Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 65% approval rate for Robert J. Phares reflects his total decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 27% to 74% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Raleigh. This docket size of 1,262 decisions provides a statistical basis for understanding past trends.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Phares. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Phares'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 Robert J. Phares was 65% in 2016, 68% in 2017, and 58% in 2018. These 1,262 decisions on record since January 2016 illustrate the variation in outcomes over the three-year period. This pattern highlights how case mix or evidence quality can influence annual outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Phares'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 Raleigh hearing office
The Raleigh hearing office serves you and other claimants across North Carolina. With 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse range of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of medical documentation remains the primary factor in the outcome.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Raleigh
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Raleigh, and their approval rates since 2016 vary significantly, ranging from 27% to 74%. Because each judge has a unique approach to evaluating evidence, the specific judge you draw matters.
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 J. Phares has an approval rate of 65% based on 1,262 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 27% to 74% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Raleigh. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Robert J. Phares fluctuated during his time on record, moving from 65% in 2016 to 68% in 2017, and then to 58% in 2018. These shifts are common and often depend on the specific types of cases assigned. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of these historical trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney is the best way to ensure your case is prepared for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and organize your evidence to meet the judge's expectations.
The 65% approval rate for Robert J. Phares is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a guarantee of how he will rule on your specific claim. Your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your evidence to strengthen your position before the hearing.
