Approval rates
Evaluating the approval rate of Gerard J. Rickert requires looking at the broader context of the Peoria hearing office. With 655 decisions on record since 2016, the data provides a clear view of past activity compared to the bench's range of 32% to 68%. These figures reflect the consistency of the judge's historical decision-making process. 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 Rickert. 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 Rickert'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 Gerard J. Rickert showed notable shifts across the 655 decisions on record since January 2016. After maintaining a steady 58% approval rate in 2016 and 2017, the rate rose to 75% in 2018 before declining to 26% in 2019. This pattern highlights how case mix and evidentiary requirements can influence outcomes over time. The recent decline in the final period of the record represents a departure from the earlier, more consistent years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Rickert'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 Peoria hearing office
Gerard J. Rickert's most recent office on record is the Peoria hearing office, which serves you and other claimants across the region. This office features a bench of 8 judges with varying approval rates, reflecting the diverse nature of disability claims processed in Illinois. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on the medical evidence provided.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Peoria
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 8 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 68% on their since-2016 records. 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
Gerard J. Rickert has an approval rate of 60% based on 655 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 32% to 68% range observed among the 8 judges whose most recent office on record is the Peoria hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Gerard J. Rickert has fluctuated over time. While the rate was 58% in both 2016 and 2017, it increased to 75% in 2018 before falling to 26% in 2019. Understanding these trends is part of how an attorney can help you evaluate your case strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is vital to be prepared for any judge, and an attorney can help you build a strong case regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure the judge has a clear picture of your condition.
The 60% approval rate for Gerard J. Rickert describes past decisions and is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
