Approval rates
The approval rates for Scott C. Firestone reflect a significant volume of cases, providing a baseline for understanding his judicial record. While his lifetime rate stands at 59%, his latest-period approval rate of 50% sits 15 percentage points below the Greensboro office average of 65%. These comparisons are based on the latest reporting period to ensure statistical accuracy. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
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 Firestone'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, the decision pattern for Scott C. Firestone has shown notable fluctuations. After reaching a peak approval rate of 72% in 2017, the trend has shifted, with the most recent data showing a 50% approval rate in 2026. This trajectory reflects a move toward more conservative outcomes in recent years compared to his earlier record. Understanding these shifts is essential for preparing your evidence effectively, as the latest period reflects a departure from his historical average.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Firestone'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 the region, operating as a critical hub for North Carolina disability cases. With a bench of 16 judges on record and a latest-period office-wide approval rate of 65%, this office manages a high volume of complex claims. You can expect a rigorous review process that prioritizes your medical documentation and vocational evidence. See the Greensboro Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Greensboro hearing office currently hosts 16 judges on record, with 8 judges actively reporting in the latest SSA data. Because the Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, you cannot request a specific judge for your hearing. Approval rates across this bench vary widely, ranging from 50% to 89% over their respective lifetimes. 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
Judge Firestone's latest-period approval rate of 50% is 15 percentage points lower than the Greensboro office average of 65%. While this data provides context, every case is unique; an attorney can help you prepare a case that meets the specific evidentiary standards required by this judge.
Yes, the approval rate for Judge Firestone has fluctuated since 2016. After a high of 72% in 2017, the rate has trended toward 50% in the most recent reporting period. An attorney can help you understand how these shifts might impact your hearing strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a random, automated workload-balancing algorithm to ensure impartiality. Regardless of your assignment, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing process.
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 for these questions and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and not a guarantee of your outcome. While Judge Firestone has a lifetime approval rate of 59%, your individual success depends on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and identify potential gaps in your documentation.