Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same time periods to ensure accuracy. The 77% approval rate for Kathleen H. Switzer covers all decisions on record since 2016, which you can compare against the 28% to 85% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Salt Lake City. These figures provide a statistical baseline for the office's bench, though they reflect past decisions rather than predictions for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Switzer. 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 Switzer'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 rate for Kathleen H. Switzer has remained relatively steady across the 1,246 decisions on record since 2016. Yearly performance shows a consistent pattern, with approval rates of 77% in 2016, 75% in 2017, 78% in 2018, 77% in 2019, and 89% in 2020. This trend suggests a stable approach to case evaluation over the observed period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Switzer'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 Salt Lake City hearing office
The Salt Lake City hearing office serves you if you are in Utah and the surrounding region. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, reflecting the office's capacity for managing regional caseloads. If you are appearing at this office, you should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical evidence.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Salt Lake City
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is Salt Lake City, with approval rates ranging from 28% to 85% on their since-2016 records. Because approval rates vary significantly across this bench, understanding the general environment of the office is helpful for your preparation.
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
Kathleen H. Switzer has an approval rate of 77% across 1,246 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 28% to 85% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Salt Lake City. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this office.
The approval rate for Kathleen H. Switzer has held roughly steady since 2016. While yearly fluctuations occur, the data shows a consistent pattern of decision-making over the 1,246 decisions on record. A qualified attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
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 attorney to build a strong case is the best way to prepare for any hearing outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily activities and how your condition limits your ability to work. Having an attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Kathleen H. Switzer's 77% rate since 2016 is one factor, but the strength of your medical evidence remains the most critical component. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing.
