Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. Kevin Gill's 63% approval rate since 2016 provides a baseline when viewed against the 26% to 84% range of other judges at the Oakland office. In the most recent reporting period, Kevin Gill's 75% approval rate sits 9 points above the office average of 66%, 14 points above the state average of 61%, and 17 points above the national average of 58%. These figures reflect recent trends in case outcomes.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Gill'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, Kevin Gill has issued 3,017 decisions. The yearly approval trend shows fluctuations, starting at 66% in 2016 and moving through various rates before reaching 75% in the partial 2026 fiscal year. This recent performance represents a shift from the historical average on record, which may be influenced by changes in case mix or evidence quality.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Gill'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 Oakland hearing office
Kevin Gill's most recent office on record is the Oakland hearing office, which serves you across California. This office maintains a bench of 16 judges who handle a high volume of disability claims. In the most recent reporting period, the office-wide approval rate was 66%. You can expect a formal process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Oakland
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Oakland office, with 6 of them having decided cases in the latest file from July 2026. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 26% to 84% since 2016. Your preparation remains the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Kevin Gill's 63% approval rate since 2016 falls within the 26% to 84% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Oakland. While this provides context, your specific case outcome depends on your medical evidence. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over time. After starting at 66% in 2016, the rate saw various shifts before reaching 75% in the partial 2026 fiscal year. Understanding these trends is part of building a strong case, and an attorney can help you evaluate how your evidence aligns with current patterns.
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 vital to be prepared for any judge, which is where a qualified attorney can help you.
A hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked about your daily activities and work history. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is presented effectively.
The 63% approval rate on record since 2016 is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a prediction of your outcome. Every case is unique, and your eligibility is primarily determined by your medical documentation. An attorney can help you determine if your case meets the necessary criteria for approval.
