Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. James Kearns's 64% approval rate on record since 2016 sits within the 48% to 85% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is New York Varick. In the latest reporting period, James Kearns's 64% approval rate compares to the office rate of 66%, the state rate of 62%, and the national rate of 58%. These figures reflect recent trends rather than the judge's long-term average.
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 Kearns'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 2016, James Kearns has issued 1,581 decisions, showing a variable trend over the last decade. After an initial period of fluctuation, the approval rate saw a notable peak in 2018 and again in 2025. The most recent data from 2026 shows a 63% approval rate, which remains consistent with the long-term average. This pattern indicates that while annual approval rates shift, the overall approach has remained relatively stable over the observed window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kearns'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 New York Varick hearing office
The New York Varick hearing office serves you across the region. As of July 2026, it is the most recent office on record for 10 judges. The office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 66%, providing a local benchmark for your hearing. You can view the New York Varick Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is New York Varick
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the New York Varick office, there are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. Approval rates among this bench range from 48% to 85% on their records since 2016. You should prepare your case thoroughly regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
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
James Kearns has a 64% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the 48% to 85% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is New York Varick. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
James Kearns's approval rate has fluctuated over time, starting at 59% in 2016 and reaching 63% in the partial 2026 data. These shifts are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases assigned to the docket. A qualified 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 through a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. While James Kearns's 64% rate provides context, your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to meet the specific standards required for approval.
