Approval rates
The approval rate for Peter J. Valentino is based on 1,044 decisions on record since 2016. This figure provides a clear view of past activity, which can be compared against the 37% to 68% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the San Diego hearing office. These benchmarks provide context for the variability inherent in the disability hearing process.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Valentino. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Valentino'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 Peter J. Valentino has varied since 2016. After an initial 56% approval rate in 2016, the figures fluctuated, reaching a high of 67% in 2020 before settling at 58% in 2021. With 1,044 total decisions on record, this trend reflects the historical approach to evidence and case requirements.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Valentino'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 San Diego hearing office
Peter J. Valentino's most recent office on record is the San Diego hearing office, which serves you in the California region. This office features a bench of 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard hearing process where evidence quality remains the primary factor in any decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is San Diego
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the San Diego hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 37% to 68%. This variation across the bench highlights why thorough preparation is essential regardless of the specific judge assigned to your case.
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
Peter J. Valentino has an approval rate of 62% based on 1,044 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 37% to 68% range observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the San Diego hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for Peter J. Valentino has fluctuated over time, starting at 56% in 2016 and reaching 67% in 2020, before recording 58% in 2021. These 1,044 decisions reflect a consistent volume of work over the period. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges randomly. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong case is the best way to prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions from the judge and potentially a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are organized.
The 62% approval rate for Peter J. Valentino is a statistical summary of past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare accordingly.
