Approval rates
The approval rate for Jeffry Gauthier is based on 1,140 decisions on record since 2016. This figure provides a statistical baseline when compared to the 27% to 56% range observed among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Milwaukee hearing office. These data points reflect historical outcomes rather than specific predictions for your upcoming hearing.
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 approval rate for Jeffry Gauthier shows a declining trend across the record window of January 2016 through September 2019. Starting at 34% in 2016, the annual approval rate shifted to 28% in 2017, 26% in 2018, and 17% in 2019. With 1,140 total decisions on record, this pattern illustrates how the judge's decision-making has evolved over time.
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
Jeffry Gauthier's most recent office on record is the Milwaukee hearing office, with decisions there through September 2019. This office serves the surrounding region of Wisconsin, maintaining a bench of 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process focused on the medical and vocational evidence you present.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Milwaukee
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 27% to 56% on their since-2016 records. Because each judge maintains a unique approach to evidence and testimony, understanding the broader office bench is helpful for your preparation.
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 an approval rate of 28% based on 1,140 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 27% to 56% range of the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Milwaukee hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Jeffry Gauthier has shown a downward trend, moving from 34% in 2016 to 17% in 2019. These figures are based on 1,140 total decisions on record. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these historical patterns might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges, making the assignment process random. Regardless of your judge, an attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and the nature of your disability. Having an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions you will face.
An approval rate is a probability based on past decisions, not a guarantee of a specific outcome for your hearing. While Jeffry Gauthier has a 28% approval rate on record since 2016, the strength of your medical evidence remains the most critical factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and determine the best strategy for your hearing.
