Approval rates
The approval rates for Matthew Allen reflect his history of decisions since 2016. When comparing his latest-period performance to the broader office, state, and national benchmarks, his rate is -3, -7, and -9 percentage points lower, respectively. These figures provide a snapshot of how his recent decisions align with broader trends.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Allen's docket. Annual rates fluctuate with the mix of cases SSA assigns; the longer-run pattern is more informative than any single year.
Decision pattern
Since 2016, Matthew Allen has issued 4,991 decisions. His yearly approval trend shows fluctuations, starting at 53% in 2016 and reaching 49% in the most recent partial fiscal year of 2026. The latest period shows a rate of 49%, which remains consistent with his long-term average. This pattern suggests a steady approach to case evaluation over the last decade.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Allen's bench. Judge-specific preparation guidance requires a corpus of public Appeals Council decisions involving each judge, which we haven't built yet.
- Bring a clean treating-physician record. Longitudinal primary-care or specialist notes spanning the disability period, with consistent symptom documentation, are typically the strongest evidence at hearing. A single month's records usually aren't enough.
- Don't rely on consultative exams alone. If your medical evidence is built primarily around a one-time CE finding, expect detailed questioning. Supplement with treating-source statements where possible.
- Prepare for daily-activity questions. Have honest, specific answers about a typical day. Answers that conflict with the medical record (in either direction) tend to hurt credibility.
- Expect transferable-skills probing. A vocational expert will usually testify about jobs available to someone with your limitations. Your representative should be prepared to cross-examine.
About the San Antonio hearing office
Matthew Allen's most recent office on record is the San Antonio hearing office, which serves you in Texas. This office is part of a regional network that handles a high volume of disability claims. The office-wide latest-period approval rate is 52%, providing context for the local hearing environment.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is San Antonio
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge assigned to your hearing is essentially random. There are 23 judges whose most recent office on record is the San Antonio hearing office, 17 of whom decided cases in the latest file through July 2026. Approval rates among this bench range from 18% to 70% on their records since 2016.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Matthew Allen's 49% approval rate since 2016 sits within the 18% to 70% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is San Antonio. Because case assignment is random, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Matthew Allen's approval rate has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a low of 44% in 2021 to a high of 54% in 2017 and 2025. His latest-period rate of 49% is consistent with his overall record since 2016. An attorney can help you understand how these patterns might relate to your specific medical evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process random. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for this process to ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
