Approval rates
The approval rates for Peter J. Valentino reflect his history of adjudicating Social Security Disability Insurance claims since 2016. When evaluating these figures, compare his 62% lifetime performance against the broader range of 37% to 68% seen among his peers at the San Diego office. These statistics are derived from a docket of 1,044 lifetime decisions.
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 decision pattern for Peter J. Valentino shows a steady trajectory over the recorded period. Starting with a 56% approval rate in 2016, the data indicates fluctuations that reached a peak of 67% in 2020 before settling at 58% in 2021. This record of 1,044 lifetime decisions suggests a consistent approach to evaluating evidence.
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
The San Diego hearing office serves claimants throughout the region, maintaining a bench of 15 judges on record. As part of the Office of Hearings Operations, this location manages a high volume of cases with an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 58%. You can expect a formal process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 15 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 37% to 68% on a lifetime basis.
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
Judge Valentino has a lifetime approval rate of 62%, which sits within the 37% to 68% range observed among the 15 judges on record at the San Diego office. Because every case involves unique medical evidence, an attorney can help you prepare a strategy tailored to this judge's specific bench.
Yes, the data shows a variation in approval rates, moving from 56% in 2016 to a high of 67% in 2020, and most recently 58% in 2021. Understanding these trends is part of building a strong case, and an attorney can help you evaluate how your evidence aligns with these patterns.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency and fairness. Regardless of your assigned judge, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing process.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and may hear testimony from you, a medical expert, or a vocational expert. Having an attorney can help you navigate the questioning and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a prediction of your specific outcome. While Judge Valentino has approved 62% of his 1,044 lifetime decisions, your case's success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you determine if your documentation meets the necessary standards.