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Updated June 2026 · SSA Public

Administrative Law Judge

Schaefer, Michael

MADISON Stable

-32.8 pts vs national average

0.0%lifetime approval

vs baselines

This judge25.0%
MADISON61.0%
National avg57.8%

Total decisions

4

Fully favorable

1

25.0%

Partially favorable

0

0.0%

Denials

3

75.0%

Total dispositions

4

Dismissals

0

0.0%

Awards

1

3-year trend

Stable

FY2025 decision breakdown

Fully fav. 25.0%Partially fav. 0.0%Denied 75.0%

Approval rate history

FY2015
63.4%41 dec
FY2015
65.9%91 dec
FY2016
61.4%277 dec
FY2017
75.1%293 dec
FY2018
62.1%359 dec
FY2019
62.7%421 dec
FY2020
51.5%427 dec
FY2021
50.9%426 dec
FY2022
59.6%384 dec
FY2023
62.3%297 dec
FY2024
63.1%417 dec
Above national Below national National avg

Other ALJs at MADISON (4)

Next step

Estimate approval odds

See SSA historical base rates for a claim by state, condition, age, and stage — then plan around the hearing-stage odds.