Approval rates
Evaluating a judge's approval rate requires looking at the broader context of their hearing office. The 68% approval rate for J. Elaine Burke is based on 2,278 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the 13% to 77% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville, this figure helps place her record within the local bench's historical performance.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Burke. 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 Burke'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 J. Elaine Burke has shown fluctuations since 2016. After starting at 60% in 2016, the rate reached 75% in 2024 and was 72% in 2025. With 2,278 total decisions on record, the data indicates a varied pattern of outcomes that may be influenced by the specific evidence presented in your hearing.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Burke'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
The Knoxville hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout the region. It is supported by a bench of 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard administrative process focused on the medical and vocational evidence of your claim. You can see the Knoxville hearing office page for the full roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville, with an approval-rate range from 13% to 77% on their since-2016 records. 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
J. Elaine Burke has an approval rate of 68% across 2,278 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 13% to 77% range of the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
Yes, the rate has fluctuated over the years. It began at 60% in 2016 and reached 72% in 2025, based on 2,278 total decisions on record. An attorney can help you understand how these historical patterns might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process random. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned.
A hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. While J. Elaine Burke has approved 68% of cases since 2016, the outcome of your claim depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to strengthen your case.
