Approval rates
The approval rates below compare the judge's performance against the broader bench at the Buffalo hearing office. Because the SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, understanding how a judge's record compares to their peers provides helpful context for your hearing. These figures are based on 303 decisions on record since 2016, providing a 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 Moskal Jr.. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Moskal Jr.'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 Stanley A. Moskal Jr. remained consistent throughout the period of available data. Starting with an 89% approval rate in 2016 across 277 decisions, the rate was 88% in 2017 across 82 decisions. This stability suggests a consistent approach to evaluating evidence and medical documentation during the time the judge was active at this office.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Moskal Jr.'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
The Buffalo hearing office serves you and other claimants across New York. There are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, reflecting the scale of the office's operations. You can expect a formal hearing process focused on the specific medical evidence presented in your file. You can see the Buffalo hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo
The SSA assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 28% to 89% on their since-2016 records. While you cannot choose your judge, understanding the range of outcomes at the office helps you prepare for the hearing process.
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 Moskal Jr. has an 89% approval rate on record since 2016. This is at the high end of the range for the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Buffalo, where approval rates vary from 28% to 89%. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
The approval rate for Stanley A. Moskal Jr. has remained stable, moving from 89% in 2016 to 88% in 2017. This consistency indicates a steady approach to case evaluation. If you are concerned about how this might affect your claim, an attorney can help you review your evidence.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. You cannot request a specific judge, which is why preparing a strong case is essential regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you build that case.
A hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony about your limitations. You may be asked questions by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clear.
An approval rate is a probability based on past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. While it provides context for the judge's history, the outcome of your case depends primarily on the medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
