Approval rates
Comparing approval rates provides context for how different judges evaluate claims, though these figures are based on historical data rather than your individual case outcome. The bench at this office shows a wide range of approval rates, from 17% to 70% for judges with records since 2016. With 1,451 decisions on record, the data for Susan G. Giuffre offers a view of past trends.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Giuffre. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Giuffre'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 Susan G. Giuffre remained consistent between 2016 and 2020. The rate was 18% in 2016, 24% in 2017, 24% in 2018, 20% in 2019, and 20% in 2020. This pattern across 1,451 decisions on record shows a stable approach to case evaluation.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Giuffre'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 Cleveland hearing office
The Cleveland hearing office serves claimants across Ohio and the surrounding region. There are 22 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, reflecting a diverse bench with varying approval patterns. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in the decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Cleveland
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 22 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 17% to 70% on their since-2016 records. While you cannot choose your judge, understanding the range of outcomes at this office helps you prepare.
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
Susan G. Giuffre has an approval rate of 21% on her record since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 17% to 70% observed among the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is Cleveland. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
The approval rate for Susan G. Giuffre remained steady, moving from 18% in 2016 to 20% by 2020. While there were minor fluctuations in the intervening years, the overall pattern across 1,451 decisions on record has been consistent. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is important to focus on building a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will have the opportunity to explain how your impairments prevent you from working. Working with an attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare your testimony for the hearing.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing before any judge.
