Approval rates
The 65% approval rate for Paul Gaughen is based on 1,162 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the broader bench at the Tacoma hearing office, where judges range from 30% to 78% in their since-2016 approval records, this figure provides a view of the judge's historical decision-making pattern. These statistics offer context for what to expect during your hearing process, though they do not predict your specific outcome.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Gaughen. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Gaughen'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 2016, Paul Gaughen has maintained a pattern of approvals, with yearly rates of 52% in 2016, 68% in 2017, 62% in 2018, 74% in 2019, 68% in 2020, and 61% in 2021. With 1,162 total decisions on record, the judge's pattern is well-established. These trends reflect the judge's historical approach to disability claims, though your case remains unique based on the specific medical evidence and vocational factors you present.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Gaughen'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 Tacoma hearing office
Paul Gaughen's most recent office on record is the Tacoma hearing office, with decisions there through September 2021. This office serves claimants across the region, maintaining a bench of 17 judges with varying historical approval records. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical documentation and work history when appearing at this office.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Tacoma
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 Tacoma hearing office, with individual approval rates ranging from 30% to 78%. Because you cannot choose your judge, the best approach is to focus on the strength of your medical evidence.
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
Paul Gaughen's 65% approval rate sits within the 30% to 78% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tacoma hearing office. While this places the judge in the upper half of the office's historical bench, every case is decided on its own merits. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific judge.
The approval rate for Paul Gaughen has seen yearly variations, starting at 52% in 2016 and reaching a high of 74% in 2019, before settling at 61% in 2021. These fluctuations are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases or evidence presented to the court. An attorney can help you evaluate how your specific medical condition aligns with the judge's historical decision patterns.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across all hearing offices. Because assignment is random, you should focus on preparing a strong case that meets the Social Security Administration disability criteria regardless of who is assigned to your hearing. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ, such as Paul Gaughen, reviews your evidence and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your daily activities, work history, and medical limitations. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical records are properly organized for the judge's review.
The 65% approval rate on record for Paul Gaughen is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and vocational testimony you provide to support your claim. An attorney can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your case to improve your chances of a favorable decision.
