Approval rates
The 27% approval rate for Scott R. Canfield reflects all decisions on record since 2016. This can be measured against the 17% to 70% range seen among the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is Cleveland. This docket of 1,056 decisions provides a view of past activity, though these aggregate rates do not predict the outcome of your specific hearing.
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 approval rate for Scott R. Canfield shifted between 2016 and 2019. After an 18% approval rate in 2016, the figures were 31% in 2017, 30% in 2018, and 32% in 2019. This trend shows the historical variation in decisions across the recorded window.
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
Scott R. Canfield's most recent office on record is the Cleveland hearing office, which serves you in Ohio. With 22 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, the bench represents a wide spectrum of decision patterns. You can view the Cleveland hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Cleveland
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your judge is assigned randomly. There are 22 judges whose most recent office on record is Cleveland, with approval rates ranging from 17% to 70% on their records since 2016. Understanding the general environment of the office provides context for your hearing preparation.
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 an approval rate of 27% on record since 2016. This sits within the 17% to 70% range observed among the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is Cleveland. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
The approval rate for Scott R. Canfield moved from 18% in 2016 to 32% by 2019. This indicates a rising trend over the recorded period. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these patterns might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot select your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and limitations. Working with an attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records for the hearing.
The 27% approval rate for Scott R. Canfield is a statistical summary of past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is decided on its own merits and the quality of evidence presented. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare accordingly.
