Approval rates
When reviewing approval rates, compare figures from the same time period to ensure accuracy. The 63% approval rate for Thomas J. Gaye reflects his total decisions on record since 2016, which you can compare against the 51% to 78% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is San Jose. 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 Gaye. 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 Gaye'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
Thomas J. Gaye has issued 1,091 decisions on record since 2016. His approval rate showed a gradual decline over the period, starting at 66% in 2016 and moving to 55% by 2019. This pattern suggests a shift in outcomes over the recorded window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Gaye'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 San Jose hearing office
Thomas J. Gaye's most recent office on record is the San Jose hearing office, which serves you in California. This office is home to 10 judges whose most recent records are based there. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is San Jose
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is San Jose, with approval rates ranging from 51% to 78% on their since-2016 records.
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
Thomas J. Gaye has an approval rate of 63% on his record since 2016. This sits within the 51% to 78% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is San Jose. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the data shows a trend where the approval rate moved from 66% in 2016 to 55% in 2019. This reflects the judge's decisions over that specific window. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how your medical evidence aligns with current hearing standards.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is best to focus on building a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
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. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your case is presented clearly.
