Approval rates
The approval rates for John Martin reflect his history of decision-making at the Evanston office. When comparing his latest-period approval rate of 64% against the office-wide latest-period rate of 61%, he sits 3 percentage points higher. These figures are supported by a docket of 3,717 lifetime decisions. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
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 Martin'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 pattern for John Martin has varied, moving from 79% in 2016 to a more recent steady range. His latest-period approval rate of 64% remains consistent with his lifetime average of 63%. This trend suggests a stable approach to case evaluation over the last decade.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Martin'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 Evanston hearing office
The Evanston hearing office serves the Illinois region, handling a high volume of disability claims with a bench of 16 judges on record. The office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 61%. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony. You can see the Evanston Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges on record at this office since 2016, 7 of whom reported in the latest period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 45% to 79% on a lifetime basis.
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
John Martin has a lifetime approval rate of 63%, which sits within the office-wide range of 45% to 79%. While he performs slightly above the office's latest-period rate of 61%, every case is unique. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific judge.
Yes, the approval rate for John Martin has fluctuated since 2016, starting at 79% and stabilizing near his current lifetime average of 63%. These shifts often reflect changes in case volume or the types of claims being heard. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing by analyzing these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Regardless of your assignment, an attorney can help you prepare your case for the specific requirements of an SSDI hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a historical reflection of their past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. While John Martin has approved 63% of his 3,717 lifetime decisions, your outcome depends on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you build a case that meets the necessary legal standards.