Approval rates
Since 2016, Kevin F. Foley has maintained an approval rate of 63% across 806 decisions. This figure sits within the broader range of 29% to 83% observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Charlotte. Comparing these figures provides a view of the local bench, though aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Foley. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Foley'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 Kevin F. Foley has shown variation since 2016. After an approval rate of 61% in 2016, the rate rose to 68% in 2017 before returning to 61% in 2018. These shifts reflect the outcomes of 806 total decisions on record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Foley'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 Charlotte hearing office
The Charlotte hearing office is the most recent office on record for Kevin F. Foley as of September 2018. It is a busy office with 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can see the Charlotte hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Charlotte
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is the Charlotte hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 29% to 83% on their since-2016 records. Because case assignment is outside of your control, understanding the local bench as a whole is a useful part of your preparation.
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
Kevin F. Foley has an approval rate of 63% on record since 2016. This places him within the 29% to 83% range observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Charlotte. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the rate has fluctuated, moving from 61% in 2016 to 68% in 2017 and back to 61% in 2018. These variations are common. An attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with an attorney.
A hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure the judge has a clear picture of your disability.
The 63% approval rate on record for Kevin F. Foley is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most critical factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your specific hearing.
