Approval rates
The approval rate for Stephen Marchioro is calculated based on 2,876 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the bench at the Billings hearing office, where other judges range from 32% to 70% in their own since-2016 records, this figure provides a view into past decision patterns. These statistics are derived from Social Security Administration data to help you understand the landscape of your upcoming hearing. 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 Marchioro. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Marchioro'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 Stephen Marchioro has shown an upward trend. After starting at 32% in 2016, the rate remained relatively steady before increasing in recent years, reaching 61% in 2024. This shift across his 2,876 decisions on record suggests that the most recent period reflects a departure from his earlier approval patterns. Such trends often correlate with changes in case evidence or the specific types of claims presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Marchioro'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 Billings hearing office
The Billings hearing office serves you across Montana and the surrounding region. It is home to a bench of 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal process where the quality of medical documentation is the primary factor in a decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Billings
The Social Security Administration assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the assignment is effectively random. At the Billings hearing office, there are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 70%. Because you cannot choose your judge, your focus should remain on building a strong, evidence-based 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
Stephen Marchioro has an approval rate of 45% since 2016. This sits within the 32% to 70% range established by the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Billings hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards of this judge's bench.
Yes, the data shows an upward trend. While his approval rate was 32% in 2016, it has risen to 61% as of 2024. An attorney can help you understand how these patterns might influence your hearing strategy.
No. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, and you cannot request a specific judge. Because you may be assigned to any judge at the office, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are complete.
An approval rate is a probability cloud based on past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and the strength of your claim. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
