Approval rates
The approval rate for M. Reeves is based on 1,517 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2022. Within the New York Varick hearing office, lifetime approval rates among the bench range from 48% to 85%, placing this judge within the higher end of that spectrum. These figures provide a statistical baseline for understanding the office environment, though they are not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Reeves. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Reeves'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 record for M. Reeves shows a varied trend since 2016. After an initial period of higher approval rates, the data shows a shift in 2018 and 2019 before returning to higher levels in recent years. This pattern reflects the judge's evolving approach to the evidence presented in disability claims.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Reeves'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 New York Varick hearing office
The New York Varick hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout the region, maintaining a bench of 10 judges on record. As part of the broader Social Security Administration network, this office manages a high volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony. See the New York Varick Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 10 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 48% to 85% on a lifetime basis. You should prepare for your hearing with the understanding that your assigned judge's individual history is only one factor in your case.
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
With a lifetime approval rate of 73%, M. Reeves sits toward the higher end of the 48% to 85% range observed among the 10 judges on record at this office. While this indicates a higher historical approval frequency, every case is unique. An attorney can help you evaluate how your specific medical evidence aligns with the judge's past decision patterns.
Yes, the approval rate for M. Reeves has fluctuated since 2016. After starting with rates above 80%, the data shows a period of lower approval in 2018 and 2020, followed by a recent increase to 88% in 2022. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to the current requirements for your specific disability claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to prepare a robust case is the best way to ensure you are ready for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony regarding your ability to work. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for this process by organizing your evidence and coaching you on how to clearly present your case.
The 73% lifetime approval rate for M. Reeves is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of how your case will be decided. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you meet the SSA's strict disability criteria. An attorney can help you strengthen your case to ensure all relevant evidence is properly presented.