Mr. Conn resubmitted Mr. Sammons' claim, and Mr. Sammons said he was surprised when Mr. Conn's office called and said he wouldn't have to appear before the judge and would only have to see a doctor, selected by Mr. Conn.

WSJ: High Approvals From Judge Deciding Social Security Disability Claims

Those fabled light-heavies of yesteryear - Ezzard Charles, Billy Conn and Bob Foster - hadn't been so profligate with their talent, they noted.

BBC: Jones out to prove his greatness

For grandparents who can't give money, Michael Lynch, a Shelton, Conn.

WSJ: Grandparents Helping More with Family Expenses

Mr. Conn declined multiple interview requests, and didn't respond specifically to written questions.

WSJ: High Approvals From Judge Deciding Social Security Disability Claims

He said he has denied a "goodly number" of Mr. Conn's cases over the years, though he couldn't provide a specific figure.

WSJ: High Approvals From Judge Deciding Social Security Disability Claims

"They always tell you to take a bunch of cookie dough and shove it in the oven, so long as it doesn't burn, " says Adorna Occhialini Carroll, a real-estate agent in Berlin, Conn.

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