Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 51% approval rate for Roseanne P. Gudzan reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which can be compared against the 17% to 87% range observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Charleston SC hearing office. These figures provide a statistical baseline for your case.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Gudzan. 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 Gudzan'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 57 decisions on record for Roseanne P. Gudzan since 2016 show a 51% approval rate. This data window provides a snapshot of the judge's activity during that time. The stability of this pattern suggests a steady approach to case evaluation, though your outcome always depends on the specific medical evidence and testimony presented in your case.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Gudzan'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 Charleston SC hearing office
The Charleston SC hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout the region. With a bench of 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office handles a diverse range of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where evidence quality is the primary factor in your final decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Charleston SC
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Charleston SC hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 17% to 87% since 2016. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome.
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
Roseanne P. Gudzan has an approval rate of 51% based on 57 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 17% to 87% observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Charleston SC hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for Roseanne P. Gudzan was 51% across 57 decisions in 2016. This indicates a steady pattern during the period of record. If you are concerned about how this might impact your claim, an attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot control your judge assignment, focusing on the quality of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation.
An approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. While Roseanne P. Gudzan has a 51% approval rate on record since 2016, your outcome will be determined by the medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
