Approval rates
The 37% approval rate for George M. Bock is based on 821 decisions on record since 2016. This figure sits within the 33% to 77% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Kansas City. These aggregate rates reflect historical patterns rather than predictions for your specific case.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Bock. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Bock'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 George M. Bock remained steady at 37% across the 2016 and 2017 calendar years. With 821 total decisions on record since 2016, this consistent pattern suggests a stable approach to case evaluation during that period. Because the data window concludes in 2017, the trend reflects a sustained outcome pattern rather than recent fluctuations.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Bock'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 Kansas City hearing office
The Kansas City hearing office serves you and other claimants across the region. With 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process where the focus remains on the specific medical evidence supporting your claim. You can see the Kansas City hearing office page for the full roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Kansas City
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Kansas City, with approval rates ranging from 33% to 77% on their since-2016 records. While these figures vary, the process for presenting your medical evidence remains consistent across the entire 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
George M. Bock has a 37% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the 33% to 77% range of approval rates for the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Kansas City. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
The approval rate for George M. Bock remained steady at 37% throughout the 2016 and 2017 period. This consistency is based on 821 total decisions on record. If you are concerned about your hearing, an attorney can help you review your case strategy.
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 important to be prepared for any judge by having a strong case file. 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 evidence and testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Your case's success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well it meets SSA criteria. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths before your hearing.
