Approval rates
The approval rates for this judge are based on 2,650 lifetime decisions recorded since 2016. When evaluating these figures, note that the Nashville hearing office bench features a wide range of lifetime approval rates, spanning from 47% to 75%. These statistics reflect historical patterns rather than individual hearing outcomes, and aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Gregori. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Gregori'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, your judge's decision pattern has shown a steady trajectory with recent variation. After hovering near the 60% mark for several years, the data indicates a shift in the most recent period, with approval rates reaching 71% in 2024. This trend may reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented, and understanding these fluctuations helps you prepare a comprehensive case strategy.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Gregori'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 Nashville hearing office
The Nashville hearing office serves claimants across Tennessee and the surrounding region. As part of the Social Security Administration hearing network, this office manages a diverse caseload with a bench of 11 judges on record. You can expect a formal process focused on medical and vocational evidence. You can visit the Nashville hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 11 judges on record at this office since 2016, 4 of whom are reported in the latest SSA period. With lifetime approval rates across the bench ranging from 47% to 75%, the specific judge assigned can influence the hearing environment, though your preparation remains consistent regardless of the assignment.
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
Frank L. Gregori holds a 61% lifetime approval rate, which sits within the broader office-wide range of 47% to 75%. While this places him in the middle-to-upper tier of the local bench, every case is unique. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific judge.
Yes, the data shows a trend of 56% in 2016, rising to 71% in 2024. These yearly fluctuations are common in SSDI hearings and often depend on the specific mix of cases assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of recent trends.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot control your assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical documentation is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you ensure your case is fully developed.
A 61% lifetime approval rate is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of a favorable outcome in your specific hearing. Your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and vocational testimony you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your case is fully developed before you appear before the judge.