Approval rates
The approval rates for Dianne S. Mantel reflect a significant volume of cases decided since 2016. When comparing these figures, it is important to look at the 45% approval rate on record against the 30% to 77% range seen among other judges whose most recent office on record is the Toledo OH hearing office. Latest-period data shows a 39% approval rate for this judge, which sits 15 points below the office's latest-period rate of 54%. These figures represent historical trends rather than a fixed outcome for your case.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Mantel'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 rate for Dianne S. Mantel has shown notable fluctuations. After starting at 35% in 2016, the rate experienced a period of growth, reaching 54% in 2024 before shifting to 39% in the most recent partial fiscal year. With 4,006 total decisions on record, these shifts highlight the impact of varying case evidence and legal standards over time. The latest period reflects a departure from the higher approval rates observed in the mid-2020s.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Mantel'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 Toledo OH hearing office
The Toledo OH hearing office serves you and other claimants across the region. With 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 54%. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on the medical and vocational evidence presented in your file. You can see the Toledo OH hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Toledo OH
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Toledo OH hearing office, 7 of whom decided cases in the latest file through July 2026. These judges show a wide range of approval rates from 30% to 77% on their records since 2016. Your preparation remains consistent regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
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
Dianne S. Mantel has a 45% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 30% to 77% range of approval rates for the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Toledo OH hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the years. It moved from 35% in 2016 to a peak of 54% in 2024, before reaching 39% in the most recent partial fiscal year. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is best to focus on building a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your daily limitations and work history. Working with an attorney can help you feel more prepared for the questions you will face.
An approval rate is a probability cloud based on past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. While Dianne S. Mantel has approved 45% of cases since 2016, your outcome depends on the unique evidence you provide. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.
