Approval rates
To understand how Scot Gulick compares to the broader bench, you can look at the approval-rate range of 33% to 77% for the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Kansas City hearing office. These figures are based on the 3,063 decisions on record since 2016. While these numbers offer context, they are not a guarantee of any specific outcome. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Gulick. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Gulick'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, Scot Gulick has maintained a varied approval pattern across 3,063 decisions. The data shows a period of higher approval rates in 2017, followed by a decline reaching a low in 2021, before showing signs of stabilization in recent years. This trend reflects the historical approach to evidence and case requirements. The latest period reflects a continuation of this steady pattern.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Gulick'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 Kansas City hearing office
Scot Gulick's most recent office on record is the Kansas City hearing office, which serves you if you are in Missouri and the surrounding region. This office hosts a bench of 17 judges whose since-2016 approval rates vary significantly. You can expect a standard hearing process where the focus remains on the specific medical documentation you provide. You can see the Kansas City Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Kansas City
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Kansas City hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 33% to 77% on their since-2016 records. Because you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the quality of your medical evidence is the most effective way to 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
Scot Gulick has an approval rate of 35% across 3,063 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 33% to 77% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Kansas City hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the years, starting at 39% in 2016 and reaching 34% in 2025. These variations are common as case mixes and evidentiary standards evolve. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these patterns might relate to your specific 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 best to focus on building a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
The 35% approval rate on record for Scot Gulick describes past decisions and is not a prediction for your hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
