Approval rates
The 50% approval rate for Theodore P. Kennedy reflects all decisions made between 2016 and 2022. This figure sits within the 18% to 59% range observed among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Richmond hearing office. Because these statistics are based on over 2,000 cases, they provide a stable view of past activity. 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 Kennedy. 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 Kennedy'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 Theodore P. Kennedy has shown a notable trend over the years recorded. After a period of relative stability between 2016 and 2019, the data shows an upward shift in approvals starting in 2020. This pattern continued through 2021 and into 2022, based on the 2,423 total decisions on record since 2016. These fluctuations often reflect changes in the types of cases heard or the quality of evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kennedy'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 Richmond hearing office
The Richmond hearing office serves you and other claimants across Virginia and the surrounding region. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal hearing process where the presentation of medical evidence is critical to your outcome. You can see the Richmond Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Richmond
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Richmond hearing office. Among these peers, approval rates vary significantly, ranging from 18% to 59% on their since-2016 records. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Theodore P. Kennedy has a 50% approval rate based on 2,423 decisions since 2016. This places the judge within the 18% to 59% range of all 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Richmond hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how to prepare your case for this specific bench.
Yes, the data shows a shift in approval patterns over time. While the rate was 52% in 2016, it moved through a period of lower approvals before rising to 70% in 2022. Working with a qualified attorney can help you navigate these trends and strengthen your claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses an automated, random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ALJs. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare your case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your 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 evidence is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a probability based on past decisions, not a guarantee of a specific outcome for your hearing. While the 50% rate for Theodore P. Kennedy provides context, your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation supporting your disability. An attorney can help you determine if your evidence is ready for a hearing.
