Approval rates
The 52% approval rate for Janice E. Shave is based on 1,077 decisions since 2016. When compared to the bench at the Reno hearing office, where judges range from 27% to 63% in their since-2016 approval records, this figure provides a baseline for your expectations. Aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predicting outcomes for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Shave. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Shave'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 trend for Janice E. Shave shows a shift over the period from 2016 to 2021. After starting with a 56% approval rate in 2016 and 58% in 2017, the rate moved to 47% in 2018 and 49% in 2019. These fluctuations are common in Social Security disability hearings and often depend on the specific mix of medical evidence and vocational factors presented in your case.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Shave'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 Reno hearing office
The Reno hearing office serves you and other claimants across Nevada and surrounding areas. As of the most recent record in September 2021, this office maintained a bench of 7 judges. While office-wide approval rates provide general context, your specific outcome depends on the unique medical evidence in your file.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Reno
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is effectively random. There are 7 judges whose most recent office on record is the Reno hearing office. These judges show a wide range of approval rates, from 27% to 63% on their records 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
Janice E. Shave has an approval rate of 52% across 1,077 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 27% to 63% observed among the 7 judges whose most recent office on record is Reno. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The data shows a shift in approval patterns for Janice E. Shave, moving from 56% in 2016 to 47% in 2018 and 49% in 2019. These changes often reflect variations in the types of cases heard rather than a change in judicial philosophy. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You, your attorney, and often a vocational or medical expert will discuss your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 52% approval rate for Janice E. Shave represents past decisions and is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical documentation is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you review your case and prepare for your hearing.
