Approval rates
The approval rate for Rita E. Foley is 62% based on 2,534 decisions on record since April 2016. This figure provides a baseline for understanding how the judge has historically evaluated disability claims. When compared to the broader bench at the St Petersburg FL OHO, which shows a range of 35% to 85% for judges with similar records, the data offers context for your upcoming 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 27, 2024. 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
Since April 2016, Rita E. Foley has decided 2,534 cases. Your yearly approval trend shows fluctuation, starting at 75% in 2016 and reaching 66% in 2024. This pattern indicates that while the rate has shifted over time, it remains within a stable range, reflecting the judge's consistent approach to evidence.
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 St Petersburg Fl OHO hearing office
The St Petersburg FL OHO is the most recent office on record for Rita E. Foley as of September 2024. This office manages a diverse caseload, with 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in the outcome.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is St Petersburg Fl OHO
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 St Petersburg FL OHO, with approval rates ranging from 35% to 85% on their since-2016 records. Because you cannot choose your judge, understanding the general environment of the office is more useful than focusing on any single peer.
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
Rita E. Foley has an approval rate of 62% since 2016. Across the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, approval rates range from 35% to 85%. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
The approval rate for Rita E. Foley has fluctuated, starting at 75% in 2016 and reaching 66% in 2024. These variations often reflect changes in case mix or evidence quality. A qualified attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively.
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, focusing on building a strong case with the help of an attorney is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 62% approval rate for Rita E. Foley is a statistical observation of past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the outcome depends on the strength of your medical evidence and your testimony. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing.
