Approval rates
The approval rate for Michael Pendola is based on a significant volume of cases, providing a clear view of historical decision patterns. When evaluating this data, consider that the office-wide lifetime approval range for all judges on record spans from 25% to 69%. These figures reflect long-term trends rather than the outcome of any single hearing. 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 Pendola. 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 Pendola'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
Michael Pendola has maintained a consistent record across 2,853 decisions since 2016. The yearly trend shows a notable shift, with approval rates rising significantly in recent years compared to the earlier part of the data window. While the rate fluctuated in the middle years, the most recent period reflects a continuation of this higher approval pattern. This trend may reflect changes in case mix or the quality of evidence presented in recent hearings.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Pendola'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 Orland Park hearing office
The Orland Park hearing office serves you throughout the region, managing a diverse caseload of disability applications. With 9 judges on record since 2016, the office handles a high volume of hearings to ensure timely processing. You can expect a formal environment where evidence quality remains the primary factor in any decision. You can see the Orland Park hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges on record at this office since 2016, 5 of whom are reported in the latest SSA period. Approval rates across this bench vary widely, ranging from 25% to 69% on a lifetime basis. You can find more information on the Orland Park 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
Michael Pendola has a lifetime approval rate of 69% across 2,853 decisions. This sits at the high end of the 25% to 69% lifetime range observed among the 9 judges on record at the Orland Park office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence to align with the standards of this specific bench.
Yes, the data shows a clear upward trend in recent years. After starting at 45% in 2016, the approval rate reached 91% in 2023 and has remained high, with 85% in 2025. An attorney can help you determine if your case documentation meets the current evidentiary expectations of this judge.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, which makes the assignment process effectively random. Because you cannot select your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome by having a qualified attorney review your file.
A hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked questions about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical evidence to ensure your case is presented clearly.
A 69% lifetime approval rate indicates how Michael Pendola has ruled in past cases, but it is not a guarantee of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in any decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.