Approval rates
To understand how Amanda Craven compares to the broader bench, we look at both long-term records and recent performance. Since 2016, the approval-rate range for judges whose most recent office on record is Greenville spans from 35% to 72%. In the latest reporting period, her 76% approval rate sits 10 points above the office average of 66%. These figures are based on 3,310 decisions on record.
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 Craven'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 December 2016, Amanda Craven has issued 3,310 decisions. The yearly trend shows a fluctuating pattern, with approval rates moving from 71% in 2017 to a high of 82% in 2023, before settling at 76% in the partial year of 2026. This latest period indicates that her recent approval activity remains higher than her historical average.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Craven'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 Greenville hearing office
Amanda Craven's most recent office on record is the Greenville hearing office, which serves claimants across South Carolina. This office maintains an office-wide approval rate of 66% for the latest reporting period. You can see the Greenville hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Greenville
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is Greenville, and 7 of them decided cases here in the latest file through July 2026. Approval rates for this bench range from 35% to 72% on their records since 2016.
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
In the latest reporting period, her 76% approval rate is 10 points higher than the 66% average for the Greenville office. While this suggests a higher rate of favorable outcomes recently, every case is unique. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific standards of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the 3,310 decisions on record since December 2016. After starting at 71% in 2017, the rate reached 82% in 2023 and currently stands at 76% for the 2026 fiscal year to date. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific disability claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome by working with a qualified representative. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical evidence and hears testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your symptoms limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a probability based on past decisions, not a guarantee of how Judge Craven will rule on your specific case. Your medical records and the strength of your testimony are the most important factors. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing.
