Approval rates
Evaluating a judge's record requires looking at the full scope of their activity rather than isolated outcomes. Timothy G. Keller has maintained a consistent record over 1,889 lifetime decisions, which allows for a clear view of his decision-making patterns compared to the 34% to 83% lifetime approval range seen across the Columbus bench. These figures provide a statistical baseline for your hearing preparation.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Keller. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Keller'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, Timothy G. Keller has presided over 1,889 lifetime decisions. His approval rate has fluctuated over this period, with 44% in 2016, 47% in 2017, 34% in 2018, 33% in 2019, 56% in 2020, 51% in 2021, and 36% in 2022. This pattern suggests that the approach to evidence and case requirements may evolve in response to changing caseloads or regulatory guidance. Understanding these historical trends helps you focus on the specific medical evidence most relevant to this judge's bench.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Keller'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 Columbus hearing office
The Columbus hearing office serves you throughout the region, providing a central venue for disability hearings. With 17 judges on record, the office manages a diverse caseload and maintains an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 63%. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical documentation remains the primary factor in a successful outcome. You can see the Columbus Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 17 judges on record at this office since 2016, 6 of whom reported in SSA's latest period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 34% to 83% on a lifetime basis.
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
Timothy G. Keller has a lifetime approval rate of 44% across 1,889 decisions. This sits within the broader office-wide lifetime range of 34% to 83% for the 17 judges on record at the Columbus office. An attorney can help you understand how to tailor your evidence to these local benchmarks.
Yes, the data shows yearly variance in approval rates, with peaks in 2020 and 2021 followed by a lower rate in 2022. These shifts often reflect changes in the types of cases heard or evolving standards for disability evidence. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's current docket.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across the hearing office. Because assignment is random, it is best to focus on building a strong case that meets the criteria for disability regardless of who presides. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. While the 44% lifetime rate provides context, the success of your case ultimately depends on the strength of your medical evidence and your testimony. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and weaknesses before your hearing.