I just looked up the judge assigned to my claim. He has the highest denial rate of all the judges serving my area. How much effect will this have on my claim? I realize they have guidelines they must follow but if there is a large discrepancy between denial rates of this judge versus the other judges in the same locality, is it really attributtal to this one judge always getting claims that are from unqualified applicants? He came here from another state about a year ago. His denial rate was a little lower in the prior state.

Any input or advice is welcomed.

You need to concentrate on things you can effect. Your treatment, your documentation, your understanding of the process, etc.

If the ALJ gives a legally valid reason to appeal (if you're denied) than you follow through or start a new application.

No advice Hopeless, but I can understand your dismay at getting a judge with these stats.

I wouldn't even know how to look up the denial rate of a judge. Anyway he can't deny them all, at least I would think not.

Do you have a lawyer helping you through this? Sorry if you've mentioned that before. I am not on this site all the time & my memory is squat these days.

Hi Raindrop,

You have been missed. Glad to see you here. Yep, I have an attorney. I got an email from my attorney saying he would discuss "the judge" with me shortly. Reading between the lines, I definitely got the impression that my attorney has experience with this judge and it is NOT good. I really like your take on it with "he can't deny them all". I hope you are correct. He sounds like if anyone could, he would.

Thanks for your post. Hope you stop in whenever you have time.

Hi Hope,

You know that saying "If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all!" ? I'm afraid that might apply here That's a tough break.

I hope that your lawyer's past experience with this judge will give you an advantage in maximizing your chances for success. Trust his advice.

I can tend to talk to much and give too much detail. My lawyer worked with me on his "code" that if he "kicked" my lag under the table, I needed to wrap it up. Try to remember and follow any tips like that that your lawyer may suggest.

In your case, I would hope that your lawyer would be the one reminding the judge that if you "just wanted free money" or to "not have to work", you could just take early social retirement. You've have declined taking that because you KNOW you are disabled and deserve SSDI.

I hope the ALJ understands that and gives approval now to save you the stress on your health of trying to continue this fight.