Approval rates
The Tacoma hearing office bench features 18 judges on record, with lifetime approval rates spanning from 30% to 78%. Comparing Judge Dantonio’s 59% lifetime approval rate against this office-wide range provides context for how her record aligns with her peers. Because the SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, your specific judge is determined randomly.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Dantonio. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Dantonio'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
Judge Dantonio’s record, spanning from 2016 to 2021, shows a varied trend in approval outcomes. After starting with a 62% approval rate in 2016, the data shows fluctuations, including a peak of 67% in 2020 before a shift to 48% in 2021. These yearly changes often reflect shifts in the complexity of cases or the specific medical evidence presented. This pattern demonstrates that while her historical average is stable, recent outcomes have shown movement, underscoring the importance of a well-documented case file.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Dantonio'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 Tacoma hearing office
The Tacoma hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a key hub for SSDI hearings in Washington. The office bench consists of 18 judges on record, and the office-wide latest-period approval rate is 58%. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Tacoma hearing office currently has 18 judges on record since 2016. Because case assignment is handled by a random workload-balancing algorithm, you have no control over which judge hears your claim. Approval rates across this office vary significantly, ranging from 30% to 78%. For preparation purposes, the guidance remains consistent 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
Judge Dantonio’s 59% lifetime approval rate sits within the broader office range of 30% to 78% for the 18 judges on record at the Tacoma office. While this places her near the middle of the local bench, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of her courtroom.
Yes, the data shows fluctuations in her approval rate, ranging from a high of 67% in 2020 to 48% in 2021. These shifts are common in SSDI cases and may reflect changes in the types of cases assigned or the strength of the evidence provided. An attorney can help you build a case that addresses these variables.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at the Tacoma hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to have an attorney who can help you prepare for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
A judge's approval rate is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. While Judge Dantonio has approved 849 of her 1,427 lifetime decisions, your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence meets the necessary standards.