Approval rates
The approval rate for Randy Riley is based on 2,986 decisions, providing a clear view of historical patterns. When evaluating this figure, consider the broader context of the Harrisburg office, where lifetime approval rates among the 13 judges on record range from 17% to 86%. These statistics offer a baseline for understanding how different judges approach the evidence presented in disability claims.
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 27, 2024. 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
Since 2016, Randy Riley has maintained a consistent approach to disability claims, with yearly approval rates ranging from 30% to 47%. The data shows a period of relative stability followed by an approval rate of 47% in 2023. This trend suggests that while the judge's overall record is established, recent case outcomes reflect the specific evidence presented in those years.
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.
About the Harrisburg hearing office
The Harrisburg hearing office serves you throughout Pennsylvania, managing a diverse caseload of disability applications. With 13 judges on record, the office operates within a system designed to ensure consistent access to hearings. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on your medical and vocational evidence. You can see the Harrisburg Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 13 judges on record at this office since 2016. Because approval rates across this bench vary widely from 17% to 86%, understanding the office environment is a standard part of case preparation.
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
Randy Riley has a lifetime approval rate of 37% across 2,986 decisions. This sits within the broader office range of 17% to 86% for all judges on record at the Harrisburg office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
The approval rate for Randy Riley has shown variation since 2016, ranging from 30% in 2021 to 47% in 2023. These fluctuations are common in judicial dockets and often reflect changes in the types of cases heard. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control your judge assignment, it is important to have an attorney help you build a strong case regardless of who is presiding.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history by the judge or a vocational expert. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure you clearly communicate your limitations.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a historical statistic and not a prediction of how they will rule on your specific claim. Your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation supporting your disability. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is complete and effectively presented.