Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent data windows. Kevin Plunkett's 46% approval rate on record since 2016 is situated within a local bench where peers range from 26% to 84% in their own since-2016 records. These figures rely on a substantial docket of 2,630 decisions, providing 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 Plunkett. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Plunkett'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, Kevin Plunkett has maintained a varied approval trend. After starting at 41% in 2016, his annual approval rate fluctuated, reaching a high of 55% in 2023 across 95 decisions. This pattern shows that his decision-making has not remained static over the 2,630 decisions on record. The recent shift in the final year of the data window reflects a departure from the earlier, lower-approval years, suggesting that your case-specific evidence remains the primary driver of outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Plunkett'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 Oakland hearing office
The Oakland hearing office serves you across the California region. As of the most recent data, this office is home to a bench of 16 judges with varying approval patterns. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical documentation is paramount.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Oakland
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Oakland hearing office, there are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. These judges show a wide range of approval rates, spanning from 26% to 84% on their since-2016 records.
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
Kevin Plunkett's 46% approval rate sits within a broader range of 26% to 84% for the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Oakland. Because cases are assigned randomly, your specific outcome depends more on the medical evidence in your file than on the judge's historical average. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific bench.
Yes, the data shows fluctuation across his 2,630 decisions on record. His approval rate moved from 41% in 2016 to 55% in 2023. This trend highlights that past performance is not a fixed indicator, and an attorney can help you evaluate how your case fits into these historical patterns.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses an automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case that meets the requirements of your claim. An attorney can help you prepare for the unique requirements of your case.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and testimony. You will likely be questioned by the judge and potentially a vocational expert regarding your ability to perform work. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
