Approval rates
The 57% approval rate for Danny Pittman reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 23% to 82% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Stockton. This docket size of 494 decisions provides a stable view of past activity. 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 Pittman. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Pittman'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 Danny Pittman has remained steady, with 56% in 2016 and 57% in 2017. This pattern is based on 494 total decisions on record since 2016. The consistency across these years suggests a stable approach to evaluating evidence. This trend pattern indicates that the decision-making process has been predictable over the observed period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Pittman'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 Stockton hearing office
Danny Pittman's most recent office on record is the Stockton hearing office, with decisions there through September 2017. This office serves the surrounding region in California. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in your decision. See the Stockton Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Stockton
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Stockton, with approval rates ranging from 23% to 82%. Four of these judges decided cases here in the latest SSA file. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Danny Pittman has a 57% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 23% to 82% range of the 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Stockton. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for Danny Pittman has held roughly steady, moving from 56% in 2016 to 57% in 2017. This consistency is based on 494 total decisions on record. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these past trends may relate to your upcoming hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since 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 a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be asked questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records to present the strongest case possible.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific case. While Danny Pittman has a 57% approval rate on record since 2016, the strength of your medical evidence remains the most important factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
