Approval rates
The 61% approval rate for Steven L. Carnes is based on 1,739 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the bench at the Tallahassee FL OHO, where approval rates for the 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one range from 34% to 77%, this figure sits within the established local variance.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Carnes. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Carnes'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 trend for Steven L. Carnes has shown variation across the 1,739 decisions on record since 2016. After maintaining a relatively steady approval rate through 2021, the data shows a shift in the most recent period ending in 2023. This pattern reflects the complexity of disability claims, where changes in case mix or the specific evidence you present can influence outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Carnes'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 Tallahassee Fl OHO hearing office
The Tallahassee FL OHO maintains a bench of 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. This office operates within the broader framework of the Social Security Administration's hearing process. You can expect a formal proceeding where the quality of your medical evidence and testimony is central to the outcome.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Tallahassee Fl OHO
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tallahassee FL OHO, and their approval rates since 2016 range from 34% to 77%.
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
Steven L. Carnes has an approval rate of 61% based on 1,739 decisions on record since 2016. This places him within the range of 34% to 77% observed among the 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing regardless of the judge assigned.
The approval rate for Steven L. Carnes has fluctuated over the years, starting at 61% in 2016 and reaching 66% in 2021 before the most recent data point of 47% in 2023. These variations are common in disability adjudication as case types and evidence quality shift. An attorney can help you understand how these patterns might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across hearing offices. Because assignment is random, it is important to focus on building a strong case with your attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews the evidence of your disability. You will likely testify about your symptoms and limitations, and the judge may also hear from vocational or medical experts. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are effectively presented.
The 61% approval rate for Steven L. Carnes represents his history since 2016, but it is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most critical factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing process.
