Approval rates
The approval rate for Judge Kramer is based on 807 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2018. This figure sits at the high end of the 42% to 83% lifetime approval range observed among the 11 judges who have served at the Valparaiso IN office. Comparing these lifetime figures provides a clearer picture of judicial tendencies than short-term fluctuations. 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 Kramer. 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 Kramer'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
Judge Kramer's record shows an approval rate that remained consistent through 2016 and 2017 before a decline in the limited data from 2018. With 807 lifetime decisions analyzed since 2016, the data captures a clear period of activity. While the early years of this window reflect a high rate of allowances, the final months of the record show a change in volume and approval frequency. This shift may reflect changes in case mix or evidence quality during the final phase of his recorded tenure.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kramer'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Valparaiso IN hearing office
The Valparaiso IN hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout the region, managing a bench of 11 judges on record. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process where the focus remains on your medical documentation and vocational testimony. The office maintains a consistent approach to evaluating disability claims in accordance with Social Security Administration guidelines. You can view the Valparaiso IN hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 11 judges on record at this office since 2016, with lifetime approval rates varying from 42% to 83%. Because every judge evaluates evidence differently, understanding the range of outcomes at your local office is a helpful step in your preparation. The guidance for your hearing remains consistent 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
Judge Kramer's 83% lifetime approval rate is at the top of the range for the Valparaiso IN office, where peer judges range from 42% to 83%. Because approval rates vary significantly, an attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards expected at this office.
Yes, the data shows a high approval rate during 2016 and 2017, followed by a decline in 2018. With 807 lifetime decisions on record, these trends provide context for how his decision-making has evolved. An attorney can help you understand how these patterns might impact your specific hearing strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, working with a qualified attorney is the best way to ensure your case is prepared for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your testimony is clear and accurate.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and your ability to prove your disability under Social Security Administration guidelines. An attorney can help you identify and fill gaps in your medical record before your hearing date.