Approval rates
Evaluating an approval rate requires looking at the broader context of the hearing office. While the 56% approval rate for William T. Ross provides a baseline, it is most useful when compared to the 37% to 75% range observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is Boston. These figures are derived from thousands of decisions, providing a stable data set for analysis.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Ross. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Ross'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 April 2016, William T. Ross has issued 2,826 decisions. His approval pattern has shown variability over time, moving from a high of 63% in 2019 to a low of 48% in 2017. More recently, the data shows an upward trend, with approval rates reaching 64% in 2025. This fluctuation highlights how case mix and evolving evidence standards can influence annual outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Ross'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 Boston hearing office
The Boston hearing office serves you and other claimants across Massachusetts and the surrounding region. It maintains a bench of 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in a favorable decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Boston
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Within the Boston hearing office, there are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, spanning from 37% to 75% since 2016.
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
William T. Ross has an approval rate of 56% on his record since 2016. This places him within the 37% to 75% range of the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is Boston. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards of this office.
Yes, the approval rate for William T. Ross has fluctuated over time. After an initial period of variance, his rate has shown a recent upward trend, reaching 64% in 2025. Understanding these trends is part of how an attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is vital to have your case fully prepared by a qualified attorney regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your daily limitations and work history. Having an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions you will face.
The 56% approval rate for William T. Ross is a historical average, not a guarantee of how he will rule on your specific claim. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical documentation is the most important factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and weaknesses.
