Approval rates
Evaluating a judge's history requires looking at the full scope of their recorded decisions. Mary Mattimore's 51% approval rate is based on 1,413 decisions since 2016. When compared to the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo, she sits within a bench-wide range of 28% to 89%. 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 Mattimore. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Mattimore'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 trend for Mary Mattimore shows a shift over the five-year period from 2017 to 2021. After an initial 52% approval rate in 2017, the figures fluctuated, reaching a low of 46% in 2018 before rising to 57% by 2021. These 1,413 decisions on record since 2016 illustrate a pattern of activity that evolved alongside changes in case volume.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Mattimore'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 Buffalo hearing office
Mary Mattimore's most recent office on record is the Buffalo hearing office, with decisions there through September 2021. This office serves claimants across the region and is staffed by a bench of 18 judges with varying approval patterns. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Buffalo office, there are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, with approval rates ranging from 28% to 89%. While these figures vary, the fundamental requirements for proving disability remain consistent across the entire bench.
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
Mary Mattimore's 51% approval rate falls within the 28% to 89% range observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with the expectations of this office.
Yes, the data shows a trend of 52% in 2017, dipping to 46% in 2018, and rising to 57% by 2021. These 1,413 decisions on record since 2016 reflect a changing pattern over time. An attorney can help you prepare your case to address these trends.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the assignment process essentially random. An attorney can help you prepare for the hearing regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you ensure your testimony is clear and your medical evidence is properly organized.
The 51% approval rate on record since 2016 is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of a future outcome. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you document your disability. An attorney can help you build a stronger case to meet the necessary criteria.
