Approval rates
The approval rate for Gary L. Vanderhoof is based on 1,140 decisions made between 2016 and 2018. When evaluating this figure, note that the lifetime approval rates for all 10 judges on record at the Las Vegas hearing office range from 34% to 80%. This data provides a broad view of the office's decision-making environment. 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 Vanderhoof. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Vanderhoof'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 record for Gary L. Vanderhoof covers 1,140 decisions starting in 2016. His approval rate showed a downward trend during this period, moving from 42% in 2016 to 15% by 2018. This shift reflects the pattern of his decisions during his time on the bench. You can find more information on the Las Vegas hearing office page.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Vanderhoof'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 Las Vegas hearing office
The Las Vegas hearing office serves you throughout the region. With 10 judges on record, the office manages a diverse caseload of disability claims. You can expect a formal process focused on the medical and vocational evidence supporting your application. See the Las Vegas hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 10 judges on record at the Las Vegas hearing office since 2016. Approval rates among these peers vary significantly, ranging from 34% to 80% over their respective careers. You can find more information on the Las Vegas hearing office page.
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
Gary L. Vanderhoof has a lifetime approval rate of 34%, which sits at the lower end of the 34% to 80% range seen among the 10 judges on record at the Las Vegas office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific bench.
Yes, the data shows a decline in approval rates for Gary L. Vanderhoof, moving from 42% in 2016 to 15% in 2018. If you are concerned about how these trends might impact your hearing, an attorney can help you prepare a robust case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control your assignment, working with an attorney is the best way to ensure your case is ready for any judge.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and daily limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.