Approval rates
Comparing a judge's approval rate requires looking at the same time periods to ensure accuracy. Jonathan L. Wesner's 78% approval rate on record since 2016 is at the high end of the range for the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is the Philadelphia hearing office, where individual rates vary from 42% to 78%. These figures are based on a significant volume of decisions, providing a stable view of past patterns.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Wesner. 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 Wesner'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 Jonathan L. Wesner showed a notable trend across his 1,066 decisions on record between 2016 and 2019. After an initial approval rate of 78% in 2016, the rate rose to 84% in 2017 before declining to 72% in 2018 and 63% in 2019. This pattern reflects a shift in outcomes over the four-year data window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Wesner'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 Philadelphia hearing office
The Philadelphia hearing office serves you and other claimants across Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. This office has a bench of 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal administrative process where your evidence and testimony are reviewed to determine your eligibility.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Philadelphia
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Philadelphia hearing office, there are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. Approval rates among this group range from 42% to 78% on their records since 2016.
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
Jonathan L. Wesner's 78% approval rate on record since 2016 is at the top of the range for the 14 judges associated with the Philadelphia office, who range from 42% to 78%. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the data shows a shift in outcomes. While Jonathan L. Wesner maintained an 84% approval rate in 2017, the rate moved to 63% by 2019 across his 1,066 total decisions. An attorney can help you prepare a strong case that addresses the specific evidence requirements for your hearing.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, and you cannot choose your judge. Your focus should be on ensuring your medical evidence is complete and well-organized for your hearing. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your case is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation supporting your disability claim. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing.
