Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data windows. The 66% approval rate for Carol L. Buck is based on 1,842 decisions on record since 2016. When viewed alongside the broader bench at the Sacramento hearing office, where judges range from 39% to 80% in their since-2016 records, this figure provides a clear view of past activity. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Buck. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Buck'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 Carol L. Buck has remained relatively steady throughout the data window starting in 2016. After beginning at 62% in 2016, the rate saw minor fluctuations before reaching 75% in 2021. With 1,842 total decisions on record, the volume of cases provides a stable view of the judge's historical pattern. The recent data reflects a continuation of this consistent approach to your disability claim.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Buck'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 Sacramento hearing office
The Sacramento hearing office serves you and other claimants across the region. With 20 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a significant volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical documentation is the primary factor in your decision. You can see the Sacramento Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Sacramento
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the Sacramento hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 39% to 80% since 2016. Because of this variance, it is important to focus on the strength of your own medical evidence. For your preparation, the guidance remains consistent regardless of which judge you are 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
Carol L. Buck has a 66% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 39% to 80% range observed among the 20 judges whose most recent office on record is Sacramento. An attorney can help you understand how your specific case evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
The approval rate for Carol L. Buck has been relatively steady, starting at 62% in 2016 and reaching 75% in 2021. This trend is based on 1,842 total decisions on record. If you are concerned about how these trends affect your claim, an attorney can help you prepare.
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 best to focus on building a strong case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is presented effectively.
The 66% approval rate for Carol L. Buck is a summary of past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and your outcome depends on the evidence you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
