Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data windows. The 40% approval rate for Virginia M. Robinson reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 21% to 93% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is also Seattle. These figures provide a statistical baseline for historical decision-making patterns.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Robinson. 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 Robinson'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 Virginia M. Robinson has shown variation since 2016. After an initial period of lower approval rates, the data shows a shift toward higher percentages in the middle of the record window before stabilizing in recent years. With 1,502 total decisions on record, these trends offer a view into how case outcomes have evolved.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Robinson'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 Seattle hearing office
Virginia M. Robinson's most recent office on record is the Seattle hearing office, which serves the Pacific Northwest region. This office features a bench of 22 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can see the Seattle hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 22 judges whose most recent office on record is the Seattle office, with approval rates ranging from 21% to 93% on their since-2016 records. Because you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is essential.
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
Virginia M. Robinson has an approval rate of 40% based on 1,502 decisions on record since 2016. This falls within the 21% to 93% range observed among the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for Virginia M. Robinson has fluctuated over the years, starting at 22% in 2016 and reaching 50% in 2023 based on a smaller sample of decisions. These shifts are common in SSDI dockets. An attorney can help you understand how these patterns might relate to your specific case.
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 important to be prepared for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
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 your case is presented clearly.
A judge's historical approval rate is a probability cloud from past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Your outcome depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well your limitations are documented. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim.
