Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe. The bench at the Montgomery office shows a wide range of outcomes, with individual judge approval rates varying from 21% to 92% on their records since 2016. With 753 decisions on record, the data for this judge provides a clear view of past activity. 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 Dancy. 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 Dancy'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 this judge showed a downward trend over the recorded window, moving from 67% in 2017 to 48% by 2019. This pattern is based on 753 total decisions on record. While the yearly figures indicate a shift, these numbers reflect past case mixes and evidence quality rather than a change in judicial philosophy. The data suggests that the later period saw a lower frequency of allowances compared to the initial year on record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Dancy'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 Montgomery hearing office
The Montgomery hearing office serves claimants across Alabama and the surrounding region. This office features a bench of 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical evidence and vocational history. You can see the Montgomery Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Montgomery
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 this one, and they demonstrate a broad spectrum of approval rates. Because each judge evaluates evidence differently, the specific assignment can influence the hearing process. 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
Rolesia Dancy has an approval rate of 56% based on 753 decisions on record since 2017. This falls within the broader range of 21% to 92% seen among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific expectations of this bench.
Yes, the data shows a decline in the approval rate from 67% in 2017 to 48% in 2019. This trend is based on a total of 753 decisions on record during that period. Understanding these patterns is part of how an attorney can help you build a stronger case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is vital to be prepared for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
A hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony about your limitations. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert regarding your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your evidence for the hearing.
The 56% approval rate on record since 2017 is a statistical observation of past performance, not a prediction of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing.
