Approval rates
The approval rate for Frederick Upshall Jr. is calculated from 1,577 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2019. This figure provides a statistical baseline when compared to the 41% to 89% approval range observed across the Albuquerque hearing office bench. These numbers reflect a significant volume of cases, offering a stable view of past judicial activity. 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 Upshall Jr.. 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 Upshall Jr.'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 record for Frederick Upshall Jr. shows a notable trend over the 2016 to 2019 period. After an initial approval rate of 62% in 2016, the rate rose to 71% in both 2017 and 2018 before shifting to 52% in 2019. This pattern highlights how approval rates can fluctuate over time based on the specific mix of cases and evidence presented. The recent shift in the final year of the record reflects a change from his earlier, higher-approval period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Upshall Jr.'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 Albuquerque hearing office
The Albuquerque hearing office serves residents across New Mexico, managing a diverse caseload of disability claims. The office is supported by a bench of 16 judges on record, ensuring that hearings are processed through a structured administrative system. You can expect a formal environment where evidence quality is the primary driver of case outcomes. You can see the /disability-benefits/hearing-offices/albuquerque-NM Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Albuquerque hearing office utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment is essentially random. There are 16 judges on record at this office since 2016, with 7 judges currently reporting in the latest SSA data. Approval rates across this bench vary widely, ranging from 41% to 89%. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Frederick Upshall Jr. maintains a lifetime approval rate of 64%, which sits within the broader office-wide range of 41% to 89% for the 16 judges on record in Albuquerque. While his rate is a useful data point, every case is unique. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific judge.
Yes, the data shows a shift in his approval patterns between 2016 and 2019. His rate moved from 62% in 2016 to a peak of 71% in 2017 and 2018, followed by a 52% rate in 2019. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing by analyzing how these trends might relate to your specific medical evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges, making the process random. Regardless of your assignment, an attorney can help you prepare your case for the hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.