Approval rates
The approval rate for Michael S. Condon is based on 2,539 decisions on record since 2016. This figure provides a statistical baseline when compared to the 43% to 88% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Grand Rapids hearing office. These numbers reflect historical patterns rather than the specific medical evidence or vocational factors in your case.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Condon. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Condon'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
Since 2016, your judge's approval rate has fluctuated, starting at 44% in 2016, reaching 47% in 2020, and shifting to 33% in the final recorded period of 2022. With 2,539 total decisions on record, the data reflects a period of varied outcomes. These patterns often shift due to changes in case complexity or the specific types of evidence presented in hearings.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Condon'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 Grand Rapids hearing office
Michael S. Condon's most recent office on record is the Grand Rapids hearing office. With 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office maintains a diverse bench with varying approval patterns. You can view the full roster for this location on the Grand Rapids hearing office page.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Grand Rapids
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your judge is assigned randomly. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Grand Rapids hearing office, and their approval rates since 2016 range from 43% to 88%. Because each judge manages a unique docket, your experience will depend on the specific facts of your claim.
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
Michael S. Condon has an approval rate of 43% based on 2,539 decisions on record since 2016. This places the judge at the lower end of the 43% to 88% range seen among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Grand Rapids hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for Michael S. Condon has varied over time, moving from 44% in 2016 to 33% in 2022. These yearly fluctuations are common in SSA data and may reflect changes in the types of cases heard. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your own disability claim.
No, you cannot choose your 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 be prepared for any judge by having a strong, evidence-based case. An attorney can help you 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 organize your medical evidence and prepare for the questions you will face.
The 43% approval rate for Michael S. Condon is a historical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you demonstrate your inability to work. An attorney can help you ensure your case is presented as effectively as possible.
