PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania Odar offices
At the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) in Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA, 14 different administrative law judges (ALJ) conduct Social Security Disability (SSD) hearings and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) hearings. Currently, in Philadelphia, the average wait time for a SSI or SSD hearing is 7.5 months. The average case processing time in Philadelphia is 299 days. The Philadelphia average for winning a SSI or SSD disability hearing is 50%. Click on the name of one of the ALJs below to see detailed information about their hearing results. This information for the Philadelphia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHILADELPHIA | 14 | 7.5 months | 299 days | 1.9 | 19% | 50% | 31% |
| PENNSYLVANIA | 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 / 26
| Full Name | Dismissed | Approved | Denied |
|---|---|---|---|
| JONATHAN L WESNER | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Regina L Warren | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Charles Walters | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Janice C Volkman | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Kimberly Varillo | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Frederick Timm | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Marc Silverman | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Eric Schwarz | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Alan Sacks | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Robert J Ryan | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Tara J Posner | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Lisa B Parrish | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Nadine Overton | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Kathleen McDade | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Christine McCafferty | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Jon C Lyons | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Richard A Kelly | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Owen B Katzman | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Joseph M Hillegas | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Lystra A Harris | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| John M Fitzpatrick | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Malvin B Eisenberg | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Malik Cutlar | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Eric W Borda | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Linda M Bernstein | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Javier A Arrastia | 0% | 0% | 0% |
76 Comments
Well at least this guy wasn't unpolite to me. I can't say that he was rude to me. He seemed respectful to me - so that's good. But ........................................................... This judge looked at my case for disability, and both my lawyer and I truly thought that my case was legitimate to begin with. And maybe this judge is just doing his job, but at the end of the day - this judge ruled my case "unfavorable". He obviously thought different. This may be a little of a long memo. Forgive me - as I have a habit of writing lengthy memos (I guess I have a lot to say), but let me say on a quick note - I felt that the judge really really really sugarcoated my case. He seemed to say that my disabilities were not that bad or severe enough to qualify for benefits. Yet on the other hand- on his decision he did admit that my disabilities were definitely severe enough to negatively impact my working abilities. He even used information regarding my past work experiences from about 15 years ago ? Jeez - maybe something a little more recent would be more useful ? A LOT can change in the past 15 years for crying out loud. And I've always heard that alot of Social Security judges will use every trick in the book to avoid giving a claimant (and usually a deserving claimant) benefits. They say that the claimant does not have it that bad while they really do. This judge fits that description perfectly. Again I know judges are doing their job and going by "criteria and qualifications", but seldom do these judges and other Social security workers realize that they are hurting a lot of people who need help; with Social Security's iron fist, super-strict requirements. It seems to me that you have to be almost a corpse with no signs of life to qualify. And all the while - the social security Adm has no problem having you jump through 20 million hoops to get evaluated to "MAYBE" get benefits. I could vent about the incompetence and insanity of the whole Social security system but I won't even go there. But what angers me the most more then anything else is the fact that all these Social Security judges and workers are quick to deny you, they use every trick in the book to deny you , while saying that you can work. And after all the dust settles and they hand you the "unfavorable" decision, you would think that since they say that you can work - that they would at least point you in the right direction to get a "specific" job. A job in which a more disabled person could do. But no - they can't even do that - after they "deny" you; they shove you off with no help at all and leave you to more financial hardship, while they go back to their comfortable little offices without a care in the world. I wonder how they can sleep at night. Hey maybe Javier Arrastia isn't a bad guy personally , but sorry - at the end of the day - to me - he's just another typical Social security worker who does whatever they can to make their own job less stressful and if denying more people means more promotions for them - so be it. So my rating - I give Javier A. Arrastia a "unfavorable" 1 star out of 5 stars. Sorry, but I am not happy.
Hope I have this Timothy Mallory and o Grady was too mean
Hope I have this Timothy Mallory and o Grady was too mean
Hope I have this Timothy Mallory and o Grady was too mean
ALJ Borda will be leaving this ODAR for another one. I will miss him. As an attorney, it has been a pleasure doing hearings before this excellent judge.
eric borda is a racist! He sent my mother to 2 exams and both said she needed help medically, that it was extreme. He/she whatever he is sent her a denial letter. God has favored her, so this fake crooked being decision doesn't matter. I hope you do read this page. YOU denied my mother because she was black, did not have a lawyer, and did not want to pay her the back pay. That's why she didn't get a lawyer because you thought she was going to split the cost with your redneck friends. GO BACK TO JERSEY FAGOT! You are not gonna pull that crap off down here in the south. You knew my mother case was strong. You denied her because she was a BLACK, AFRICAN QUEEN and you could not take it. I know you can't live with yourself, you are a unprofessional, crooked liar. I hope someone opens up my record and see that you are a LIAR!!! Your mother and father failed and so did you! The ve fake, tacky expert julie sawyer the hell with her and the ugly court writer. GOD IS THE JUDGE and I AM FAVOR!!!!!
I understand individuals are often disappointed by unfavorable outcomes. There is no way ALJ Borda denied a case because the claimant was black. If your mother were represented by a lawyer (even a black lawyer) that has appeared before him they would tell you there's no way he would deny a case because of the claimant's race.
my son's case was heard on Oct 6,2016, I am very anixious for him, he has had problems, is a long story, the only thing I kind'a have a problem with is the waiting period to be notified if they were approved or not. I am sure, the court / judges are somewhat aware how much stress and emotional roller coaster these people are experincing and their families. I pray every day for my son to at least hear the findings of the court. I am sure the Judhe will take all the evidence presented at the hearing into consideration in his decision, I just don't know how much more stress, pain and mental my son can endure, I pray the findings will come soon. Sincerely yours. Bernice Smith (919-773-7773) (mother of Kenneth Joshua Oakes)
Eric Borda, was my attorney in the State of Maryland. Attorney Borda, won my case, which was denied. We went to the Federal level and won. Attorney Borda is no racist. Besides, what does color have to do with you when the law is written?
I was just recently in his courtroom on my son behalf. He spoke to my child with respect listened to him and when it was my turn to speak about my son I asked if my child could be excused from the room which he allowed. He asked me questions and he really listened to what i had to say. This judge does care and he shows respect and listen. Thank you
Hello my name is tyree Johnson the reason I missed my court hearing I was going thru an living situation i was living with my grandmother she passed away this past December I have alot of updated medical information for my file . I'm going thru some mental issues I have been diagnosed permanently disable I'm now recieving homecare at this time I'm recieving treatment at an spinal doctor I'm been trying to reach out to my lawyer that's working on my case I really appreciate it if I can get some updates information on what's going on with my case i can be reached at *** *** ****.
This judge barked at me during my hearing and ignored my doctor’s statement about my health. He also added things in his decision that I didn’t say at my hearing. He denied my case before I even walked in the door. His mind was already made up.
A stern, fair, fact-finding Judge. Although the entire claim processing time was long, Judge Hillegas, through patience, careful review of all facts/evidence will without a doubt make an informed, unbiased decision.
Fair, respectable, but not easy.
Fair, respectable, but not easy.
Fair, respectable, but not easy.
Fair, respectable, but not easy.
Very short and disrespectful to the claimant and rep. Seems like he is out to prove that he is the judge and you are not. If you have him be ready to appeal.
Very short and disrespectful to the claimant and rep. Seems like he is out to prove that he is the judge and you are not. If you have him be ready to appeal.
Very short and disrespectful to the claimant and rep. Seems like he is out to prove that he is the judge and you are not. If you have him be ready to appeal.
Appreciates pre-hearing memo
Appreciates pre-hearing memo
Appreciates pre-hearing memo
may Almighty God reward you for your cruelty. as an attorney who has had many hearings i can truthfully say that you are a disgrace to the profession.
Respectful to client and representative. Does not ask for opening or closing, but will allow for it. Did not allow the record to remain open because the 5 day letter was submitted a day late. Make sure to submit it in time, as it should be.
rough judge but too the point and she listens too clients and interested.
rough judge but too the point and she listens too clients and interested.
rough judge but too the point and she listens too clients and interested.
rough judge but too the point and she listens too clients and interested.
Love her
Love her
Love her
THIS IS ONE COOL JUDGE SHE WAS VERY COMPASSIONATED, KIND, & UNDERSTANDING. SHE HEARD MY CASE & WAS FAIR TO ME & JUST LIKED HER VERY MUCH . THANKS JUDGE OVERTON IF U WANT A GOOD JUDGE THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR CASE HEARD. SHE LISTENS LETS YOU TELL OUR SIDE OF THE CASE & WAS JUST SO NICE ABOUT EVERY THING SHE MADE U FEEL SO AT EASE THAT I FELT RIGHT AT HOME. SO THIS IS THE JUDGE YOU WANT TO HEAR YOUR CASE . TRUST ME
THIS IS ONE COOL JUDGE SHE WAS VERY COMPASSIONATED, KIND, & UNDERSTANDING. SHE HEARD MY CASE & WAS FAIR TO ME & JUST LIKED HER VERY MUCH . THANKS JUDGE OVERTON IF U WANT A GOOD JUDGE THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR CASE HEARD. SHE LISTENS LETS YOU TELL OUR SIDE OF THE CASE & WAS JUST SO NICE ABOUT EVERY THING SHE MADE U FEEL SO AT EASE THAT I FELT RIGHT AT HOME. SO THIS IS THE JUDGE YOU WANT TO HEAR YOUR CASE . TRUST ME
THIS IS ONE COOL JUDGE SHE WAS VERY COMPASSIONATED, KIND, & UNDERSTANDING. SHE HEARD MY CASE & WAS FAIR TO ME & JUST LIKED HER VERY MUCH . THANKS JUDGE OVERTON IF U WANT A GOOD JUDGE THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR CASE HEARD. SHE LISTENS LETS YOU TELL OUR SIDE OF THE CASE & WAS JUST SO NICE ABOUT EVERY THING SHE MADE U FEEL SO AT EASE THAT I FELT RIGHT AT HOME. SO THIS IS THE JUDGE YOU WANT TO HEAR YOUR CASE . TRUST ME
I was wondering if anyone knows how long it takes to get the decision after an appeal hearing? I'm getting different answers from Social Security.
I was wondering if anyone knows how long it takes to get the decision after an appeal hearing? I'm getting different answers from Social Security.
I was wondering if anyone knows how long it takes to get the decision after an appeal hearing? I'm getting different answers from Social Security.
I love this judge very kind well spoken..
At my SSA appeal hearing Judge Ryan was straightforward and respectful. He asked me a few questions and dutifully handled a somewhat contentious discussion between my attorney and the court-appointed social worker. I was more impressed with Judge Ryan than with my own somewhat disappointing counsel. A month after the hearing I received a judicial order to submit to a CE & Orthopedic Exam. Now two months since my hearing I was informed that a decision has been made and it is in the Decision Writing phase. I am thus anxiously waiting for a decision. And regardless of the decision, Judge Ryan did order a further medical test, rather than summarily dismissing my case. I am hopeful for a positive decision, but at least I take some comfort in believing that Judge Ryan at least has taken my case serious. Wish me luck! Lol.
Judge Ryan gave me a fair hearing without an attorney regardless of what the decision is it was a fair hearing and that’s all we can ask for in this climate of trying to get approved for social security disability insurance.
Not sure. I think he was my judge. My ICM never showed. I couldn't find an attorney to work with me. My treatment was scattered. I was in special ed in high school. They said borderline personality back then and told my mom I'd never fit in or work. I'd say I did ok. I did work. But now I feel I'm out of steam. I cried the whole hearing. I'm a 6ft man so I looked pathetic. Embarrassing. I just hope I win. I'm literally starving some days. I was chronically homeless and mental according to city. So I get help w housing. But I can't afford bills. I also have a drug use history. Like a chicken or egg scenario. Judge was really supportive. So much better than last time. The site says they made a decision. I hope it's good .
Oh well. Lost. Turn the heat off buckle down. At least 3 more years of animal living and soup kitchens. Wish I had the courage to end it. But I will reapply. This time with lawyer. What's another couple years. Who needs money. F. Guess u can't blame judge. Without a lawyer I was an easy no. But it was the same when I had a lawyer. I dunno.
Honarable Judge E. Schwarz is a very fair judge. He allowed me time to seek the help of an attorney, however the lawyers that claim to work for a percentage of the payment, actually have fine print that you may incur other charges. That being said Judge Schwarz was very informative. He also helped me with the Vocational Expert, after she stated a particular job that may be in my wheel house, he questioned her by saying with Marks disability(s) is he able to perform this type of work and she stated that there was no notations for my disability and that I may or may not be able to. The judge did not try to play down any of my issues and asked me questions pertaining to those issues. He has decided to send me for an evaluation to compile more facts about my statements. I will respect his decision, as I wait with my fingers crossed. Judge Scwharz, I'm my opinion is extremely professional, I have nothing negative to say about the hearing and treatment by the judge. He treated me with dignity and respect.
Very respectful to claimants and counsel. Fair decisions. It's a pleasure to appear before him.
He is a good judge. He listens, he approved my case. Last July 2015.... update on June 10 2016, I got a Brain Scan SPECT. ..The Brain Scan showed Abnormal blood flow to 3 parts of my brain.... Thank you so much Judge Walters.... For not denying my CASE... I'm a Vet diagnosed with PTSD & now I have the EVIDENCE IN MY BRAIN.. THANKS FOR LISTENING TO ME in my hearing !
You best know your case when you appear before her. She's tough, but fair.
You best know your case when you appear before her. She's tough, but fair.
You best know your case when you appear before her. She's tough, but fair.
Cold and lacking in any apparent human empathy in the face of claimnts who are really hurting.
Cold and lacking in any apparent human empathy in the face of claimnts who are really hurting.
Cold and lacking in any apparent human empathy in the face of claimnts who are really hurting.
Cold and lacking in any apparent human empathy in the face of claimnts who are really hurting.
She takes her position as a Judge serious and have the best interest of the state and the claimant. She is fair, understanding, sensitive and accurate. She takes her time to research your case and you should be prepared to present it in a professional/respectful manner. She dots her "i" and cross her "t" and so should you. I highly recommend her as a Judge for any honest/sincere case.
She takes her position as a Judge serious and have the best interest of the state and the claimant. She is fair, understanding, sensitive and accurate. She takes her time to research your case and you should be prepared to present it in a professional/respectful manner. She dots her "i" and cross her "t" and so should you. I highly recommend her as a Judge for any honest/sincere case.
She takes her position as a Judge serious and have the best interest of the state and the claimant. She is fair, understanding, sensitive and accurate. She takes her time to research your case and you should be prepared to present it in a professional/respectful manner. She dots her "i" and cross her "t" and so should you. I highly recommend her as a Judge for any honest/sincere case.
SHe is great & was very nice
SHe is great & was very nice
SHe is great & was very nice
Judge Warren very thorough, competent. By the book & efficient...
She was very thorough in her explanation of the case and broke it down so a lay person, like myself, could understand and comprehend their case.
Judge Warren is very clear and very fair she is a magnificent judge and very thoughtful and respectful about her Client's case she takes her cases very serious. I Love her work!
Judge Regina L. Warren – She’s very tough, but she has to be because of many fraudulent cases in the state of Pennsylvania. She wants a clear “yes or no”, "no maybe, uh huh or yeah" she understands her claimant. If you are clear and honest, she seems to show empathy with you. Don’t disrespect the system, she would fry you. Her line of hypothetical scenarios, she understood my medical conditions. I was flabbergasted about how she saw the big picture of my life. Although, the “expert witness” was very unreasonable and she saw right through her. I have a deep respect for her, her dignity has to be respected!
She charged me for receiving $50.00 an hour as a temporary worker in Philadelphia, Pa took my Social Security Check after I complained and got the attorney general involved, provided a document showing my debt was paid and still taking my money from me. I’m supposed to receive $818 a month not $704. I asked to go to court and still she’s taking money Social Security money from me that is mine.
She charged me for receiving $50.00 an hour as a temporary worker in Philadelphia, Pa took my Social Security Check after I complained and got the attorney general involved, provided a document showing my debt was paid and still taking my money from me. I’m supposed to receive $818 a month not $704. I asked to go to court and still she’s taking money Social Security money from me that is mine.
Very scary Judge
Very scary Judge
Very scary Judge
Not a nice Judge at all above I agree with above comment
Not a nice Judge at all above I agree with above comment
Not a nice Judge at all above I agree with above comment
Not a nice Judge at all above I agree with above comment
Unfair Judge by faR
This guy is one of the smartest judges in all of ODAR by far. A bit brusque at times, he knows how to get to the heart of the case.
As an attorney who has also appeared before Judge Wesner, I am amused by the earlier comments. They must necessarily have emanated from a claimant or attorney in a case which was unfavorable. That, or possibly from an advocate who was intimidated by the Judge's superior intellect.
Great judge! He knows each file and is able to get to the heart of the matter right away. Very fair and objective. Great sense of humor.