Approval rates
The approval rate for James J. Kent is based on 3,677 decisions on record since January 2016. When evaluating this figure, compare it against the broader bench at the Lansing office, where the 9 judges range from 37% to 68% in their approval rates over the same period. This range provides context for the variation in outcomes across the office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kent. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Kent'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 James J. Kent has shifted over time. After maintaining an approval rate of 66% to 67% between 2016 and 2018, the rate reached 54% in 2020 before moving to 60% in 2024. With 3,677 total decisions on record, this pattern reflects how the judge's approach has evolved over the last eight years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kent'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 Lansing hearing office
The Lansing hearing office serves you and other claimants across Michigan. With 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse range of disability claims. You can see the Lansing hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Lansing
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is the Lansing office, with approval rates ranging from 37% to 68% since 2016. 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
James J. Kent's 62% approval rate sits within the 37% to 68% range observed among the 9 judges whose most recent office on record is Lansing. While his rate is higher than some peers, every case is unique. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence to suit this judge's bench.
Yes, the rate has fluctuated over the 3,677 decisions on record. It peaked at 67% in 2017 and 2018 before dipping to 54% in 2020, eventually reaching 60% in 2024. An attorney can help you determine if these shifts in the judge's pattern might impact your specific hearing strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using an automated workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for the hearing regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare your case for this judge's specific bench.
The 62% approval rate on record since 2016 is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your outcome. A judge's history is only one factor, as the strength of your medical evidence and testimony remains the primary driver of a successful claim. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the evidentiary standards required for approval.
