Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 48% approval rate for Gwen Anderson reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 40% to 79% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC St Louis. These figures provide a baseline for understanding how different judges have historically approached disability claims. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Anderson. The most recent period with decisions on record is October 27, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Judge Anderson isn't in SSA's latest disposition file, so the judge comparison tool, which compares active judges over one period, leaves them out.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Anderson's docket. Annual rates fluctuate with the mix of cases SSA assigns; the longer-run pattern is more informative than any single year.
Decision pattern
The approval rate for Gwen Anderson shows a downward trend over the recorded period. Starting at 57% in 2016, the rate shifted to 45% in 2017, based on a total of 453 decisions on record since 2016. While the 2018 data includes only 17 decisions, the overall pattern indicates a decline in approvals over the observed window. This shift may reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the evidence presented during those specific years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Anderson's bench. Judge-specific preparation guidance requires a corpus of public Appeals Council decisions involving each judge, which we haven't built yet.
- Bring a clean treating-physician record. Longitudinal primary-care or specialist notes spanning the disability period, with consistent symptom documentation, are typically the strongest evidence at hearing. A single month's records usually aren't enough.
- Don't rely on consultative exams alone. If your medical evidence is built primarily around a one-time CE finding, expect detailed questioning. Supplement with treating-source statements where possible.
- Prepare for daily-activity questions. Have honest, specific answers about a typical day. Answers that conflict with the medical record (in either direction) tend to hurt credibility.
- Expect transferable-skills probing. A vocational expert will usually testify about jobs available to someone with your limitations. Your representative should be prepared to cross-examine.
About the NHC St Louis hearing office
The NHC St Louis serves claimants across Missouri and the surrounding region. As of the most recent record in October 2017, this office maintained a bench of 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical documentation and work history. You can see the NHC St Louis Hearing Office page for the full roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is NHC St Louis
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the NHC St Louis, there are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 40% to 79%. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on the strength of your medical evidence. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Frequently asked questions
Gwen Anderson has a 48% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the 40% to 79% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC St Louis. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the approval rate for Gwen Anderson has trended downward. It moved from 57% in 2016 to 45% in 2017, based on 453 total decisions on record. If you are concerned about how these trends might impact your claim, an attorney can help you evaluate your evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is best to focus on preparing a strong case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and organize your medical evidence.
The 48% approval rate for Gwen Anderson is a historical average, not a guarantee of how your specific case will be decided. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor. An attorney can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your claim.
