Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data windows. Timothy M. McGuan's 55% approval rate on record since 2016 sits within the 28% to 89% range observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo. With 1,580 decisions on record, the data provides a clear view of past activity. 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 McGuan. 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 McGuan'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 Timothy M. McGuan has shown variability since 2016. After an initial approval rate of 53% in 2016, the annual figures fluctuated, reaching a high of 60% in 2017 before seeing a decline to 46% in 2020. The final year of data in 2021 showed a recovery to 52% across 130 decisions. This pattern suggests that the approach to evidence and case requirements has shifted over time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge McGuan'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
Timothy M. McGuan's most recent office on record is the Buffalo hearing office, with decisions there through September 2021. This office serves you and other claimants across the region and maintains a bench of 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical documentation is critical to the outcome.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo, with approval rates ranging from 28% to 89% on their since-2016 records. Because individual judges may have different approaches to evaluating medical evidence, understanding the broader office environment is helpful.
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
Timothy M. McGuan's 55% approval rate on record since 2016 is situated within the 28% to 89% range of the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a low of 46% in 2020 to a high of 60% in 2017. These variations often reflect changes in the types of cases heard or updates in SSA policy. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across hearing offices. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily activities and how your condition limits your ability to work. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
