Approval rates
The approval rate for Jeffry Gauthier is based on 1,140 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2019. This figure provides a statistical baseline when compared to the broader Milwaukee office, where lifetime approval rates among the bench range from 27% to 56%. Because the SSA assigns cases through a random workload-balancing algorithm, understanding these historical patterns is a standard part of case preparation. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Gauthier. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Gauthier'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 Jeffry Gauthier spans from 2016 to 2019, covering 1,140 total decisions. His yearly approval trend showed a decline over this period, moving from 34% in 2016 to 17% in 2019. This pattern reflects the judge's historical decision-making activity during the time he was on record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Gauthier'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 Milwaukee hearing office
The Milwaukee hearing office serves you throughout the region. With 13 judges on record, the office manages a diverse caseload of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where evidence quality is the primary factor in the outcome. You can see the Milwaukee Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges on record at this office since 2016, 7 of whom reported in the latest SSA period. Approval rates vary across this bench, with lifetime records ranging from 27% to 56%.
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
Jeffry Gauthier has a lifetime approval rate of 28% across 1,140 decisions. This sits within the broader office-wide lifetime range of 27% to 56% for the 13 judges on record. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with the standards at this office.
Yes, the data for Jeffry Gauthier shows a downward trend from 2016 to 2019. While he approved 34% of cases in 2016, that rate shifted to 17% by 2019. An attorney can help you evaluate how these historical trends might impact your hearing strategy.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure impartiality. Your best approach is to focus on preparing a strong, evidence-based case with the help of a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a prediction of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical documentation is the most important factor in any hearing. An attorney can help you identify the specific evidence needed to support your claim.