Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 48% approval rate for Curtis Renoe reflects his total decisions on record since 2016, which you can measure against the 39% to 80% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Sacramento. These figures provide a statistical baseline derived from hundreds of cases. 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 Renoe. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Renoe'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 Curtis Renoe across 559 decisions on record since 2016 shows a fluctuating pattern. After an initial 44% approval rate in 2016, the rate rose to 52% in 2017 before declining to 41% in 2018. This variation highlights how case mix and evidentiary standards can influence outcomes over time. The data reflects a period of activity that ended in 2018, providing a historical view of how this judge evaluated disability claims.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Renoe'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 Sacramento hearing office
The Sacramento hearing office serves you and other claimants across the region. With 20 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, the office manages a diverse volume of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in the decision. You can visit the Sacramento Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Sacramento
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 20 judges whose most recent office on record is Sacramento, with approval rates ranging from 39% to 80% on their since-2016 records. Because each judge evaluates evidence differently, understanding the range of outcomes at this office is helpful. For your preparation, the guidance remains consistent 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
Curtis Renoe has an approval rate of 48% based on 559 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 39% to 80% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Sacramento. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
The approval rate for Curtis Renoe fluctuated during his time on record, moving from 44% in 2016 to 52% in 2017 and 41% in 2018. These shifts are common and often depend on the specific types of cases assigned. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses an automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure fairness. Regardless of your judge, an attorney can help you prepare a strong case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and daily limitations. An attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 48% approval rate for Curtis Renoe is a historical statistic, not a prediction of your outcome. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the medical evidence supporting your disability claim. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
