Approval rates
The 53% approval rate for Jim Beeby reflects his entire body of work on record since 2016, which provides a sample size of 4,017 decisions. When evaluating this against the broader bench, the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville range from 13% to 77%. These aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Beeby. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Beeby'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 Jim Beeby has shown variance across the 4,017 decisions on record since 2016. After a period of relative stability between 2016 and 2020, the approval rate experienced fluctuations, including a shift in 2024. This pattern highlights the importance of your case-specific evidence, as the judge's approach has evolved over the years. The latest period reflects a departure from the long-term average, which may suggest changes in case mix or the quality of evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Beeby'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 Knoxville hearing office
Jim Beeby's most recent office on record is the Knoxville hearing office, with decisions there through September 2024. This office serves the Tennessee region and maintains a bench of 16 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can expect a formal administrative process where the quality of your medical documentation is paramount. You can see the Knoxville Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the specific judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 13% to 77% on their since-2016 records. Five of these judges decided cases here in the SSA's latest file. 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
Jim Beeby has an approval rate of 53% across 4,017 decisions on record since 2016. This places him within the range of 13% to 77% observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over time, starting at 47% in 2016 and reaching 73% in 2024. These variations reflect the judge's record across 4,017 total decisions. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at the hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong case is the best way to prepare for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and may hear testimony from you or vocational experts. It is your opportunity to explain how your impairments prevent you from working. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are organized effectively.
The 53% approval rate on record since 2016 is a historical statistic, not a prediction of how Jim Beeby will rule on your specific claim. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the primary factor in any decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
