Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent data windows. The most relevant comparison is the range of approval rates among the bench at the Portland ME office. Since 2016, judges at this office have seen approval rates ranging from 38% to 85% across their respective dockets. With 846 decisions on record, the data for Katherine Morgan offers 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 Morgan. 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 Morgan'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 Katherine Morgan shifted over the period from 2016 to 2018. After maintaining an approval rate of 81% in 2016 and 82% in 2017, the rate moved to 73% in 2018. This trend reflects the outcomes of 846 total decisions on record. These fluctuations are common in SSDI dockets and may result from changes in the complexity of cases or the evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Morgan'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
The Portland ME hearing office serves you throughout the region. This office features a bench of 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal process where the quality of medical evidence remains the primary factor in your decision. You can see the Portland ME Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Portland ME
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Portland ME office, with approval rates ranging from 38% to 85% on their since-2016 records. 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
Judge Morgan's 80% approval rate on record since 2016 is at the higher end of the 38% to 85% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is Portland ME. Every case is unique, and an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the data shows a variation in approval rates across the record window. While the rate was 81% in 2016 and 82% in 2017, it was 73% in 2018. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to the evidence needed for your specific claim.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control the assignment, working with an attorney to build a strong case is the best way to prepare for any judge.
An SSDI hearing is a formal administrative proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and may hear testimony from you or vocational experts. Having a qualified attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a prediction of your outcome. Judge Morgan has an 80% approval rate on record since 2016, but your success depends on the specific medical evidence in your file. An attorney can help you determine if your case is ready for a hearing.
