Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent data periods. While the lifetime approval rate of 59% provides a broad view of the judge's history, the latest-period data offers a more current snapshot. In the most recent reporting cycle, the judge maintained a 69% approval rate, which sits 7 points above the Charleston WV office average of 62%. These figures reflect historical trends rather than future outcomes.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Mullins'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 record for Breinne A. Mullins spans from 2023 to 2026, encompassing 908 total decisions. The yearly trend shows fluctuation, with approval rates moving from 67% in 2023 to 53% in 2024, 50% in 2025, and 69% in 2026. This recent uptick reflects a shift in the judge's decision-making pattern compared to the previous two years. These variations are common and often reflect changes in the specific types of cases or evidence quality presented to the court.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Mullins'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 Charleston WV hearing office
The Charleston WV hearing office serves claimants throughout the region, providing a venue for disability appeals. This office hosts a bench of 9 judges who collectively manage a diverse caseload. The office-wide latest-period approval rate is 62%, reflecting the local environment for SSDI claims. For more details on the local bench, see the Charleston WV Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment is effectively random. There are 9 judges on record at this office since 2016, 3 of whom reported in the latest SSA period. The lifetime approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 39% to 78%. Understanding the office-wide environment can help you calibrate your expectations 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
Breinne A. Mullins has a 59% lifetime approval rate. This sits within the broader office-wide lifetime range of 39% to 78% seen among the 9 judges on record at the Charleston WV office. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with the expectations of judges in this office.
Yes, the data shows a dynamic trend. After an approval rate of 67% in 2023, the rate shifted to 53% in 2024 and 50% in 2025, before reaching 69% in 2026. Because these trends can influence how a case is presented, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific nuances of this judge's current docket.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency and fairness. Since you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you prepare a robust case that addresses the requirements of any judge assigned to your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history by the judge or a vocational expert. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your evidence to ensure you are ready for the hearing.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. While Breinne A. Mullins has a 59% lifetime approval rate, your result depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation supporting your disability claim. An attorney can help you ensure your case file is complete and persuasive.