Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure an accurate picture. Clint Dorman holds a 73% lifetime approval rate, which sits within the 50% to 89% range observed across the Greensboro bench. In the most recent reporting period, his 73% approval rate outperformed the office and state averages of 65% and the national average of 58%. These figures reflect historical trends rather than specific predictions for your hearing.
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 Dorman'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, Clint Dorman has issued 3,635 decisions. His approval rate has remained relatively steady over the years, showing minor fluctuations rather than sharp shifts. While his annual approval rate has moved between 63% and 77% throughout this period, the most recent data shows a return to his long-term average of 73%. This consistency suggests a stable approach to evaluating evidence and medical documentation.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Dorman'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 Greensboro hearing office
The Greensboro hearing office serves you throughout North Carolina and the surrounding region. With 16 judges on record, the office maintains an active docket to manage local disability claims. The office-wide latest approval rate is 65%, providing a baseline for the region. You can see the Greensboro Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 16 judges on record at this office since 2016, 8 of whom reported in the SSA's latest period. Because approval rates vary significantly across the bench, ranging from 50% to 89%, understanding the office environment is helpful. 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
Clint Dorman's latest-period approval rate of 73% is 8 percentage points higher than the Greensboro office average of 65%. While this data is useful for context, every case is unique, and an attorney can help you build a case that addresses the specific evidentiary requirements of this judge.
Clint Dorman's approval rate has remained steady since 2016, with his annual performance consistently hovering around his 73% lifetime average. While yearly rates have varied slightly, the overall pattern indicates a stable decision-making process. An attorney can help you understand how your medical evidence aligns with these historical trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a random, workload-balancing algorithm to ensure fairness and efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney is the best way to ensure your case is prepared for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where the 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 ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Clint Dorman's 73% lifetime rate provides context, your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you identify the specific evidence needed to strengthen your claim.