Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. While the office bench shows a wide range of outcomes from 20% to 73% since 2016, these figures represent the collective history of the Newark hearing office. With 2,626 decisions on record, the data provides a clear view of past trends. 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 Krappa. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Krappa'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 2016, your approval rate for Donna A. Krappa has shown variance, peaking at 77% in 2017 before trending toward 62% in 2023. This pattern across 2,626 decisions reflects shifts in the types of cases heard and the evidence presented. The data shows a period of higher approvals early in the record, followed by a more moderate trend in recent years. This pattern suggests that your case-specific evidence remains the primary driver of outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Krappa'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 Newark hearing office
Donna A. Krappa's most recent office on record is the Newark hearing office, which serves you across New Jersey. This office features a bench of 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, reflecting a diverse range of decision patterns. You can expect a formal process where medical documentation is the central focus of your hearing. You can see the Newark hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Newark
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Within the Newark hearing office, there are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 20% to 73% on their since-2016 records. Because assignment is outside of your control, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare.
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 Krappa has an approval rate of 68% on her 2,626 decisions on record since 2016. This places her within the range of 20% to 73% seen among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Newark hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over time, starting at 62% in 2016, reaching a high of 77% in 2017, and settling at 62% in 2023. These shifts are common and often reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the evidence provided. A qualified attorney can help you prepare a case that meets the specific requirements of your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong, evidence-based case is the best way to prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate these questions and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Judge Krappa has a 68% approval rate on her 2,626 decisions on record, every case is unique and depends on the specific medical evidence provided. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for the hearing process.
