Approval rates
The 55% approval rate for Lyn Farmer reflects all 950 decisions on record since 2016. This rate is compared against the 28% to 72% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Phoenix North. These aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predicting outcomes for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Farmer. 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 Farmer'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 Lyn Farmer has varied across the 950 decisions on record since 2016. You can see the yearly trend: 59% in 2016, 52% in 2017, 55% in 2018, and 40% in 2019. These fluctuations reflect how yearly case mixes or changes in evidence can influence outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Farmer'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 Phoenix North hearing office
Lyn Farmer's most recent office on record is the Phoenix North hearing office, which serves you in Arizona. With 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, the bench represents a wide spectrum of decision patterns. You can visit the Phoenix North hearing office page for the full roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Phoenix North
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your judge is assigned randomly. Within the Phoenix North hearing office, there are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 28% to 72%. Because each judge brings a unique perspective to the hearing room, understanding the broader bench is helpful.
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
Lyn Farmer has a 55% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 28% to 72% range of the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Phoenix North. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated, starting at 59% in 2016 and moving to 55% in 2018, with a 40% record in 2019. These trends reflect the complexity of individual cases and evolving evidence. An attorney can help you understand how these patterns might relate to your specific claim.
No, you cannot choose your 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, and an attorney can help you build a strong case regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your evidence is properly presented.
The 55% approval rate for Lyn Farmer is a historical statistic, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
