Approval rates
The approval rate for Donald J. Willy is 54% based on 3,187 decisions on record since 2016. This figure sits within the 8% to 73% range observed among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Houston West. These statistics provide a broad view of past judicial activity rather than a guarantee of future results.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Willy. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Willy'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 Donald J. Willy has shown fluctuations. After starting at 49% in 2016, the rate reached a high of 73% in 2022 before adjusting to 62% in 2024. With 3,187 total decisions on record, the data reflects a varied pattern over the last several years. These shifts may stem from changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Willy'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 Houston West hearing office
The most recent office on record for Donald J. Willy is Houston West, with activity recorded through September 2024. This office serves the Texas region and maintains a bench of 14 judges. You should focus on building a comprehensive medical record to support your disability claim.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Houston West
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Houston West, and their approval rates since 2016 range from 8% to 73%. While you cannot choose your judge, understanding the bench at this office provides helpful context.
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
Donald J. Willy has a 54% approval rate on record since 2016. This places him within the 8% to 73% range of the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Houston West. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively before this judge.
Yes, the approval rate for Donald J. Willy has fluctuated over time, ranging from a low of 47% in 2018 to a high of 73% in 2022. The most recent data from 2024 shows an approval rate of 62% across 129 decisions. An attorney can help you evaluate what these trends mean for your specific situation.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, which ensures that assignments remain random and impartial. Your focus should be on preparing the strongest possible evidence for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and hears testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily activities, pain levels, and work history. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical records are properly organized.
An approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions and is not a prediction of your specific outcome. While Donald J. Willy has approved 54% of cases since 2016, your success depends primarily on the medical evidence supporting your disability. An attorney can help you identify the specific evidence needed to meet the Social Security Administration's criteria.
