Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at the same timeframes to ensure accuracy. The 79% approval rate for Julia Mariani reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which we compare against the 43% to 79% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is San Rafael. This data provides a statistical baseline for understanding how different benches approach disability claims. 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 Mariani. 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 Mariani'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 Julia Mariani has shifted across the 2,467 decisions on record since 2016. While the rate was 100% in 2016, it stabilized in the high 70s and 80s for several years before reaching 71% in 2024. This trend suggests that your recent experience may differ from earlier approval levels. Such shifts often correlate with changes in the types of cases or the quality of evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Mariani'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 San Rafael hearing office
Julia Mariani's most recent SSA record (September 2024) is at the San Rafael hearing office in California. This office includes a bench of 8 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can see the San Rafael Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is San Rafael
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Within the San Rafael office, there are 8 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 43% to 79%. For your preparation, the guidance remains consistent 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
Julia Mariani has an approval rate of 79% across 2,467 decisions on record since 2016. This places the judge at the top of the range for the 8 judges whose most recent office on record is San Rafael, who collectively span from 43% to 79%. An attorney can help you prepare your case for this specific bench.
The approval rate for Julia Mariani has fluctuated, starting at 100% in 2016 and moving to 71% in 2024. While the rate was higher in the middle of this period, the recent trend shows a decline. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your hearing strategy.
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 vital to be prepared for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records.
The 79% approval rate on record for Julia Mariani is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a decision. An attorney can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your specific claim.
