Approval rates
The 36% approval rate for Sharon L. Madsen reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which we measure against the 36% to 72% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Fresno. This comparison provides a clear view of how this judge's record aligns with the local bench. 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 Madsen. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Madsen'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 approval rate for Sharon L. Madsen has shown a slight downward trend over the years on record. Starting at 38% in 2016, the rate remained at 38% in 2017 before shifting to 36% in 2018 and 31% in 2019. With 1,139 total decisions on record, this pattern provides a consistent look at how the judge has approached cases over the observed period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Madsen'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 Fresno hearing office
The Fresno hearing office serves you if you are in the region. There are 6 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and the office-wide latest-period approval rate is 66%. You can expect a formal process focused on the specific medical evidence presented in your file.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Fresno
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 6 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and their approval rates since 2016 range from 36% to 72%. Because each judge brings a different perspective to the hearing room, understanding the local bench is a standard part of your case preparation.
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 Madsen has a 36% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits at the lower end of the 36% to 72% range observed among the 6 judges whose most recent office on record is Fresno. An attorney can help you prepare your case for this specific bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Sharon L. Madsen has trended from 38% in 2016 to 31% in 2019. While these numbers represent past decisions, they provide context for how the judge's pattern has evolved. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific claim.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot influence this assignment, it is important to be prepared for any judge by working with an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for the questions you are likely to face.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and is not a prediction of your outcome. Your case's success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well it meets SSA requirements. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is as strong as possible.
