Approval rates
When reviewing the data, it is helpful to compare Ben Willner's 40% approval rate against the broader bench at his most recent office. Judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Albuquerque show a range of approval rates from 31% to 61% based on their records since 2016. This variance highlights why the specific judge assigned to your case matters, though aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Willner. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Willner'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
Across 2,136 decisions on record since 2016, Ben Willner's approval rate has shown a downward trend. After an initial approval rate of 52% in 2016, the figures declined to 30% by 2021. This pattern reflects a shift in decision-making over the data window, and whether this trend continues often depends on the specific evidence and case mix presented in your future hearings.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Willner'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 NHC Albuquerque hearing office
Ben Willner's most recent office on record is the NHC Albuquerque, which serves you in New Mexico. This office maintains a bench of 12 judges who handle a high volume of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is critical to the outcome. You can see the NHC Albuquerque hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Albuquerque
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Albuquerque, and their approval rates vary significantly from 31% to 61%. While you cannot choose your judge, you can prepare for the hearing process regardless of the assignment.
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
Ben Willner's 40% approval rate falls within the 31% to 61% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Albuquerque. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific bench.
Yes, the data shows a decline in approval rates from 52% in 2016 to 30% in 2021. While these figures reflect past patterns, they do not dictate the outcome of your specific claim. A qualified attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific evidentiary standards this judge requires.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the assignment process random. Since you cannot control the judge, focusing on the strength of your medical documentation with an attorney is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony regarding your ability to work. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your limitations. Having an attorney can help you navigate these questions and ensure your case is presented clearly.
