mailbox the next day. That's pretty awesome service!
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Awakened by a bad dream again. In it, running, searching, knowing safe harbor is close, shelter I afforded myself. Awakened, realizing reality, I find no succor.
Awakened by a bad dream again. In it, running, searching, knowing safe harbor is close, shelter I afforded myself. Awakened, realizing reality, I find no succor.
Awakened by a bad dream again. In it, running, searching, knowing safe harbor is close, shelter I afforded myself. Awakened, realizing reality, I find no succor.
What a joke you wait over two years with a doctor saying you are disabled ,not even sedatary work , then lyle decides on his own that the social security doctors where wrong and my wife should be light duty then he asked the dvr expert if there were jobs for that .of course there is but he didn't add that the dvr said no to her being able to work with her restrictions , but lyle old buddy used only his version,her doctor had her no work and the social security doctors never examined her and gave an updated opinion on her ,with no updated testing on her ,with her new mri results showing a bad back and arthritis in her spine among other things .its very clear the new ssid theme is now ,deny deny, deny,good luck if you get this guy.oh and they purposely delayed giving the results to us ,so now she can't reapply ever again .her credits expired on the 30th and even though he made is decision before that he made sure to put the reapply date on the first ,what a joke ,of course he will never admitt that .we will appeal and hope for justice .and a new alj.
He was talkative, understanding, questioned and examined facts and included my daughter and I in the dialogue. Very impressed with this Judge!
She's a fair judge. She doesn't just look at each individual symptom. But all of them together and how they effect you. I have a rare form of "adrenal insufficiency". Judge Rosten took the time to research it and learn what it is and how it effects people. I'm very proud of her.
She's a fair judge. She doesn't just look at each individual symptom. But all of them together and how they effect you. I have a rare form of "adrenal insufficiency". Judge Rosten took the time to research it and learn what it is and how it effects people. I'm very proud of her.
She is actually the Regional Chief Judge, and doesn't really do many Utah cases.
She is actually the Regional Chief Judge, and doesn't really do many Utah cases.
She is actually the Regional Chief Judge, and doesn't really do many Utah cases.
She is actually the Regional Chief Judge, and doesn't really do many Utah cases.
I have been before Judge Stroup several times over the years representing claimants. She is always personable and allows the claimant's to have a fair and full hearing. In my opinion, she weighs the evidence objectively and without pre-conceived biases as some ALJ's seem to do. She knows her record well, and is thoughtful and balanced. Even in the cases that have been disapproved, my clients felt respected by her which says a lot about her nature.
I found this judge to be very compassionate. He was difficult to read during the hearing, which tells me he was weighing the evidence in a fair manner.
Very kind and understanding. Thankful to have had him for my hearing.