Approval rates
Comparing individual approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 57% approval rate for John L. Melanson reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which we measure against the 38% to 85% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Portland ME. This comparison provides a clearer picture of how a judge's history aligns with their peers.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Melanson. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Melanson'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 John L. Melanson fluctuated between January 2016 and September 2018, starting at 59% in 2016, moving to 54% in 2017, and reaching 58% in 2018. With 982 total decisions on record, this trend shows a return to earlier levels after a mid-period decline.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Melanson'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 Portland ME hearing office
John L. Melanson's most recent office on record is the Portland ME hearing office. This office is part of a regional network that handles a volume of disability claims, with a bench of 10 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Portland ME
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is Portland ME, and their approval rates on record since 2016 range from 38% to 85%.
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 L. Melanson has a 57% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 38% to 85% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is Portland ME. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
The approval rate for John L. Melanson was 59% in 2016, 54% in 2017, and 58% in 2018. While there was a slight variance, the rate has remained generally steady across the 982 decisions on record. An 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 to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is best to focus on building a strong case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records for the hearing.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and is not a prediction of how your specific case will be decided. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing before John L. Melanson.
