Tjapkes, Robert J
Grand Rapids, MI · Oct 2024 – Sep 2025
Hearing Approval Rate
35.2%
Below the national average of 48.7%
Disability judges hear appeals after an initial claim is denied. Judge Tjapkes approves 35.2% of cases — knowing your judge’s track record helps you and your representative prepare. How to prepare for your hearing →
How Judge Tjapkes Decides Cases
Nat'l avg: 48.7%
Nat'l avg: 35.1%
Nat'l avg: 16.2%
Know Your Numbers
Judge Tjapkes approved 35.2% of dispositions. That’s 13.5 percentage points below the national average of 48.7%. Tjapkes decided 466 cases out of 534 total dispositions. Under SSA’s methodology (excluding dismissals), the approval rate is 40.3%. Knowing your judge’s track record can help you prepare for your hearing.
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Get Your Free GuideDetailed Case Counts— Oct 2024 – Sep 2025
Total Cases
534
Approved
188
Denied
278
Hearing Office
Grand Rapids (MI)
6.5 months wait · 1,563 pending
Whether your judge's approval rate is high or low, the strongest factor in your outcome is the quality of your medical evidence and whether you have representation. How judge approval rates vary nationally →
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Appearing before Judge Tjapkes?
Claimants with representation are approved at nearly 3× the rate. A free case evaluation takes less than two minutes — and it could change the outcome of your claim.
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