Approval rates
The approval rate for Marshall D. Riley is based on 3,457 lifetime decisions, providing a stable view of his record since 2016. Within the Kingsport office, lifetime approval rates among the 15 judges on record range from 41% to 88%, reflecting the variance in how different judges weigh evidence. These figures offer a baseline for understanding the judicial environment in your region.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Riley. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Riley'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
Marshall D. Riley's approval rate has shown notable shifts since 2016. After a period of steady performance, the data shows an uptick in approvals between 2018 and 2021, followed by a decline in 2022 and a subsequent recovery in 2023. These fluctuations are common in judicial dockets and may reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Riley'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 Kingsport hearing office
The Kingsport hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout Tennessee and the surrounding region. As one of 15 judges on record at this location, Marshall D. Riley contributes to a bench that handles a diverse volume of disability claims. You can see the Kingsport Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 15 judges on record at the Kingsport office since 2016, 8 of whom are reported in the latest SSA period. With lifetime approval rates across the office ranging from 41% to 88%, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the process.
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
Marshall D. Riley's lifetime approval rate of 78% sits within the broader office-wide range of 41% to 88%. Because every judge has a unique approach to evaluating medical evidence, an attorney can help you tailor your case to the specific requirements of the Kingsport bench.
Yes, the data shows a dynamic trend. After reaching a peak of 88% in 2021, the rate adjusted to 60% in 2022 and 70% in 2023. Understanding these shifts is part of how an attorney can help you prepare for the current evidentiary standards of your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence with an attorney is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a guarantee of a future outcome. While Marshall D. Riley has approved 78% of his 3,457 lifetime decisions, your success depends on the specific facts of your claim. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and weaknesses.