Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 73% approval rate for Robert C. Asbille is based on 1,685 decisions on record since 2016. Within the Evanston hearing office, the bench of 15 judges shows a wide range of approval rates, spanning from 45% to 79% on their respective records since 2016. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Asbille. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Asbille'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
The approval rate for Robert C. Asbille remained relatively high throughout his recorded period from 2016 to 2019. After an initial 73% approval rate in 2016, the figures reached 76% in 2017 before settling at 74% in 2018 and 69% in 2019. This pattern shows a consistent approach to case evaluation across 1,685 total decisions on record. These fluctuations are common and may reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the evidence you present during those years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Asbille'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 Evanston hearing office
The Evanston hearing office serves you if you are in the Illinois region. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, which has historically managed a diverse volume of disability claims. If you appear at this office, you should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical documentation and work history. You can see the Evanston Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Evanston
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Evanston hearing office, and their approval rates range from 45% to 79% on their records since 2016. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on the strength of your medical evidence. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Robert C. Asbille has a 73% approval rate on record since 2016. This places him within the range of 45% to 79% observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is Evanston. An attorney can help you understand how your specific case evidence aligns with these patterns.
His approval rate showed a stable trend, starting at 73% in 2016 and ending at 69% in 2019 across 1,685 total decisions. While these yearly shifts occur, they represent a consistent history of decision-making. A qualified attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of these historical trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the quality of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 73% approval rate for Robert C. Asbille is a summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and weaknesses.
