Approval rates
The 53% approval rate for John W. Wojciechowski reflects his total decisions on record since 2016. This is measured against the 28% to 72% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Phoenix North hearing office. These figures represent historical patterns rather than predictions for your specific hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Wojciechowski. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Wojciechowski'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
John W. Wojciechowski has issued 1,616 decisions on record since 2016. His approval rate was 49% in 2016, 53% in 2017, 55% in 2018, 53% in 2019, 52% in 2020, and 60% in 2021. This variation reflects the changing nature of the cases heard over time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Wojciechowski'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 Phoenix North hearing office
John W. Wojciechowski's most recent office on record is the Phoenix North hearing office. This office is part of a regional network, and the bench consists of 12 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can visit the Phoenix North hearing office page to view the full roster of judges.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Phoenix North
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly. At the Phoenix North hearing office, the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one have approval rates ranging from 28% to 72%. Focusing on the quality of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare for your hearing regardless of your assigned judge.
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
John W. Wojciechowski has an approval rate of 53% on record since 2016. This sits within the 28% to 72% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the Phoenix North hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the approval rate for John W. Wojciechowski has fluctuated since 2016, ranging from a low of 49% in 2016 to 60% in 2021. These variations are common in SSDI dockets and may be influenced by the specific types of cases heard. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for the nuances of your specific hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control the assignment, focusing on a strong, evidence-based application with the help of an attorney is your best strategy.
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 work. Having an attorney present can help ensure your testimony clearly addresses the judge's specific concerns.
