Approval rates
Evaluating a judge's history requires looking at the data in context. The 52% approval rate for R. N. Owen is based on 306 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the 20% to 82% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Charlottesville, the data highlights the variance in outcomes across the bench.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Owen. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Owen'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 rate for R. N. Owen has remained at 52% across the 306 decisions on record since 2016. Because the data window covers a specific period ending in 2016, the pattern reflects a consistent approach during that time. This stability provides a baseline for understanding how the judge has handled cases in the past.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Owen'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 Charlottesville hearing office
R. N. Owen's most recent office on record is the Charlottesville hearing office, which serves the region of Virginia. This office is home to 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal hearing process where evidence quality is the primary driver of the outcome.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Charlottesville
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 Charlottesville hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 20% to 82% on their since-2016 records. Because each judge has a unique approach, the specific judge assigned to your case is an important variable.
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
R. N. Owen has a 52% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 20% to 82% range of the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Charlottesville hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for R. N. Owen has held at 52% across the 306 decisions on record since 2016. This consistency indicates a stable approach to case evaluation during the period of record. A qualified attorney can help you understand how this pattern might relate to your specific medical evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across all hearing offices. Since you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong case is the best way to prepare for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony about your limitations. You will likely be asked questions about your work history and daily activities. A skilled attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is presented effectively.
An approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a prediction for any specific hearing. While R. N. Owen has a 52% approval rate on record since 2016, your individual outcome depends on the strength of your medical evidence and your ability to prove your disability. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for the hearing.
