Approval rates
The approval rate for Scott R. Canfield is based on 1,056 lifetime decisions. When compared to the broader bench in Cleveland, where lifetime approval rates range from 17% to 70%, his record sits within the established local spectrum. These figures are derived from SSA data spanning from 2016 to 2019.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Canfield. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Canfield'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 decision record for Scott R. Canfield shows a shift in approval frequency over the years. Starting at 18% in 2016, his approval rate rose to 31% in 2017, 30% in 2018, and 32% in 2019. This trend reflects his approach to the evidence presented in his courtroom over the 1,056 total decisions on record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Canfield'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 Cleveland hearing office
The Cleveland hearing office serves you throughout Ohio. The office maintains a bench of 22 judges who have served on record since 2016. You can expect a standard administrative process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges at this hearing office
SSA assigns cases to judges through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to Scott R. Canfield is essentially random. There are 22 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 17% to 70% over their respective lifetimes.
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
Scott R. Canfield has a lifetime approval rate of 27% across 1,056 decisions. This places him within the 17% to 70% range seen among the 22 judges on record at the Cleveland office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific judge.
Yes, his approval rate showed a trend from 18% in 2016 to 32% by 2019. While these numbers reflect his past decisions, they do not guarantee a specific outcome for your hearing. An attorney can help you prepare for the nuances of his courtroom.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases. Because you cannot control your assignment, having an attorney who knows the local bench can be a significant advantage.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears 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 evidence to ensure your case is presented clearly.
The 27% lifetime approval rate for Scott R. Canfield is a statistical observation of his past work, not a prediction for your specific claim. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical documentation is the most important factor in any hearing. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing date.