Approval rates
This table compares the approval rate of Julio Ocampo against the broader bench at the Orlando hearing office. By looking at the range of outcomes for the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, you can see how this judge's 62% approval rate fits within the local context. These figures are based on 2,420 decisions on record since 2017. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Ocampo. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Ocampo'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
Since 2017, Julio Ocampo has presided over 2,420 decisions. The yearly trend shows fluctuation, with approval rates moving from 78% in 2017 to 53% in 2018, followed by a period of relative stability before a rise to 74% in 2025. This pattern suggests that the judge's decision-making has evolved over the years on record, potentially reflecting changes in case mix or evidence quality.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Ocampo'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 Orlando hearing office
The Orlando hearing office serves you and other claimants across Florida. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and the office-wide latest-period approval rate is 60%. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process where medical documentation and vocational testimony are central to the outcome. You can see the Orlando hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Orlando
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Orlando hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 34% to 89% on their since-2016 records. Because you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare.
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
Julio Ocampo has an approval rate of 62% across 2,420 decisions on record since 2017. This places the judge within the 34% to 89% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Orlando hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Julio Ocampo has fluctuated over the years, starting at 78% in 2017 and reaching 74% in 2025. These variations are common in SSDI dockets and may be influenced by changes in the types of cases heard. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because the assignment is random, it is important to be prepared for any judge by having a strong, evidence-based case. An attorney can help you prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical evidence and may hear testimony from vocational or medical experts. You will have the opportunity to explain how your impairments prevent you from working. Working with an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions you may face.
