Approval rates
The 41% approval rate for Stephanie Martz is based on cases heard between 2016 and 2019. When comparing this to the broader Seattle bench, where lifetime approval rates range from 21% to 93%, it is clear that individual judicial patterns vary widely. These figures provide a statistical baseline for your expectations during the hearing process.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Martz. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Martz'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 record for Stephanie Martz spans from 2016 to 2019, covering 951 lifetime decisions. Her yearly approval trend shows a decline, moving from 45% in 2016 to 31% in 2019. This shift suggests a change in approval patterns over the observed window. While these numbers provide a historical view of her docket, the outcome of your case will depend on the specific medical evidence and testimony you present.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Martz'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 Seattle hearing office
The Seattle hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a central hub for disability adjudications in Washington. The office maintains a diverse bench of 22 judges on record since 2016, reflecting a wide spectrum of decision-making styles. You can expect a formal legal proceeding where the quality of medical documentation is paramount.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Seattle hearing office utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning you cannot choose your judge. There are 22 judges on record at this office since 2016, with 4 judges currently reporting in the latest SSA data. With lifetime approval rates across the office ranging from 21% to 93%, the judge assigned to your case can have a meaningful impact on the process.
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
Stephanie Martz has a lifetime approval rate of 41%, which sits within the broader Seattle office range of 21% to 93%. Because every judge has a unique approach to evidence, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the data shows a trend of 45% in 2016 declining to 31% in 2019 over 951 lifetime decisions. Trends like this are common, but they do not dictate the outcome of your individual case. An attorney can help you build a case that addresses these historical patterns.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to have an attorney who can help you prepare for any assigned judge.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
The 41% lifetime approval rate for Stephanie Martz is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your result. Your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and the strength of your testimony. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare effectively for your hearing.