Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same period to ensure accuracy. Your judge's 58% approval rate on record since 2016 is evaluated against the 40% to 81% range observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Albany hearing office. With 1,851 decisions on record, this data provides a look at past patterns.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Stephan. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Stephan'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, the approval rate for Carl E. Stephan has remained steady, with yearly figures ranging between 56% and 59%. The judge reached a total of 1,851 decisions on record during this period. The data shows a consistent approach to case evaluation, with the 2020 rate of 56% aligning closely with the overall average.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Stephan'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 Albany hearing office
The Albany hearing office is the most recent office on record for Carl E. Stephan as of September 2020. This office is part of a regional network that handles a high volume of disability claims, with a bench of 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Albany
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Albany hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 40% to 81% on their since-2016 records. Because each judge has a unique approach to evidence, understanding the broader bench context is helpful.
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
Carl E. Stephan has an approval rate of 58% on his 1,851 decisions on record since 2016. This places him within the 40% to 81% range of the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Albany hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence to best fit the requirements of this specific bench.
The approval rate for Carl E. Stephan has remained steady, fluctuating between 56% and 59% across the years on record. This consistency indicates a stable decision-making pattern. If you are concerned about how your case will be viewed, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing.
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, working with an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure your case is prepared for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having a qualified attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
An approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions and is not a prediction of how Carl E. Stephan will rule on your specific case. Every claim is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor. An attorney can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your claim before you appear in court.
