Approval rates
The approval rate for Kenneth E. Ball is calculated based on 955 decisions on record since 2016. This figure provides a baseline for understanding how this judge has historically evaluated disability claims. When compared to the 19% to 68% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the Orange hearing office, this data helps clarify the statistical landscape of your hearing. 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 Ball. 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 Ball'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 trend for Kenneth E. Ball has fluctuated across the 955 decisions on record since 2016. After an approval rate of 38% in 2016, the data shows 48% in 2017, 35% in 2018, and 50% in 2019. These shifts demonstrate that approval patterns can vary significantly from year to year. The most recent period reflects a departure from the earlier, lower-approval years, suggesting that your case mix or evidentiary standards may have evolved.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Ball'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 Orange hearing office
The Orange hearing office serves you in California and is part of the broader SSA regional network. This office has a bench of 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical evidence and vocational history. You can see the Orange hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Orange
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Orange hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 19% to 68% on their since-2016 records. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to prepare for the hearing process itself. The guidance for your preparation remains consistent 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
Kenneth E. Ball has an approval rate of 41% across 955 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 19% to 68% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Orange hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Kenneth E. Ball has shown variation, moving from 38% in 2016 to 50% in 2019. These fluctuations are common in judicial records and may be influenced by changes in the types of cases heard. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process random. Because you cannot control your judge assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence with an attorney is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and testimony to determine if you meet the disability criteria. You will likely be asked questions about your daily activities and work history. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 41% approval rate for Kenneth E. Ball is a reflection of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical documentation is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
