Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data sets, specifically lifetime performance against the office-wide range. Ronald L. Burton has maintained a 79% approval rate over 725 lifetime decisions since 2016. This sits at the upper end of the 47% to 79% range observed among the 8 judges on record at the Fort Smith office. 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 Burton. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Burton'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 decision pattern for Ronald L. Burton shows a consistent trend, with approval rates moving from 78% in 2016 to 82% in 2017. Because the data covers 725 total decisions, the pattern provides a reliable view of how evidence is weighed in this courtroom. The data suggests a high level of consistency in how your claim is processed.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Burton'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Fort Smith hearing office
The Fort Smith hearing office serves you throughout the region, providing a local venue for SSDI hearings. With 8 judges on record, the office manages a diverse caseload under the broader SSA framework. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in any decision. You can see the Fort Smith Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 8 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 47% to 79% on a lifetime basis. 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
Ronald L. Burton has a lifetime approval rate of 79%, which is at the top of the 47% to 79% range seen among the 8 judges on record at the Fort Smith office. While this rate is high, your case is unique and depends on the specific medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific standards of this hearing office.
The approval rate for Ronald L. Burton has remained steady, moving from 78% in 2016 to 82% in 2017. This consistency over 725 lifetime decisions suggests a stable approach to case evaluation. If you are concerned about how your case might be viewed, an attorney can help you review your evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA assigns cases using a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing regardless of who is assigned to your case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records for the hearing.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and not a guarantee of a future outcome. While Ronald L. Burton has a 79% lifetime approval rate, your success depends on the specific evidence and documentation of your disability. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing process.