Approval rates
The approval rate for Steven H. Templin is based on a docket of 831 lifetime decisions, providing a view of his record since 2016. Across the Oak Brook hearing office, lifetime approval rates among the 10 judges on record range from 35% to 84%. Comparing these figures helps put individual performance into the broader context of the office bench.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Templin. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Templin'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 record for Steven H. Templin has shown a steady pattern of activity. After an approval rate of 70% in 2016, the figures were 83% in 2017, 77% in 2018, and 74% in 2019. This trend reflects a consistent approach to the evidence presented in his courtroom.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Templin'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 Oak Brook hearing office
The Oak Brook hearing office serves claimants throughout the Illinois region. This office maintains a bench of 10 judges on record, ensuring that cases are processed according to national standards. You can expect a formal hearing environment where the quality of your medical documentation remains the primary factor in a favorable decision.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges on record at the Oak Brook hearing office since 2016. With lifetime approval rates across the office ranging from 35% to 84%, the specific judge assigned can influence the hearing experience.
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 H. Templin holds a lifetime approval rate of 76%, which sits within the 35% to 84% range observed across the 10 judges on record at the Oak Brook office. While this rate is higher than some peers, every case is unique. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific judge.
The approval rate for Steven H. Templin has remained relatively steady since 2016. After starting at 70%, the rate was 83% in 2017, 77% in 2018, and 74% in 2019. This stability suggests a predictable approach to case evaluation, though an attorney can help you identify the specific strengths of your claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to prepare a strong, evidence-based case is the best way to ensure you are ready for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your symptoms prevent you from performing daily tasks. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are organized for the hearing.
A 76% lifetime approval rate for Steven H. Templin is a statistical observation of past decisions and does not guarantee a specific outcome for your case. Your success depends on the medical evidence and how well you document your disability. An attorney can help you review your file to ensure it meets the necessary standards.