Approval rates
The 57% approval rate for Michael A. Rodriguez reflects all decisions on record since 2016. This is measured against the 31% to 90% range of the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tampa OHO. These figures provide a statistical baseline for understanding how different judges approach the evidence in disability claims.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Rodriguez. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Rodriguez'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 Michael A. Rodriguez has fluctuated across the 606 decisions on record since 2016. After an initial period of variance, the trend showed a rise in recent years, with the 2022 data point reaching 86% approval over 23 decisions. This pattern suggests that the approach to evidence may have evolved over the recorded window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Rodriguez'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 Tampa OHO hearing office
Michael A. Rodriguez's most recent office on record is the Tampa OHO (September 2022). This office is part of a regional network handling disability appeals. With 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, the office maintains a diverse bench with varying approval patterns.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Tampa OHO
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tampa OHO, with approval rates ranging from 31% to 90% on their since-2016 records. Because each judge maintains a unique approach to evaluating medical evidence, the specific judge assigned to your hearing is a significant variable.
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
Michael A. Rodriguez has an approval rate of 57% across 606 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 31% to 90% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tampa OHO. An attorney can help you prepare your case for this specific bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated, starting at 48% in 2016 and reaching 86% in 2022. These yearly variations are common in judicial dockets and may reflect changes in case mix or the quality of evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your hearing strategy.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot control the assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you build your case.
A hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the 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 tasks. An attorney can help you navigate these questions and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
The 57% approval rate is a historical average, not a guarantee of how Michael A. Rodriguez will rule on your specific claim. Every case is unique, and the outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and your ability to prove disability under SSA guidelines. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing.
