Approval rates
The approval rates for Marc Jones reflect a consistent history of decision-making within the San Antonio hearing office. While the judge's lifetime rate is 33%, recent data shows a 31% approval rate in the latest reporting period. This latest-period figure sits 21 points below the office-wide average of 52%. 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 Jones'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 2018, Marc Jones has presided over 2,203 decisions. The yearly trend shows a period of relative stability, with approval rates fluctuating between 29% and 37% for several years before a recent shift in the latest reporting period. This pattern indicates a judge whose approach to evidence and testimony has remained consistent over the long term. 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 Jones'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 San Antonio hearing office
The San Antonio hearing office serves you throughout the region, maintaining a bench of 23 judges on record. With an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 52%, this location handles a high volume of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony. See the /disability-benefits/hearing-offices/san-antonio-TX Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The San Antonio hearing office utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to Marc Jones is essentially random. There are 23 judges on record at this office since 2016, 17 of whom reported in the SSA's latest period. Across this bench, lifetime approval rates vary significantly, ranging from 18% to 70%. 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
Marc Jones maintains a lifetime approval rate of 33%, which sits within the broader office range of 18% to 70%. While every judge has a unique approach, an attorney can help you identify how to best present your medical evidence to meet the specific expectations of this bench.
The approval rate for Marc Jones has remained relatively steady over his 2,203 decisions on record since 2018. While yearly fluctuations occur, the long-term data suggests a consistent judicial approach. An attorney can help you evaluate how your specific case facts align with these historical patterns.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome with the help of a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical evidence to ensure your case is presented clearly.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you document your disability. An attorney can help you build a stronger case by ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.