Approval rates
Comparing performance requires looking at consistent data windows. The 37% approval rate for William A. Kurlander reflects his entire record since 2016, which you can compare against the 27% to 63% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the same. These figures provide a baseline for historical decision-making.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kurlander. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Kurlander'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 A. Kurlander's approval rate has shown variation across his 1,689 decisions on record since 2016. After an initial period of fluctuation, the data shows a trend that moved from 38% in 2016 to 27% by 2021. This pattern reflects historical activity during his time on record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kurlander'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 Reno hearing office
William A. Kurlander's most recent office on record is the Reno hearing office, where his recorded activity concluded in September 2021. This office serves claimants in Nevada and is part of a broader regional network of SSA hearing locations. You can see the Reno hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Reno
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 7 judges whose most recent office on record is the Reno hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 27% to 63%. Because this assignment process is automated, you cannot request a specific judge.
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 A. Kurlander's 37% approval rate sits within the 27% to 63% range observed among the 7 judges whose most recent office on record is the Reno hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare your case by analyzing how these historical patterns might relate to your specific medical evidence.
Yes, William A. Kurlander's approval rate has fluctuated over time, starting at 38% in 2016 and reaching 27% by 2021. These yearly shifts are common in SSDI dockets as case mixes and evidence standards evolve. A qualified attorney can help you understand how to present your claim effectively regardless of these historical trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical documentation is the most reliable way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare your case.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a Vocational Expert regarding your ability to perform past work or other jobs. Having an attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions and procedures you will encounter.
