Approval rates
You can understand the approval rates for Charles Shinn by comparing his performance to the broader bench at the Akron OH hearing office. While the judge maintains a 57% approval rate since 2016, the local bench shows a wide range of outcomes from 43% to 80%. In the most recent reporting period, the judge's 57% approval rate sits 4 points above the office average of 53%. These figures reflect historical trends rather than a fixed outcome for your hearing.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Shinn'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, Charles Shinn has issued 5,221 decisions. The yearly approval trend shows fluctuations, with rates ranging from a low of 47% in 2016 to a high of 66% in 2023 and 2025. The latest period shows an approval rate of 57%, which aligns closely with the long-term average. This pattern suggests a consistent approach to case evaluation, with the most recent data reflecting a continuation of this established record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Shinn'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 Akron OH hearing office
Charles Shinn's most recent office on record is the Akron OH hearing office, where he has recorded decisions through July 2026. This office maintains a bench of 13 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. With an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 53%, you should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical evidence. You can see the Akron OH Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Akron OH
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Akron OH hearing office. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 43% to 80% since 2016. Your preparation remains 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
Charles Shinn has a 57% approval rate on record since 2016. This places him within the range of 43% to 80% observed among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Akron OH hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how to prepare your evidence for this specific judge.
The approval rate has fluctuated over the years, starting at 47% in 2016 and reaching 66% in 2025. The most recent data from 2026 shows a 57% approval rate, which is consistent with the long-term average. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how these trends might relate to your specific claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is important to be prepared for any judge by working with an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and testimony to determine if you meet the criteria for disability. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions you might face during your hearing.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Your case's success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well it aligns with SSA requirements. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to build the strongest possible case.
