Approval rates
The approval rate for John Michaelsen is based on 2,343 lifetime decisions. This figure sits within the broader range of 34% to 66% observed across the Portland OR bench. Comparing this rate to the office-wide lifetime range provides a clearer picture of the local hearing environment than national averages. 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
Since 2016, the approval rate for John Michaelsen has shown yearly fluctuations. His record includes 2,343 lifetime decisions, with annual approval rates moving between 29% and 43% during the observed window. This variation suggests that case outcomes are influenced by the specific evidence and medical documentation you present in your hearing.
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
The Portland OR hearing office serves you throughout Oregon and the surrounding region. This office maintains a bench of 12 judges on record, with an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 64%. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical records and vocational history. You can see the Portland OR Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning you cannot request a specific judge. There are 12 judges on record at this office since 2016, 6 of whom are reported in the latest SSA period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 34% to 66% on a lifetime basis. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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 has a lifetime approval rate of 36% across 2,343 lifetime decisions. This places him within the office-wide lifetime range of 34% to 66%. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
The approval rate for John Michaelsen has fluctuated between 29% and 43% since 2016. These annual shifts are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases heard or the quality of evidence provided. An attorney can help you ensure your medical evidence is as strong as possible.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome by working with a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be asked about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and organize your medical records.
The 36% lifetime approval rate for John Michaelsen describes past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in your outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths.