Approval rates
The approval rate for Richard A. Opp is based on 1,543 decisions on record since 2016. This figure can be compared against the broader bench at the Billings hearing office, where judges range from 32% to 70% approval on their own since-2016 records. These statistics provide a baseline for understanding how different judges have historically approached disability claims.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Opp. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Opp'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 2016, the approval rate for Richard A. Opp has shown a trend from 67% in 2016 to 47% in 2020. With 1,543 total decisions on record, the data reflects a consistent volume of activity across the four-year window. This pattern shows how the judge's approach to evidence and case requirements has shifted over time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Opp'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 Billings hearing office
Richard A. Opp's most recent office on record is the Billings hearing office, which serves claimants across Montana. This office includes 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Billings
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Billings hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 70% on their since-2016 records. While these statistics highlight the variance across the bench, the fundamental requirements for proving your disability remain consistent.
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
Richard A. Opp has an approval rate of 62% on record since 2016. Among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Billings hearing office, approval rates range from 32% to 70%. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
Yes, the approval rate for Richard A. Opp has shifted over time, starting at 67% in 2016 and moving to 47% by 2020. This trend is based on 1,543 total decisions on record. If you are concerned about how these trends might affect your hearing, an attorney can help you prepare a strong case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a comprehensive case that meets all disability criteria. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history, daily limitations, and symptoms. An attorney can help you prepare for the types of questions this judge may ask during your hearing.
The 62% approval rate for Richard A. Opp represents a historical average of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your specific hearing.
