Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 53% approval rate for William E. Kenworthy reflects his total decisions on record since 2016, which we compare against the 28% to 74% range observed among his peers at the same office. This statistical range provides context for how different judges evaluate evidence.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kenworthy. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Kenworthy'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 William E. Kenworthy remained steady during his time on record, with 52% in 2016 and 55% in 2017. With 933 total decisions on record since 2016, the data shows a consistent approach to evaluating your disability claim. While the 2018 data reflects a limited number of decisions, the overall trend suggests a stable pattern of adjudication.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kenworthy'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 Pittsburgh hearing office
William E. Kenworthy's most recent office on record is the Pittsburgh hearing office, which serves you if you are in Pennsylvania. This office is part of a broader network of hearing locations that handle a high volume of disability claims. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in a decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Pittsburgh
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 this one. Approval rates among this group vary significantly, ranging from 28% to 74% on their respective records since 2016.
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
William E. Kenworthy has an approval rate of 53% based on his record since 2016. This sits within the 28% to 74% range of approval rates for the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is Pittsburgh. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
His approval rate was 52% in 2016 and 55% in 2017, showing a steady pattern across his 933 decisions on record. Understanding these historical trends is part of building a strong case, and an attorney can help you evaluate how this might apply to your specific situation.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control the assignment, an attorney can help you prepare a robust case that meets the evidentiary standards for any judge.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your evidence for the hearing.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor. An attorney can help you assess the strengths and weaknesses of your claim.
