Are you unsure about your chances of winning a Social Security disability claim? The approval process can be unpredictable, especially when the judge’s decision plays such a big role. In this video, I’ll break down how judge approval rates can set realistic expectations for your case. By understanding these approval rates, you can better prepare for your hearing and improve your confidence in the process. Get ready to discover the factors that could impact your chances of success.
Filing for Social Security disability benefits can be a challenging and uncertain process. You might be wondering, “What are my chances of winning?” The truth is, approval doesn’t depend just on your medical records or work history—the judge assigned to your case plays a big part in the outcome. Understanding these approval rates can help set realistic expectations and prepare for the hearing.
A useful resource for researching judge approval rates is Disabilityjudges.org. This website allows users to search for a judge by name, state, or hearing office. It provides approval percentage data, offering insight into the likelihood of a favorable decision. Let’s look at the examples of approval ratings below:
Approval ratings comparison
Looking at two different hearing offices in Illinois highlights how approval rates vary.
Orland Park, Illinois Office (Nine Judges)
- Janet Akers: 14% approval
- David Bruce: 50% approval
- Deborah Giesen: 10% approval
- Michael Hellman: 24% approval
- Kathleen Kadlec: 2% approval
- Michael Pendola: 78% approval
- Karen Sayon: No data available
- Gregory Smith: 62% approval
- Patricia Supergan: 63% approval
Evanston, Illinois Office (Seven Judges)
- Lovert Bassett: 75% approval
- Jessica Inouye: 31% approval
- Lana Johnson: No data available
- Lee Lewin: 36% approval
- James MacDonald: 57% approval
- Stephen Pope: 53% approval
- Kevin Vodak: 45% approval
Researching judge approval rates can set realistic expectations.
As seen in these statistics, approval rates vary widely from judge to judge. Some judges approve the majority of cases, while others rarely grant disability claims. Knowing this information can be valuable for you when preparing for a hearing, as it provides insight into what to expect. If you need help with a Social Security disability case, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call us at (800) 419-7606 to learn more. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
