Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 35% approval rate for Arline Colon covers all 1,036 decisions on record since 2016. This figure sits within the 35% to 85% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Petersburg FL hearing office. These aggregate rates reflect historical patterns rather than specific outcomes for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Colon. 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 Colon'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 1,036 decisions on record for Arline Colon since 2016 show a fluctuating pattern. After an initial approval rate of 34% in 2016, the rate rose to 41% in 2017 before declining to 33% in 2018 and 27% in 2019. These shifts demonstrate how yearly trends vary based on the cases heard during those periods.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Colon'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 St Petersburg FL hearing office
Arline Colon's most recent SSA record is at the St Petersburg FL hearing office, with decisions there through September 2019. This office serves claimants in Florida and operates as part of the broader SSA hearing network. With 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, you can expect a standard administrative process. You can see the St Petersburg FL Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is St Petersburg FL
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Petersburg FL hearing office. Approval rates for these judges range from 35% to 85% based on their individual records since 2016. Your preparation remains consistent regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
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
Arline Colon has an approval rate of 35% across 1,036 decisions on record since 2016. This places her at the lower end of the 35% to 85% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Petersburg FL hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
Yes, the approval rate for Arline Colon has fluctuated over time. It started at 34% in 2016, peaked at 41% in 2017, and then trended downward to 27% by 2019. Understanding these historical trends is part of preparing for your case, and an attorney can help you evaluate your evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses an automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges, ensuring the process remains random. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong case is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are properly presented.
The 35% approval rate for Arline Colon reflects past decisions and is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your claim.
