Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at the same timeframes. While the 57% approval rate since 2016 provides a long-term view, the latest-period data offers a snapshot of recent trends. In the most recent reporting period, Donald G. Smith approved 69% of cases, which is 6 points higher than the office average of 63%. These figures are based on a significant volume of decisions, providing statistical context for your case.
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 Smith'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, Donald G. Smith has issued 4,773 decisions. The yearly trend shows fluctuation, with approval rates moving from 58% in 2016 to 69% in the partial 2026 fiscal year. After a period of lower approval rates between 2019 and 2022, recent data indicates an upward shift in favorable outcomes. This latest period reflects a continuation of this recent pattern of increased approvals compared to the long-term average.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Smith'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 St Petersburg Fl OHO hearing office
Donald G. Smith's most recent office on record is the St Petersburg FL OHO, with decisions there through July 2026. This office serves the Florida region and maintains a bench of 17 judges. The office-wide latest approval rate is 63%, reflecting the general environment for disability claims in this area. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is St Petersburg Fl OHO
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 35% to 85% on their since-2016 records. For your preparation, the guidance remains consistent 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
Donald G. Smith's 57% approval rate since 2016 sits within the broader bench range of 35% to 85% for judges at this office. In the most recent reporting period, the 69% approval rate was 6 points higher than the office average of 63%. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated. After reaching a low of 50% in 2019, 2021, and 2022, the rate has trended upward, reaching 69% in the partial 2026 fiscal year. Understanding these trends is part of how an attorney can help you evaluate your case strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. 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. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your daily activities, pain levels, and work history. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a probability cloud based on past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific case. Your outcome depends heavily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well your limitations are documented. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your evidence to strengthen your claim.
