Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data windows. Albert J. Velasquez's 72% approval rate reflects his total decisions on record since 2016, which you can measure against the 43% to 75% range of his peers at the Indianapolis hearing office over that same period. This volume of 4,147 decisions provides a view of his past activity. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Velasquez. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Velasquez'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 rate for Albert J. Velasquez has shown variation, peaking at 81% in 2023 before settling at 73% in 2025. With 4,147 total decisions on record, the data reveals a judge who has maintained a consistent presence in the Indianapolis office. While yearly fluctuations occur, the overall trend reflects a stable approach to disability adjudication.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Velasquez'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 Indianapolis hearing office
Albert J. Velasquez's most recent SSA record (September 2025) is at the Indianapolis hearing office, which serves you across Indiana. This office is home to 20 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony. You can see the Indianapolis hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Indianapolis
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the Indianapolis hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 43% to 75% on their since-2016 records. Because this assignment process is automated, you cannot choose your judge. You can find more information on the Indianapolis 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
Albert J. Velasquez has an approval rate of 72% on his record since 2016. This places him within the 43% to 75% range observed among the 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the Indianapolis hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a low of 64% in 2021 to a high of 81% in 2023. These shifts are common in SSDI dockets and often reflect changes in case complexity or evidence standards. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases through an automated workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You, your attorney, and sometimes a vocational or medical expert will discuss your ability to perform work-related tasks. Having an attorney can help you navigate these proceedings and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
The 72% approval rate on record for Albert J. Velasquez represents his past decisions since 2016, not a guarantee of a future outcome. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence and your testimony. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare effectively for your hearing.
