Approval rates
The approval rate for Steven C. Smith is based on 176 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2017. This figure provides a baseline for understanding how his courtroom has historically processed disability claims. When compared to the broader Grand Rapids bench, which shows a lifetime approval range of 43% to 88%, his record sits at the upper end of the spectrum. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Smith. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
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
The decision pattern for Steven C. Smith has remained consistent throughout his recorded history. Starting in 2016, he maintained an approval rate of 87%, followed by 88% in 2017. With 176 total decisions on record, this steady trend suggests a stable approach to evaluating evidence and medical documentation. This consistency helps provide a clear view of his historical decision-making, reflecting a reliable pattern over the observed period.
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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Grand Rapids hearing office
The Grand Rapids hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a key venue for disability adjudications in Michigan. The office maintains a bench of 10 judges on record, with a latest-period office-wide approval rate of 60%. You can expect a standard administrative process focused on the medical evidence supporting your claim. See the Grand Rapids Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges on record at this office since 2016, 6 of whom are reported in the latest period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 43% to 88% over their respective lifetime records. You can find more information on the Grand Rapids hearing office page.
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
Steven C. Smith has a lifetime approval rate of 88% across 176 decisions. This is at the higher end of the 43% to 88% range seen among the 10 judges on record at the Grand Rapids office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence to align with the expectations of this specific bench.
The approval rate for Steven C. Smith has remained steady, moving from 87% in 2016 to 88% in 2017. This consistency across his 176 lifetime decisions indicates a stable approach to case evaluation. If you are concerned about how your case will be viewed, an attorney can help you prepare a strong, evidence-based file.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency across the hearing office. Since you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing regardless of who is assigned to your case.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Steven C. Smith has an 88% lifetime approval rate, the success of your claim depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.