Approval rates
The 44% approval rate for Paula Fow reflects all decisions on record since 2016. This can be measured against the 32% to 78% range seen among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Phoenix. These figures provide a statistical baseline derived from hundreds of cases. 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 Fow. The most recent period with decisions on record is December 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Fow'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 data for Paula Fow covers 289 decisions on record since 2016. The yearly trend shows an approval rate of 46% in 2016 and 35% in 2017. This pattern highlights the importance of presenting a complete medical record, as the judge's decision-making process is influenced by the specific evidence and case mix presented in each hearing.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Fow'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 hearing office
The Phoenix hearing office serves claimants throughout Arizona and the surrounding region. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Claimants at this office can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of medical evidence is the primary factor in the judge's decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Phoenix
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Phoenix hearing office, there are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. These judges show a wide variance in approval rates, ranging from 32% to 78% on their since-2016 records.
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
Paula Fow has an approval rate of 44% on record since 2016. This falls within the 32% to 78% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Phoenix. An attorney can help you understand how these local trends might impact your specific case.
The data shows an approval rate of 46% in 2016 and 35% in 2017. Because these rates represent past decisions, they should not be viewed as a guarantee of future outcomes. A qualified attorney can help you build a strong case regardless of these historical fluctuations.
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 the strength of your medical evidence with an attorney is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 44% approval rate for Paula Fow is a statistical summary of past decisions and not a prediction for your hearing. Every case is unique, and the judge's decision will depend on the specific medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for the hearing.
