Approval rates
The approval rates for judges at the Manchester office vary significantly, with lifetime records ranging from 26% to 86%. This statistical spread highlights the importance of understanding the specific bench you are assigned to. With 1,997 decisions on record, the data for Matthew Malfa offers a stable look at past outcomes. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Malfa. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Malfa'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, the approval trend for Matthew Malfa has remained steady, showing consistent patterns in how cases are evaluated. After initial fluctuations in the early years of the record, the rate has maintained a high level of consistency, reflecting a stable approach to case review. The latest period continues to align with this long-term trend. This pattern suggests a judge who applies a reliable standard to the evidence presented in each case.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Malfa'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 Manchester hearing office
The Manchester hearing office serves claimants throughout New Hampshire, operating as a critical hub for regional disability adjudications. The office bench includes 11 judges who have presided over cases since 2016. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on the thorough review of medical and vocational evidence. You can see the Manchester 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, 6 of whom are reported in the latest SSA data. With lifetime approval rates across the office ranging from 26% to 86%, the judge you draw can influence the context of your hearing. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same 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
Matthew Malfa holds an 86% lifetime approval rate, which sits at the high end of the 26% to 86% range observed among the 11 judges on record at the Manchester office. Because each judge evaluates evidence based on their own interpretation of Social Security Administration guidelines, an attorney can help you tailor your case presentation. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your claim.
The approval rate for Matthew Malfa has remained relatively steady throughout the record window starting in 2016. While yearly fluctuations occur, the overall trend reflects a consistent approach to disability adjudication. An attorney can help you analyze how these trends might impact your specific hearing strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency and fairness. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength and clarity of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare for your hearing. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence to meet the specific requirements of your claim.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be asked about your daily limitations and work history to determine if you meet the criteria for disability under 20 CFR 404.1520. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions Matthew Malfa may ask during your hearing.
The 86% lifetime approval rate for Matthew Malfa is a historical metric, not a guarantee of a favorable outcome. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical documentation and vocational evidence. An attorney can help you ensure your case is fully developed before you appear before the judge.