Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same time periods to ensure accuracy. The 50% approval rate for Steven C. Graalmann reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 26% to 67% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Alexandria. This docket of 146 decisions provides a stable view of past activity. 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 Graalmann. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Graalmann'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 50% approval rate for Steven C. Graalmann is based on 146 decisions on record since 2016. Because this data window covers a specific timeframe ending in 2016, it provides a historical look at the judge's activity at the Alexandria office. This pattern offers insight into how cases were handled during that time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Graalmann'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 Alexandria hearing office
Steven C. Graalmann's most recent office on record is the Alexandria hearing office, with decisions there through September 2016. This office serves the region and maintains a bench of 10 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony. You can see the Alexandria Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Alexandria
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 Alexandria. Approval rates among these peers vary significantly, ranging from 26% to 67% on their since-2016 records. For preparation purposes, the guidance is 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
Steven C. Graalmann has a 50% approval rate on record since 2016. Other judges whose most recent office on record is Alexandria range from 26% to 67% on their since-2016 records. An attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
The approval rate for Steven C. Graalmann held steady across the 146 decisions on record since 2016. Because this data is based on past performance, it is important to focus on the specific medical evidence in your claim. A qualified attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the requirements of your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, it is best to focus on preparing your case thoroughly with an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You, your attorney, and sometimes a vocational or medical expert will participate. Having an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions the judge may ask.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and not a prediction of your specific outcome. While Steven C. Graalmann has a 50% approval rate on record since 2016, your result depends on the strength of your medical evidence and your ability to meet SSA disability criteria. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and weaknesses.
