Approval rates
The approval rate for Thurman Anderson is calculated from 2,189 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2022. Within the Ft Lauderdale hearing office, lifetime approval rates among the 19 judges on record range from 21% to 87%. These figures offer a statistical perspective on how cases have been decided at this location over the past several years.
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 September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
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
Since 2016, your judge's approval rate has shifted. While the early years of the record saw higher approval percentages, the most recent data indicates a decline in the rate of allowances. This pattern reflects an evolving approach to the evidence presented in disability claims. Understanding these trends can be useful as you prepare your case, as the latest period may reflect a different environment than the judge's earlier years on the bench.
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 Ft Lauderdale hearing office
The Ft Lauderdale hearing office serves claimants throughout the region and maintains a bench of 19 judges. You can expect a formal process focused on the medical and vocational evidence supporting your disability claim. For more information on the local administrative environment, see the Ft Lauderdale Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 19 judges on record at the Ft Lauderdale hearing office since 2016, with 10 currently reporting in the latest period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 21% to 87%.
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
Anderson has a lifetime approval rate of 64%, which sits within the broader office range of 21% to 87%. Because every case involves unique medical evidence, comparing rates is only one part of your preparation. An attorney can help you understand how to present your specific case effectively.
Yes, the data shows a shift in approval trends from 2016 to 2022. While the rate was higher in earlier years, the most recent period shows a lower percentage of allowances. An attorney can help you prepare for the current standards applied in this hearing office.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process random. Regardless of the judge assigned, an attorney can help you organize your medical records to meet the necessary criteria.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical history and testimony. You may be questioned about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and not a guarantee of your specific outcome. Your case's success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how it aligns with SSA regulations. An attorney can help you evaluate the strengths of your claim.