Approval rates
The approval rate for Terry M. Banks is calculated based on 1,537 lifetime decisions. When evaluating this figure, consider that the office-wide lifetime approval-rate range for all judges on record at this location spans from 30% to 77%. This variance highlights the importance of presenting a well-documented case regardless of the judge assigned.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Banks. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Banks'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 record for Terry M. Banks spans from 2016 to 2020. The approval rate was 31% in 2016, 40% in 2017, 41% in 2018, 39% in 2019, and 43% in 2020.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Banks'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 Toledo OH hearing office
The Toledo OH hearing office serves claimants throughout the region. With 10 judges on record, the office manages a diverse caseload. You can expect a formal administrative process where the quality of medical evidence remains the primary factor in a favorable decision. You can see the Toledo OH Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 10 judges on record at this office since 2016, 7 of whom are reported in the latest SSA period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 30% to 77% over their respective lifetimes.
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
Terry M. Banks holds a lifetime approval rate of 38%. Across the office, lifetime approval rates for the 10 judges on record range from 30% to 77%. An attorney can help you understand how to tailor your evidence to meet the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the data shows annual approval rates of 31% in 2016, 40% in 2017, 41% in 2018, 39% in 2019, and 43% in 2020. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing by analyzing how these trends might impact your case strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to work with an attorney who can help you prepare for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions and not a guarantee of your outcome. Your success depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence and your ability to prove your disability under SSA rules. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.