Where are the best ODAR offices to apply for disability benefits?

Submitted by Bryan on

If you suffer from a disability and find yourself unable to work, you may be able to receive disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

These benefits can help you pay for your medical expenses and everyday costs of living.

Top ODAR Offices

After you initially apply for disability benefits, the SSA may deny your application based on a lack of sufficient medical evidence or a variety of other factors.

Luckily, this decision can be appealed, during which the SSA will reconsider your application and approve or deny it.

If your application is denied after the reconsideration stage, you can appeal your case again and your case will be sent to an office of disability adjudication and review (ODAR) for a hearing.

There are ODAR offices located across the country, and approval rates for your hearing will vary based on the judge at the ODAR office handling your case.

Best ODAR offices for SSI SSDI Approval

Here are some of the top ODAR offices in the country that have ruled fully favorable or partially favorable disability benefits case hearings over the past year, including the presiding administrative law judge (ALJ), total cases, and the amount of awards and denials:

  • Orland Park, Illinois
    • Administrative law judge: William J. Mackowiak
    • Total cases: 366
    • Awards: 248
    • Denials: 49
  • Kingsport, Tennessee
    • Administrative law judge: Michael J. Davenport
    • Total cases: 349
    • Awards: 234
    • Denials: 85
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico
    • Administrative law judge: James A. Burke
    • Total cases: 310
    • Awards: 234
    • Denials: 33
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico
    • Administrative law judge: Ramon E. Quinones
    • Total cases: 264
    • Awards: 211
    • Denials: 28
  • Tampa, Florida
    • Administrative law judge: Paul L. Johnston
    • Total cases: 273
    • Awards: 215
    • Denials: 13

Blog comments

fejes, randy (not verified)

How does a 24 year military

How does a 24 year military(honorably), 90% va rated disabled veteran get denied social security disability benefits? Does one need to be of a certain race, religion, color or creed?

Fri, 06/17/2016 - 15:51 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by fejes, randy (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
Social Security Disability benefits are not offered on the basis of race, religion, color, or creed, but rather if you are determined unable to work by the SSA and have the requisite work history for SSDI or meet the criteria for SSI. You may want to speak to a disability advocate or attorney, they can help maximize your chances of winning an appeal. If you go here:
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/form/free-disability-evaluation
we can have one reach out to you.

Mon, 06/20/2016 - 09:35 Permalink
Sandra Hernandez (not verified)

I need a lawyer or an

I need a lawyer or an advocate to help me with my daughter's ssi case in killeen texas

Wed, 07/13/2016 - 15:46 Permalink
abas (not verified)

I need this?

I need this?

Fri, 08/12/2016 - 13:17 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by abas (not verified)

Hi Abas,

Hi Abas,
If you fill out the form on the left, we can have a disability advocate or attorney reach out to you.

Fri, 08/12/2016 - 15:02 Permalink

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