Approval rates
Evaluating an approval rate requires looking at the full scope of recorded decisions. With 2,910 decisions on record since 2016, the data provides a clear view of how Susan Smoot has historically approached cases. This figure can be compared against the broader bench at the Akron OH office, where the 13 judges range from 43% to 80% in their approval rates over the same period.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Smoot. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Smoot'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 Susan Smoot has fluctuated since 2016. After an initial period of variance, the data shows a rise in approvals in recent years, with the 2023 and 2024 periods reaching 64%. This pattern reflects changes in the evidence presented in your case rather than a static judicial philosophy.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Smoot'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
Susan Smoot's most recent SSA record (September 2024) is at the Akron OH hearing office. This office hosts a bench of 13 judges with varying approval patterns. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on the medical and vocational evidence of your specific disability claim.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Akron OH
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Akron OH office, with approval rates ranging from 43% to 80%. Because you cannot choose your judge, understanding the general environment of the office is more practical than focusing on a single individual.
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
Susan Smoot has an approval rate of 55% across 2,910 decisions since 2016. This places her within the range of 43% to 80% seen among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Akron OH office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific expectations of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Susan Smoot has shown a trend of change over time. While she saw lower approval rates in 2017 and 2018, the data indicates a rise in recent years, reaching 64% in 2023 and 2024. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to the evidence in your case.
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 vital to have your case prepared thoroughly by a qualified professional. An attorney can help you prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having an attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is presented effectively.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Susan Smoot has approved 55% of cases since 2016, your individual result depends on the strength of your medical evidence and your ability to prove your disability. An attorney can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your claim.
