Approval rates
When evaluating a judge's history, it is helpful to compare their performance against the broader bench. The 9 judges whose most recent office on record is the Lansing hearing office demonstrate an approval-rate range between 37% and 68% based on their records since 2016. With 2,616 decisions on record, Lawrence E. Blatnik provides a substantial data set for review. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Blatnik. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Blatnik'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 January 2016, Lawrence E. Blatnik's approval rate has shown a generally stable trend with some year-over-year variation. Starting at 54% in 2016, the rate reached 68% by 2023 over a smaller volume of decisions. This pattern reflects his consistent approach to the 2,616 decisions on record. The recent data points suggest a continuation of his established decision-making habits, though each case remains unique based on the medical evidence you provide.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Blatnik'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 Lansing hearing office
The Lansing hearing office serves you and other claimants across Michigan as part of a regional network dedicated to processing disability appeals. With 9 judges on its historical bench, the office maintains a diverse range of decision patterns. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical documentation when appearing before this office. You can see the Lansing hearing office page for the full roster of judges.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Lansing
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 37% to 68%. While you cannot choose your judge, understanding the office-wide environment can help you prepare. The guidance for your case remains consistent regardless of which judge is 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
Lawrence E. Blatnik's 59% approval rate sits within the 37% to 68% range observed among the 9 judges whose most recent office on record is Lansing. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
Lawrence E. Blatnik's approval rate has fluctuated over time, moving from 54% in 2016 to 68% in 2023. These variations are common in judicial records and often reflect changes in the types of cases or evidence presented. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for your specific hearing.
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 for the hearing regardless of the judge assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked about your daily limitations and work history. Having an attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's historical approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and not a guarantee of your outcome. Lawrence E. Blatnik's 59% rate is one factor, but the quality of your medical evidence is the most important part of your claim. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific requirements of the SSA.
