Approval rates
The 27% approval rate for Deborah M. Giesen reflects all decisions on record since 2017. This can be measured against the 25% to 69% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Orland Park. These figures provide a baseline for understanding the judicial environment at this location.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Giesen. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Giesen'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 Deborah M. Giesen has shown a declining trend since 2017, moving from 53% in the initial year to 11% in 2025. This pattern is based on 2,763 total decisions on record. While the yearly figures fluctuate, the overall volume of cases provides a consistent view of the judge's activity over this period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Giesen'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 Orland Park hearing office
The Orland Park hearing office serves you if you are in Illinois and the surrounding region. With a bench of 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse range of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where medical evidence is the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Orland Park
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is Orland Park, with approval rates ranging from 25% to 69%.
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
Deborah M. Giesen has an approval rate of 27% across 2,763 decisions on record since 2017. This sits within the 25% to 69% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Orland Park. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Deborah M. Giesen has trended downward from 53% in 2017 to 11% in 2025. These figures are based on the 2,763 decisions on record during this period. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends 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 process random. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions you will face.
The 27% approval rate on record for Deborah M. Giesen is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique and depends on the quality of medical evidence provided. An attorney can help you strengthen your case to ensure you meet the necessary criteria.
