Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe. The 67% approval rate for Maria N. Kusznir reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 21% to 92% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Montgomery hearing office. These figures provide a statistical baseline for understanding how different benches operate.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kusznir. 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 Kusznir'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
The 1,049 decisions on record for Maria N. Kusznir since 2016 show a shift in approval trends over time. While the approval rate stood at 70% in 2016 and 69% in 2017, the record shows a decline to 60% in 2018. This pattern indicates that the frequency of approvals changed during the final portion of the available data window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kusznir'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 Montgomery hearing office
The Montgomery hearing office serves you and other claimants across Alabama. With 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse range of SSDI claims. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical documentation and work history.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Montgomery
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Montgomery hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 21% to 92% based on their individual records since 2016. Because each judge maintains their own approach to evaluating medical evidence and vocational testimony, the specific judge assigned to your case is a significant variable.
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
Maria N. Kusznir has an approval rate of 67% based on 1,049 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 21% to 92% observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Montgomery hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific expectations of this bench.
The data shows a variation in approval rates over the record window. The rate was 70% in 2016, 69% in 2017, and 60% in 2018. These fluctuations highlight the importance of having a well-documented case, and an attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to prepare for any potential outcome is a smart strategy.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and may hear testimony from you and vocational or medical experts. Having legal representation ensures your case is organized and that you are prepared to answer the judge's questions clearly. An attorney can help you navigate this process.
The 67% approval rate for Maria N. Kusznir is a statistical observation of past decisions and not a prediction of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence remains the most critical factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your claim.
