Approval rates
The approval rate for William J. King Jr. is based on 1,009 decisions made between 2017 and 2021. This figure is evaluated against the broader bench at NHC Chicago, where judges with records since 2016 show approval rates ranging from 26% to 63%. These statistics provide a baseline for understanding how cases have been decided at this office.
Judge King Jr. is not in SSA's latest disposition file, so there is no 12-month figure. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Judge King Jr. isn't in SSA's latest disposition file, so the judge comparison tool, which compares active judges over the same 12 months, leaves them out.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge King Jr.'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
William J. King Jr. decided 1,009 cases between 2017 and 2021. The annual approval rate showed variation during this period, starting at 57% in 2018 and moving to 52% in 2019. In 2020, the rate rose to 62% before shifting to 45% in 2021. This pattern reflects the fluctuations common in disability adjudication, where changes in case volume and evidence presentation influence yearly outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge King Jr.'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 NHC Chicago hearing office
NHC Chicago is the most recent office on record for William J. King Jr., with his last decision logged in September 2021. This office serves you and other claimants across the region, maintaining a bench of 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on the medical evidence provided in your file.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Chicago
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At NHC Chicago, there are 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. These peers have approval rates ranging from 26% to 63% on their records since 2016. You can find more information on the office's hearing page.
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 J. King Jr. has an approval rate of 56% on his record since 2017. This sits within the 26% to 63% range observed among the 19 judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Chicago. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with the standards applied at this office.
The approval rate for William J. King Jr. fluctuated during his time on record at NHC Chicago, moving from 57% in 2018 to 45% in 2021. These shifts are often tied to changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented. A qualified attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses these variables.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across hearing offices. You cannot select your judge, which is why focusing on the strength of your medical documentation is the most effective way to prepare for your hearing. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert regarding your ability to perform work-related tasks. Having an attorney present can help ensure your testimony clearly explains how your limitations impact your ability to work.
An approval rate is a historical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in a judge's decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
