Approval rates
Comparing performance requires looking at consistent data windows. Fernandez's 68% approval rate on record since 2016 sits within the 44% to 74% range observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Livonia MI. Because these figures are based on thousands of decisions, they provide a stable view of past trends. 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 Fernandez. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Fernandez'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, your judge's approval rate has shown notable fluctuations. After a period of relative stability between 2016 and 2018, the rate increased in 2019 before trending downward in 2021. Recent years, specifically 2023 and 2024, showed a return to higher approval levels, though the partial 2025 data reflects a significant shift. This pattern highlights how your case mix and evolving evidentiary standards can influence outcomes over time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Fernandez'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 Livonia MI hearing office
The Livonia MI hearing office serves claimants across Michigan and is part of the broader SSA regional network. With 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse caseload of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in any decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Livonia MI
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Livonia MI office, there are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, with approval rates ranging from 44% to 74% on their since-2016 records. 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
Fernandez's 68% approval rate on record since 2016 falls within the 44% to 74% range seen among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Livonia MI. While this places her in the upper tier of the office's bench, every case is unique. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this office.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the years. It reached a high of 74% in 2019 and remained steady at 72% in 2023 and 2024, following a dip in 2021. Understanding these trends is part of building a strong case, and an attorney can help you evaluate how these patterns might relate to your specific medical evidence.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across hearing offices. Because you cannot influence the assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical documentation is the best way to prepare for your hearing. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having an attorney can help you navigate these questions and ensure your case is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a guarantee of how Fernandez will rule on your specific claim. Your success depends primarily on your medical evidence and how well it meets SSA's definition of disability. An attorney can help you review your evidence to ensure it meets the necessary standards.
