Approval rates
Comparing an approval rate requires looking at consistent data windows. While the national average approval rate is 58% for the latest period, Marc Jones's latest-period rate is 31%. Across his entire record since January 2018, he has maintained a 33% approval rate. These figures are derived from 2,203 decisions on record. 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 January 2018, the approval rate for Marc Jones has shown varied activity. After an initial period of relative stability, the rate saw an increase in 2025 before returning to 31% in the most recent partial fiscal year. With 2,203 total decisions on record, the data reflects a judge who has navigated a wide range of case volumes. The recent figures suggest a return toward his long-term average following a period of higher volatility.
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
Marc Jones's most recent office on record is the San Antonio hearing office, which serves the surrounding region of Texas. This office maintains a bench of 23 judges, with an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 52%. You can expect a structured hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is San Antonio
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Within the San Antonio hearing office, there are 23 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with 17 of them having decided cases in the latest SSA file. Approval rates among this group range from 18% to 70% 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
Marc Jones's latest-period approval rate of 31% is 21 percentage points lower than the 52% average for the San Antonio hearing office. Because case assignment is random, an attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific evidentiary standards often seen in this office.
Yes, the approval rate for Marc Jones has fluctuated over time. While he maintained a 33% approval rate across his 2,203 total decisions since 2018, his yearly performance has ranged from a low of 29% in 2019 to a high of 58% in 2025. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your hearing strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, which ensures that assignments remain impartial and random. Your best approach is to focus on the strength of your medical evidence with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work-related tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
