Approval rates
The approval rate for John A. Fraser is based on 2,441 lifetime decisions recorded since 2016. When evaluating this figure, consider the broader context of the Johnstown office, where the lifetime approval-rate range for all 8 judges on record spans from 32% to 80%. These figures provide a statistical baseline for understanding how different judges have historically approached disability claims. 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 Fraser. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Fraser'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 record for John A. Fraser spans from 2016 to 2023. While the approval rate saw peaks in 2017, the most recent data points indicate a lower frequency of allowances compared to the earlier years of this record. This pattern reflects the judge's historical approach to the evidence presented in the 2,441 decisions on record. The recent trend suggests a continuation of a more conservative pattern in case outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Fraser'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Johnstown hearing office
The Johnstown hearing office serves you throughout the region in Pennsylvania. The office maintains a bench of 8 judges on record, reflecting the volume of cases processed in this area. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process focused on the medical and vocational evidence of your specific disability claim. You can see the Johnstown Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 8 judges on record at this office since 2016. Because approval rates vary across the bench from 32% to 80%, understanding the office environment is useful. 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
John A. Fraser has a lifetime approval rate of 32% based on 2,441 decisions. This sits at the lower end of the 32% to 80% range observed among the 8 judges on record at the Johnstown office. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific evidentiary standards this judge often requires.
The approval rate for John A. Fraser has fluctuated since 2016, with higher rates observed in 2017 and a more recent trend showing lower approval percentages in the 2023 data. These shifts are common in judicial records and may reflect changes in the types of cases assigned. A qualified attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively regardless of these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across the hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome by having a strong, evidence-based case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a 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-related tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical documentation is complete.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a statistical observation of past performance, not a prediction of how they will rule on your specific claim. While John A. Fraser has approved 32% of cases over 2,441 decisions, your outcome depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you demonstrate your limitations. An attorney can help you build the strongest possible case for your hearing.