Approval rates
The approval rate for B. Hobbs is calculated from 3,611 decisions on record since 2016. This figure provides a baseline for understanding how the judge has historically handled SSDI claims compared to the broader bench at the Eugene hearing office, where approval rates for judges range from 32% to 81%. In the most recent reporting period, B. Hobbs maintained an approval rate of 78%, which is 20 points higher than the office-wide average of 58%.
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 Hobbs'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 B. Hobbs has shown an upward trend since 2016. While the rate began at 52% in 2016, it has consistently risen, reaching 78% in the partial 2026 fiscal year data. This pattern indicates a shift in outcomes over the 3,611 decisions on record, with the latest period reflecting a continuation of this steady pattern.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Hobbs'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 Eugene hearing office
B. Hobbs's most recent office on record is the Eugene hearing office, with decisions there through July 2026. This office serves claimants across Oregon and is staffed by a bench of 10 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. The office-wide approval rate in the latest reporting period was 58%.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Eugene
The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Eugene hearing office, and 5 of them decided cases here in SSA's latest file through July 2026. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 32% to 81% on their records since 2016.
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
In the latest reporting period, B. Hobbs had an approval rate of 78%, which is 20 points higher than the Eugene office average of 58%. Because case assignment is random, an attorney can help you prepare a case that meets the specific evidentiary standards expected in this office.
Yes, the approval rate for B. Hobbs has trended upward over the 3,611 decisions on record since 2016. Starting at 52% in 2016, the rate has climbed to 78% in the partial 2026 fiscal year. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to the current requirements for your specific disability claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency, making the assignment process random. Regardless of your assigned judge, an attorney can help you ensure your medical evidence is organized and ready for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your symptoms limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are fully presented to the judge.
The 67% approval rate for B. Hobbs since 2016 is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing process.
