Approval rates
The approval rate for Norman R. Zamboni is based on 2,716 decisions on record since January 2016. When evaluating this figure, it is helpful to compare it against the broader bench at the St Petersburg FL OHO, where judges show a range of approval outcomes from 35% to 85%. These statistics provide a view of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Zamboni. 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 Zamboni'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 January 2016, Norman R. Zamboni has issued 2,716 decisions. The yearly approval trend shows a steady pattern, with annual rates fluctuating between 69% and 80% over the observed period. While the approval rate reached 80% in 2023, the 2024 data remains limited. This consistency suggests a stable approach to case evaluation.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Zamboni'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 St Petersburg Fl OHO hearing office
Norman R. Zamboni's most recent office on record is the St Petersburg FL OHO, with the last recorded decision dated September 2024. This office serves claimants across Florida and maintains a bench of 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. You can expect a formal hearing process where the presentation of medical evidence is critical.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is St Petersburg Fl OHO
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and their approval rates vary significantly, ranging from 35% to 85%. Because each judge has a unique approach to evidence, understanding the local bench is part of preparing for your day in court.
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
Norman R. Zamboni has an approval rate of 73% since 2016. This places the judge within the range of 35% to 85% observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
The approval rate for Norman R. Zamboni has remained steady, with annual figures ranging from 69% to 80% over the last several years. While there is year-to-year variance, the judge's overall pattern is consistent. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, which ensures that assignments are random. Because you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you prepare a strong case regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records for the hearing.
The 73% approval rate for Norman R. Zamboni reflects past decisions and is not a prediction of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a disability claim. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
