Approval rates
The 64% approval rate for Richard A. Kelly covers all decisions on record since 2016. This is compared against the 42% to 78% range observed among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Philadelphia. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kelly. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Kelly'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
The approval rate for Richard A. Kelly is based on 323 decisions on record since 2016. The yearly trend shows an approval rate of 66% in 2016, followed by 40% in 2017. These fluctuations reflect the specific case mix and evidence presented during those years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kelly'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 Philadelphia hearing office
Richard A. Kelly's most recent office on record is the Philadelphia hearing office, which serves claimants in Pennsylvania. This office features a bench of 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. You can visit the Philadelphia hearing office page for the full roster of judges.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Philadelphia
Social Security Administration cases are assigned through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 42% to 78% on their since-2016 records.
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
Richard A. Kelly has an approval rate of 64% on record since 2016. This sits within the 42% to 78% range observed among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Philadelphia. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the data shows a change in the approval rate from 66% in 2016 to 40% in 2017. An attorney can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case regardless of these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical evidence.
The 64% approval rate for Richard A. Kelly reflects past decisions and is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
