Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. Jessica Hodgson's 49% approval rate since 2016 sits within the 31% to 77% range observed among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Cincinnati. In the most recent reporting period, Jessica Hodgson's 33% approval rate compares to the 52% office-wide average. These figures provide statistical context based on thousands of decisions. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual 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 Hodgson'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 September 2016, Jessica Hodgson has issued 2,760 decisions. The yearly trend shows a period of higher approval rates early in the record, followed by a decline in recent years. The latest reporting period shows a 33% approval rate, which reflects a continuation of the recent downward trend in approvals. This pattern may be influenced by changes in the types of cases assigned or the quality of evidence you present. The recent data point for 2026 represents a partial fiscal year.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Hodgson'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 Cincinnati hearing office
The most recent office on record for Jessica Hodgson is Cincinnati, which serves you if you are in the Ohio region. This office maintains a bench of 14 judges with varying approval patterns. The office-wide approval rate in the latest period was 52%. If you are scheduled at this location, you should prepare for a formal administrative process where your evidence quality is the primary factor in the outcome.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Cincinnati
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Cincinnati, and 5 of them decided cases in the latest SSA file through July 2026. Approval rates for these judges range from 31% to 77% on their records since 2016. For your preparation, 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
Jessica Hodgson's 49% approval rate since 2016 falls within the 31% to 77% range of the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Cincinnati. An attorney can help you understand how to tailor your evidence to the specific expectations of this office.
Yes, the data shows a shift in approval patterns over time. While the rate was higher in 2016 and 2017, the most recent reporting period shows a 33% approval rate. A qualified attorney can help you navigate these trends when preparing your case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the assignment process random. Regardless of the judge, an attorney can help you prepare a strong case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and 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 ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
Approval rates reflect past decisions and are not a prediction of your specific outcome. A lower-than-average rate simply means that your evidence must be particularly clear and well-documented. An attorney can help you identify the specific medical evidence needed to support your claim.
