Decisions in FY 2026
| Comparison | Approval rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Judge Donald G. Smith | 69% | — |
| St. Petersburg hearing office average | 63% | 5 points above |
| National average | 58% | 11 points above |
What these numbers mean for your hearing
An approval rate summarizes a judge's past decisions, not the outcome of a single case. Judges hear very different mixes of claims, and a case with strong medical records, consistent treatment and a clear work history can be approved by any judge. Dismissals, for example when a claimant withdraws or misses the hearing, are excluded from the rate.
If your case is at the St. Petersburg office, the most useful facts are the current wait time and the evidence deadline before your hearing. Read what happens at a disability hearing and how the appeal works.
Frequently asked questions
What is Judge Donald G. Smith's approval rate?
In FY 2026, Judge Donald G. Smith decided 443 cases and approved 305 of them (fully or partially favorable), an approval rate of 69%. That is 11 points above the national rate of 58%.
Where does Judge Donald G. Smith hear cases?
SSA lists Judge Donald G. Smith at the St. Petersburg Hearing Office (St. Petersburg, FL).
Can I choose or change my judge?
No. The hearing office assigns cases to judges on a rotational basis, generally oldest requests first, with exceptions such as critical cases. Claimants do not choose their judge.
Does a low approval rate mean I will lose?
No. Rates describe past decisions across very different cases. What decides your case is the medical evidence, your work history and how well the file is prepared.