The annual conference of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives produced some new and depressing statistics, even though anyone who represents claimants undoubtedly already noticed these trends.
• Hearing approval rates nationwide are down from 60-70 % to about 49%. This is consistent with what’s happening at the Portland Hearings office.
• Speakers commented that the Social Security Administration is pressuring judges who have approval rates of over 80% to grant fewer approvals, but is NOT pressuring judges with low approval rates to grant more approvals.
• The Appeals Council is similarly being pressured to take up more favorable decisions and subject them to review… but not unfavorable decisions.