Approval rates
Understanding how a judge compares to their peers provides helpful context for your upcoming hearing. The 66% approval rate for Gary Elliott is based on 382 decisions on record since 2016. This figure sits within the broader range of 30% to 78% observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tacoma WA hearing office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Elliott. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Elliott'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 Gary Elliott is calculated from 382 decisions on record since 2016. During that window, the data shows a consistent pattern of decision-making. Because the record window covers a specific period ending in 2016, the data reflects the outcomes from that time frame.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Elliott'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 WA hearing office
Gary Elliott's most recent office on record is the Tacoma WA hearing office, which serves the Washington region. This office is home to 17 judges whose most recent records are associated with this location. You can expect a standard administrative process focused on the evidence presented in your case.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Tacoma WA
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 the Tacoma WA hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 30% to 78% on their since-2016 records. While you cannot choose your judge, understanding the office-wide bench provides a clearer picture of the hearing environment.
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
Gary Elliott has a 66% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the range of 30% to 78% seen among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tacoma WA hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
The data for Gary Elliott covers the period from January 2016 to September 2016, during which the judge maintained a 66% approval rate across 382 decisions. Because this record is limited to that window, it reflects a steady pattern for that specific time. A qualified attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with these historical trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you prepare a strong case regardless of who is assigned to your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be asked questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Working with an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions you may face.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and is not a prediction of how they will rule on your specific case. Your outcome depends primarily on the quality and completeness of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible before your hearing.
