Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent data windows. Joshua Klasic's 46% approval rate is based on 1,076 decisions since 2023, which you can compare against the 33% to 68% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the Minneapolis hearing office. In the latest reporting period, his 47% approval rate sits 5 points below the office average of 52%.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Klasic'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
Since September 2023, the approval rate for Joshua Klasic has shown a steady trend. After an initial period in 2023, his approval rate was 42% in 2024, 48% in 2025, and 47% for the 2026 fiscal year to date. This pattern reflects a stable approach to case evaluation, indicating that his decision-making remains consistent over time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Klasic'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 Minneapolis hearing office
Joshua Klasic's most recent office on record is the Minneapolis hearing office, which serves claimants across Minnesota. This office maintains a bench of 14 judges with varying approval rates. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is paramount.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Minneapolis
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is the Minneapolis hearing office. Approval rates across this bench range from 33% to 68%.
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
Joshua Klasic has an approval rate of 46% on record since 2023. This falls within the 33% to 68% range observed among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is the Minneapolis hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence to align with the standards of this specific bench.
His approval rate has remained relatively steady, moving from 42% in 2024 to 48% in 2025, and 47% in 2026. This consistency suggests a stable approach to evaluating your disability claim. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might affect your case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome with the help of a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be asked questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having an attorney present can help you navigate these questions and ensure your case is presented effectively.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of your specific outcome. While Joshua Klasic has an approval rate of 46% since 2023, your success depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing.
