Approval rates
Understanding how a judge compares to their peers requires looking at consistent data sets. John Cusker's 44% lifetime approval rate sits within the broader 34% to 80% range observed among all judges on record at the Las Vegas office since 2016. These figures provide a baseline for your expectations, though your specific medical evidence remains the most critical factor in your outcome. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Cusker. 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 Cusker'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 record for John Cusker spans 1,866 lifetime decisions between 2016 and 2022. His approval rate has shown a gradual decline over this period, moving from 47% in 2016 to 36% in 2022. This trend reflects a shift in the volume and nature of cases handled by his bench. Whether this pattern continues often depends on changes in case mix or the quality of evidence presented in upcoming hearings.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Cusker'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 Las Vegas hearing office
The Las Vegas hearing office serves claimants throughout Nevada, operating as a critical hub for regional disability determinations. The office maintains a bench of 10 judges on record, ensuring a steady flow of hearings for local residents. You can expect a formal process focused on the specific medical documentation supporting your claim. You can see the Las Vegas Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning you cannot choose your judge. There are 10 judges on record at this office since 2016. Because approval rates vary significantly across this bench—ranging from 34% to 80%—it is important to understand the landscape of the office where your case will be heard. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
John Cusker has a 44% lifetime approval rate. This sits within the 34% to 80% range of all judges who have served at the Las Vegas office since 2016. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
Yes, the data shows a trend of declining approval rates over his record of 1,866 lifetime decisions. While he started at 47% in 2016, recent years have seen lower percentages. An attorney can help you understand how to strengthen your case in light of these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney is the best way to ensure your evidence is ready for whoever is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will be asked about your work history and how your impairments prevent you from performing daily tasks. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. While John Cusker's 44% lifetime rate provides context, your success depends on the medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to build a strong case.