Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent data windows. Paul Sher's 44% approval rate on record since 2016 sits within the 30% to 77% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Toledo OH hearing office. This docket of over 3,400 cases provides a stable view of his decision history.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Sher. 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 Sher'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 2016, Paul Sher's approval rate has shown a steady pattern with minor annual fluctuations. After an initial 40% approval rate in 2016, the figures have remained consistent, reaching 47% in 2024 before a partial-year result of 41% in 2025. With 3,418 total decisions on record, the data suggests a stable approach to case evaluation.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Sher'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 Toledo OH hearing office
The Toledo OH hearing office serves you across the region. With a bench of 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse caseload. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of medical evidence remains the primary factor in a decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Toledo OH
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Toledo OH office, there are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, with approval rates ranging from 30% to 77%. While you cannot choose your judge, knowing the office-wide bench helps you prepare for the hearing process.
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
Paul Sher's 44% approval rate on record since 2016 falls within the 30% to 77% range of the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Toledo OH hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific standards of this bench.
Paul Sher's approval rate has remained relatively steady over his 3,418 decisions on record. While annual rates have fluctuated between 40% and 49%, the overall pattern shows consistency. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific medical evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a 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 experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony regarding your ability to work. Having an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions the judge may ask.
A judge's historical approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a prediction of your outcome. Your success depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence and how well your limitations are documented. An attorney can help you ensure your case is presented effectively.
