Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. The 49% approval rate for Eric Anschuetz reflects his entire record since 2016, which compares against the 43% to 75% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is also the Louisville Hearing Office. This docket size of 2,425 decisions provides a stable statistical foundation for understanding past patterns. 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 Anschuetz. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Anschuetz'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 trend for Eric Anschuetz has shown variance since 2016. After a period of relative stability, the data indicates fluctuations in annual approval rates, including a shift in the 2025 fiscal year. With 2,425 total decisions on record, these patterns highlight how case mix and evidentiary standards may impact outcomes over time. The latest period reflects a departure from the data observed in the years following 2016, which may suggest changes in the types of cases heard or evolving standards for benefit eligibility.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Anschuetz'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 Louisville hearing office
Eric Anschuetz's most recent office on record is the Louisville Hearing Office, which serves you across Kentucky. This office is part of a broader regional network, and its bench includes 13 judges with varying approval patterns. You can generally expect a standard hearing process focused on medical and vocational evidence. To learn more about the local bench, see the Louisville Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Louisville
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Louisville Hearing Office. Approval rates among this group vary significantly, ranging from 43% to 75% based on their individual records since 2016. For your preparation, the guidance remains consistent 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
Eric Anschuetz has an approval rate of 49% since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 43% to 75% observed among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Louisville Hearing Office. An attorney can help you understand how to prepare your evidence to meet the specific standards of this office.
Yes, the approval rate for Eric Anschuetz has fluctuated over time. While he started with a 47% approval rate in 2016, his annual figures have varied, reaching 63% in 2025. These shifts often reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented, and an attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a robust case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate these questions and present your case effectively.
