Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at the same timeframes. While the 55% approval rate on record since 2017 provides a long-term view, recent performance is measured against the latest reporting period. In this latest period, the judge recorded a 49% approval rate, compared to the 63% office-wide average. These figures are derived from 2,813 decisions on record since 2017. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your hearing.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Celaya'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 Gracian A. Celaya has fluctuated since 2017. After maintaining rates between 51% and 60% for several years, the data shows a peak of 64% in 2024 before a decline to 49% in the most recent partial fiscal year. This latest-period rate sits below the long-term average. Such patterns often reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the specific evidence presented during a given period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Celaya'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 Miami OHO hearing office
Gracian A. Celaya's most recent office on record is the Miami OHO, with decisions there through July 2026. This office serves the Florida region and manages a diverse caseload of disability claims. With 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, the office maintains an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 63%. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Miami OHO
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your specific judge is chosen at random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with 8 of them having decided cases in the latest file from July 2026. These peers show a wide range of approval rates, spanning from 32% to 83% on their records since 2016. Preparation remains consistent regardless of your assigned judge.
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
Judge Celaya's 49% approval rate in the latest reporting period is 14 percentage points lower than the 63% average for the Miami OHO. Because case assignment is random, working with an attorney who understands the local bench can help you prepare your case effectively.
Yes, the rate has varied over time, ranging from a low of 49% in the most recent partial year to a high of 64% in 2024. These fluctuations are common and often depend on the specific mix of cases assigned. An attorney can help you evaluate how these trends might impact your hearing strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but 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 for the specific questions and procedures you will face.
The 55% approval rate on record since 2017 is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical documentation is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
