Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. Kevin R. Himebaugh's 60% approval rate since 2017 provides a broad view of his decision history, while his latest-period rate of 64% shows how he compares to the office average of 60%. With 3,588 decisions on record, the data offers a stable look at his past activity. These figures reflect historical trends rather than the outcome of your specific hearing.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Himebaugh'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 December 2017, Kevin R. Himebaugh has issued 3,588 decisions. His yearly approval trend shows fluctuations, with a notable increase in recent years compared to the 2019-2021 period. The latest reporting period shows a 64% approval rate, which is 4 points higher than the office average for the same timeframe. This recent activity reflects a continuation of a pattern where approval rates have remained steady or trended upward.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Himebaugh'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 Grand Rapids hearing office
The Grand Rapids hearing office serves you and other claimants across the region. This office features a bench of 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 60%. You can expect a formal administrative process where evidence quality is the primary factor in your decision. You can see the Grand Rapids Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Grand Rapids
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with 6 of them having decided cases in the latest file. Approval rates for this bench range from 43% to 88% on their records since 2016. 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
Kevin R. Himebaugh's latest-period approval rate of 64% is 4 points higher than the Grand Rapids office average of 60%. While this provides context, every case is unique and depends on the medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a low of 53% in 2019 and 2021 to a high of 69% in 2024. These shifts are common and may reflect changes in case mix or evidence quality. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control your judge assignment, an attorney can help you prepare a strong case regardless of who is presiding. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and organize your medical evidence.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a prediction of your specific outcome. While Kevin R. Himebaugh has approved 60% of cases since 2017, your result depends on the strength of your medical documentation. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your evidence before your hearing date.
