Approval rates
The approval rate for Peter J. Boylan is based on 2,796 decisions recorded between 2016 and 2022. When compared to the broader bench at the Cincinnati hearing office, where judges range from 31% to 77% in their approval rates, Peter J. Boylan sits within the established local spectrum. This data provides a baseline for understanding how cases have been handled at this location.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Boylan. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Boylan'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 2016, the approval rate for Peter J. Boylan has shown variability, beginning at 53% and reaching a high of 60% in 2017 before trending toward 45% in 2022. With 2,796 total decisions on record, the data reflects a consistent volume of activity over the six-year window. While annual fluctuations are common in Social Security disability hearings, the recent period shows a shift from the earlier, higher approval percentages.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Boylan'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 Cincinnati hearing office
The Cincinnati hearing office is the most recent office on record for Peter J. Boylan as of September 2022. This office is part of a larger network of hearing locations in Ohio that handle a high volume of disability claims. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Cincinnati
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Cincinnati hearing office, there are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, with approval rates ranging from 31% to 77%. Because each judge manages their courtroom differently, the specific judge assigned to your hearing can influence the process.
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
Peter J. Boylan has an approval rate of 55% on record since 2016. Among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Cincinnati, approval rates range from 31% to 77%. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
Yes, the approval rate for Peter J. Boylan has fluctuated over the years, starting at 53% in 2016 and ending at 45% in 2022. These changes reflect the complexity of the cases heard rather than a personal policy. A qualified attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the evidentiary standards required for approval.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases to judges at the Cincinnati hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for the hearing process regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and the severity of your impairments. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions and procedures you will encounter.
The 55% approval rate for Peter J. Boylan is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of how he will rule on your specific claim. Your outcome depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you document your disability. An attorney can help you identify and fill gaps in your evidence to strengthen your case.
