Approval rates
The approval rates for judges at the San Juan hearing office vary, with individual lifetime records ranging from 62% to 88%. This data is drawn from 1,070 lifetime decisions, providing a look at how cases have been decided in this office since 2016. Comparing these figures helps you understand the broader environment of your 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 Quinones. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Quinones'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 record for Ramon E. Quinones spans from 2016 to 2019, showing a trend that moved from an 88% approval rate in 2016 to 72% by 2018. This pattern indicates a shift in the volume and nature of decisions over the observed period. While the data shows this evolution, it remains a historical summary of the judge's docket. The trend reflects the specific case mix and evidence quality presented during those years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Quinones'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the San Juan hearing office
The San Juan hearing office serves you if you are in Puerto Rico, operating as a hub for disability adjudications in the region. The office maintains a bench of 11 judges on record, with an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 72%. You can expect a formal process focused on the medical and vocational evidence supporting your claim. You can see the San Juan Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment is essentially random. There are 11 judges on record at this office since 2016, 7 of whom are reported in the latest period. Because approval rates across the bench range from 62% to 88%, the judge you draw can influence the context of your hearing. 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
Ramon E. Quinones has a lifetime approval rate of 82%, which sits at the higher end of the 62% to 88% range observed among the 11 judges on record at the San Juan hearing office. While this rate is higher than many peers, every case depends on your specific medical evidence. An attorney can help you determine how to best present your evidence to this judge.
Yes, the data shows a shift in the approval rate from 88% in 2016 to 72% in 2018. This trend reflects the changing nature of the cases heard during that window. If you are concerned about how these patterns affect your claim, an attorney can help you prepare a strong, evidence-based case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process random. Since you cannot pick your judge, focusing on the quality of your medical documentation is the best way to prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your daily activities, work history, and the limitations caused by your condition. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Ramon E. Quinones has an 82% lifetime approval rate, your success depends on the unique facts of your disability claim. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.