Approval rates
The approval rate for B. L. Blair is 60% based on 1,544 decisions on record since 2016. When evaluating this figure, it is helpful to compare it against the broader bench at the Livonia MI office, where the 18 judges range from 44% to 74% in their approval rates on record since 2016. This range provides a sense of the variance in decision-making patterns within the same office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Blair. 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 Blair'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 B. L. Blair has shown an upward trend since 2016. Starting at 50% in 2016, the rate increased to 60% in 2017, 64% in 2018, and reached 67% by 2019. This pattern across 1,544 decisions on record suggests a shift in outcomes over the four-year window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Blair'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 Livonia MI hearing office
B. L. Blair's most recent office on record is the Livonia MI hearing office, which serves the surrounding region in Michigan. This office features a bench of 18 judges, reflecting a diverse range of decision-making patterns. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on the medical and vocational evidence presented in your file.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Livonia MI
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Livonia MI office, there are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 44% to 74% on their records since 2016. While these figures provide context for the office, they do not dictate the outcome of your specific claim.
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
B. L. Blair has a 60% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the 44% to 74% range observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is the Livonia MI office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the approval rate for B. L. Blair has trended upward, moving from 50% in 2016 to 67% by 2019. This trend is based on 1,544 decisions on record. If you are concerned about how these past trends might impact your hearing, a free case review can provide clarity. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to prepare a strong, evidence-based case is the best way to improve your chances. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
The 60% approval rate for B. L. Blair represents a probability based on 1,544 past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you review your file to see if it meets the necessary standards. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
