Approval rates
The approval rate for Robert G. O'Blennis is calculated based on 2,063 lifetime decisions. This figure sits within the broader context of the Creve Coeur hearing office, where other judges maintain lifetime approval rates ranging from 39% to 84%. These statistics are derived from data collected since 2016 to provide a stable view of historical patterns. 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 O'Blennis. 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 O'Blennis'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 trend for Robert G. O'Blennis shows a period of relative stability between 2016 and 2019, followed by a decline in subsequent years. With 2,063 total decisions on record, the data covers a significant volume of cases heard since 2016. While yearly percentages have fluctuated, the lifetime average remains a key reference point for understanding his historical approach. Recent data reflects a shift from his earlier years on the bench.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge O'Blennis'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.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Creve Coeur hearing office utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 7 judges on record at this office since 2016, and their lifetime approval rates vary significantly, spanning from 39% to 84%. This variance highlights why focusing on your own medical documentation is essential. For preparation purposes, the guidance remains consistent 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
Robert G. O'Blennis has a lifetime approval rate of 40%, which falls at the lower end of the 39% to 84% range seen across the 7 judges on record at the Creve Coeur office. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards of this office.
Yes, the data shows that Robert G. O'Blennis maintained a steady approval rate between 2016 and 2019 before seeing a decline in more recent years. Understanding these historical shifts is part of building a strong case strategy. An attorney can help you prepare your case by identifying the most relevant medical evidence for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you prepare your case to be as strong as possible regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your symptoms prevent you from performing daily tasks. An attorney can help you prepare your case by coaching you on what to expect and ensuring your testimony is clear.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Robert G. O'Blennis has a 40% lifetime rate, your individual result depends on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you prepare your case to ensure your limitations are fully documented.