Approval rates
This table compares the lifetime approval record of Judson Scott against the broader bench at the San Francisco hearing office. By looking at the 109 lifetime decisions on record, you can see how this judge's history aligns with the office-wide range of 28% to 65%. These figures provide context for the evidentiary standards often applied in this jurisdiction. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Scott. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Scott'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 decision record for Judson Scott covers the period from 2016 to 2016, during which 109 lifetime decisions were issued. Throughout this window, the approval rate has held steady at 39%. This consistency suggests a stable approach to evaluating your disability claim based on the evidence presented. Understanding this pattern helps you and your representative focus on the specific medical documentation required to meet the judge's standards.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Scott'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 San Francisco hearing office
The San Francisco hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as part of the broader California disability adjudication network. With 10 judges on record since 2016, the office manages a diverse caseload of SSDI and SSI applications. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in the outcome. See the San Francisco Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to Judson Scott is essentially random. There are 10 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 28% to 65% on a lifetime basis. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Judson Scott has a lifetime approval rate of 39%, which sits within the 28% to 65% range observed among the 10 judges on record at the San Francisco office. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you understand how to tailor your evidence to this specific bench.
The data for Judson Scott, covering 109 lifetime decisions since 2016, shows a steady approval rate of 39%. This consistency indicates that the judge's approach to case evaluation has remained stable over the recorded period. A qualified attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses these established patterns.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ALJs. Since you cannot control your assignment, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony regarding your functional limitations. Having an attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of a future outcome. While Judson Scott has a 39% lifetime approval rate, the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in your hearing. An attorney can help you identify the specific evidence needed to strengthen your claim.