Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. The 21% approval rate on record since 2016 provides a long-term view, while the latest-period data offers a snapshot of recent activity. When evaluating these figures, consider that the 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a wide range of outcomes, from 21% to 87%. These statistics are derived from 2,564 decisions on record.
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 Jarvis'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 Valencia Jarvis has fluctuated across the 2,564 decisions on record since 2016. After reaching 38% in 2018, the annual approval rate has trended downward. The most recent reporting period shows an approval rate of 12%, which is below the long-term average. This recent data reflects a continuation of the lower approval trend observed since 2022, though each case remains unique based on the evidence you present.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Jarvis'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 Ft Lauderdale hearing office
Valencia Jarvis's most recent office on record is the Ft Lauderdale hearing office, with decisions there through July 2026. This office serves claimants in Florida and operates as part of the broader SSA regional network. With 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, the office manages a significant volume of disability hearings. You can see the Ft Lauderdale Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Ft Lauderdale
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Approval rates for these judges vary significantly, ranging from 21% to 87% on their since-2016 records.
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
Valencia Jarvis has an approval rate of 21% based on 2,564 decisions on record since 2016. This places the judge at the lower end of the 21% to 87% range observed among the 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
Yes, the approval rate has shifted over time. While the rate reached 38% in 2018, it has trended downward in recent years, with a 12% approval rate in the most recent reporting period. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively regardless of these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the assignment process random. An attorney can help you prepare a strong case that meets the evidentiary standards required for approval.
A hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and may hear testimony from you, medical experts, or vocational experts. The goal is to determine if your condition meets the criteria for disability benefits. An attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure your testimony is clear and accurate.
The approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is decided based on its own unique medical evidence and legal merits. An attorney can help you build a compelling case tailored to the specific needs of your hearing.
