Approval rates
This table displays the approval rate for Thomas M. Ray based on 3,269 decisions on record since 2016. The 3 judges who decided cases at this office in SSA's latest file range from 36% to 58% on their since-2016 records. These figures reflect past decisions, not predictions for your hearing.
Judge Ray is not in SSA's latest disposition file, so there is no 12-month figure. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Judge Ray isn't in SSA's latest disposition file, so the judge comparison tool, which compares active judges over the same 12 months, leaves them out.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Ray'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, Thomas M. Ray has issued 3,269 decisions. The yearly approval rate has fluctuated, with 59% in 2016, 68% in 2017, 64% in 2018, 58% in 2019, 67% in 2020, 62% in 2021, 77% in 2022, 62% in 2023, 83% in 2024, and 86% in 2025.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Ray'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 Las Vegas hearing office
The Las Vegas hearing office is the most recent office on record for Thomas M. Ray, with the last recorded decision occurring in September 2025. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this one.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Las Vegas
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and 3 of them decided cases here in SSA's latest file. These 3 judges range from 36% to 58% 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
Thomas M. Ray has a 67% approval rate on record since 2016. The 3 judges who decided cases at this office in SSA's latest file range from 36% to 58% on their since-2016 records. An attorney can help you understand how these figures might relate to your specific case.
The approval rate for Thomas M. Ray has varied over the 3,269 decisions on record since 2016, ranging from 58% to 86% in individual years. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of these historical trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly to ensure efficiency. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews the evidence in your file and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your medical condition and your ability to perform work-related tasks. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical evidence.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. The strength of your case depends on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
