Approval rates
The approval rates for Sharif F. Nesheiwat are calculated based on 214 lifetime decisions recorded between 2017 and 2018. When evaluating these figures, consider the broader context of the New York Varick hearing office, where lifetime approval rates among judges range from 48% to 85%. These statistics provide a baseline for understanding the judge's history, though they do not predict the outcome of your specific case.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Nesheiwat. 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 Nesheiwat'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 Sharif F. Nesheiwat spans from 2017 to 2018, encompassing 214 lifetime decisions. During this period, the judge's approval rate remained high, showing a steady pattern of consistency. This trend reflects a stable approach to case evaluation throughout the available data window, providing a reliable baseline for your expectations.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Nesheiwat'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the New York Varick hearing office
The New York Varick hearing office serves you throughout the New York region. With a bench of 10 judges on record, this office manages a high volume of disability claims. The office-wide latest-period approval rate is 66%, which provides context for the local hearing environment. You can visit the New York Varick hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment is essentially random. At the New York Varick hearing office, there are 10 judges on record since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 48% to 85% over their respective careers. You can find more information on the New York Varick hearing office page.
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
Sharif F. Nesheiwat has an 85% lifetime approval rate, which sits at the top of the 48% to 85% range observed among the 10 judges on record at this office. While this rate is high, every case is unique and depends on the specific medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively before this judge.
The data for Sharif F. Nesheiwat, covering 2017 to 2018, shows a steady approval pattern. The judge maintained a high rate of allowance throughout this period, indicating consistency in decision-making. If you are concerned about how your case will be viewed, an attorney can help you prepare for this judge's specific bench.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to have an attorney who can help you prepare for any judge you might draw.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history, daily limitations, and the nature of your impairments. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
An approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions, not a prediction of your outcome. While Sharif F. Nesheiwat has an 85% lifetime approval rate, the success of your claim primarily depends on the quality of your medical evidence and how well it meets Social Security Act criteria. An attorney can help you ensure your file is complete and ready for your hearing.