Approval rates
The approval rate for George M. Gaffaney is calculated from 3,145 decisions on record since January 2016. When evaluating this figure, compare it against the bench at his most recent office, where approval rates for the 15 judges range from 45% to 79%. These figures provide a statistical baseline for the office's historical output.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Gaffaney. 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 Gaffaney'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 trend for George M. Gaffaney has shown shifts since 2016. After starting at 36% in 2016, the approval rate increased, peaking at 59% in 2022 before moving to 53% in 2024. With 3,145 total decisions on record, the data reflects a consistent volume of activity over the last eight years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Gaffaney'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 Evanston hearing office
The Evanston hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout Illinois and the surrounding region. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can see the Evanston hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Evanston
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Evanston hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 45% to 79%. While you cannot choose your judge, knowing the range of outcomes at your hearing office can help you prepare.
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
George M. Gaffaney has an approval rate of 48% since 2016. Among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is Evanston, approval rates range from 45% to 79%. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
Yes, the approval rate for George M. Gaffaney has fluctuated over time. It began at 36% in 2016 and reached a high of 59% in 2022, before settling at 53% in 2024. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how these trends might relate to your case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control your judge assignment, working with an attorney is the best way to ensure your case is prepared for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal 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. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate these questions and present your evidence effectively.
The 48% approval rate for George M. Gaffaney is a summary of past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your evidence and prepare for your hearing.
