Approval rates
The 51% approval rate for Gordon W. Griggs reflects decisions on record since 2016. This is compared against the 21% to 93% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the Seattle hearing office. This 451-decision sample provides a view of past trends, though aggregate rates do not predict outcomes for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Griggs. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Griggs'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 Gordon W. Griggs shifted during his time on record, moving from 47% in 2016 to 61% in 2017. This trend across 451 decisions indicates an increase in approvals toward the end of his recorded period. These figures are influenced by the specific evidence and case mix presented in each hearing.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Griggs'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 Seattle hearing office
The Seattle hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout Washington and the surrounding region. With 22 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse volume of disability claims. You can expect a formal proceeding where evidence quality remains the primary factor in the outcome. You can see the Seattle hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle
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 the Seattle hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 21% to 93% since 2016. Understanding the local bench is a standard part of hearing preparation.
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
Gordon W. Griggs has a 51% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 21% to 93% range observed among the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is the Seattle hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with these local patterns.
Yes, the approval rate for Gordon W. Griggs rose from 47% in 2016 to 61% in 2017. This trend is based on 451 total decisions on record. If you are concerned about how these past trends might affect your hearing, an attorney can help you evaluate your case.
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 vital to prepare your case thoroughly regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented effectively.
The 51% approval rate for Gordon W. Griggs is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing.
