Approval rates
The 70% approval rate for Michael Blume reflects all 267 decisions on record since 2016. This can be evaluated against the 26% to 84% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is also Oakland. These figures provide a look at past patterns, though they do not predict the outcome of your specific hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Blume. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Blume'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 Michael Blume has shown variation across the 267 decisions on record since 2016. The data indicates an approval rate of 71% in 2016, 66% in 2017, and 76% in 2018. These yearly fluctuations reflect the specific case mix and evidence presented during those periods.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Blume'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 Oakland hearing office
Michael Blume's most recent office on record is the Oakland hearing office, with decisions there through September 2018. This office serves claimants in the California region. With 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, you can expect a standard hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Oakland
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Oakland hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 26% to 84% based on their individual records since 2016. While these rates vary, the core requirements for proving disability remain consistent across the bench.
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
Michael Blume has a 70% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 26% to 84% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Oakland hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this bench.
The approval rate for Michael Blume was 71% in 2016, 66% in 2017, and 76% in 2018. These fluctuations are common and often relate to the specific types of cases and evidence presented. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific requirements of your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is vital to be prepared for any judge by having a strong, evidence-based case. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert regarding your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you navigate these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A 70% approval rate on record since 2016 indicates how Michael Blume has decided past cases, but it is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you review your case to see if you meet the necessary criteria.
