Approval rates
Since January 2016, Michael S. Kaczmarek has issued 2,709 decisions. Among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Pittsburgh hearing office, approval rates range from 28% to 74%. In the latest reporting period, Michael S. Kaczmarek approved 52% of cases, compared to the office-wide rate of 49%.
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 Kaczmarek'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
Michael S. Kaczmarek's approval rate has fluctuated since 2016, ranging from a low of 33% in 2022 to 52% in 2026. These variations reflect the changing nature of the cases heard and the evidence presented over time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kaczmarek'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 Pittsburgh hearing office
The Pittsburgh hearing office is the most recent office on record for 13 judges as of July 2026. The office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 49%.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Pittsburgh
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Pittsburgh hearing office. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 28% to 74% 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
Michael S. Kaczmarek has an approval rate of 42% based on 2,709 decisions since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 28% to 74% seen among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Pittsburgh hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the approval rate for Michael S. Kaczmarek has varied over time, starting at 41% in 2016 and reaching 52% in the most recent fiscal year-to-date period. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Regardless of your judge, an attorney can help you organize your medical records to present the strongest possible case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and is not a prediction of how Michael S. Kaczmarek will rule on your specific case. Every claim is unique, and the strength of your medical documentation is the most important factor in any hearing. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing date.
