Approval rates
The 36% approval rate for John Michaelsen reflects his entire record since 2016, which you can compare against the 34% to 66% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the same. With 2,343 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 Michaelsen. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Michaelsen'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
John Michaelsen has issued 2,343 decisions on record since 2016. His yearly approval rate has fluctuated, starting at 43% in 2016, moving to 40% in 2017, 29% in 2018, 34% in 2019, 40% in 2020, 32% in 2021, and 37% in 2022. These variations reflect the specific mix of cases and evidence presented during those periods.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Michaelsen'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 OR hearing office
John Michaelsen's most recent office on record is the Portland OR hearing office, which serves you and other claimants across Oregon. This office is part of a regional network that manages a high volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in your decision. You can see the Portland OR Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Portland OR
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Portland OR hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 34% to 66%. Because each judge brings a unique approach to evaluating evidence, understanding the broader office bench 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
John Michaelsen's 36% approval rate on record since 2016 sits within the 34% to 66% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Portland OR hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific requirements of this hearing office.
John Michaelsen's approval rate has seen yearly variations, moving from 43% in 2016 to 37% in 2022. These shifts are common as case types and evidence standards evolve over time. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong, evidence-based case is the best way to prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare for the questions you will face during this process.
