Approval rates
To understand how Thomas Cheffins compares to his peers, look at his 27% approval rate on record since 2016 against the 27% to 66% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the Little Rock hearing office. In the most recent reporting period, Thomas Cheffins recorded a 23% approval rate, which sits 20 points below the 43% office-wide average. These figures are based on a large docket of 4,801 decisions, providing a stable view of past trends.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Cheffins'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 January 2016, Thomas Cheffins has issued 4,801 decisions. The yearly trend shows a fluctuating pattern, with approval rates reaching a high of 32% in 2017 and a low of 23% in 2024 and 2026. The most recent period reflects a continuation of this lower-end trend compared to his historical average. These variations often stem from changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Cheffins'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 Little Rock hearing office
The most recent office on record for Thomas Cheffins is the Little Rock hearing office, where he has recorded decisions through July 2026. With 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office maintains an overall latest-period approval rate of 43%. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on medical and vocational evidence.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Little Rock
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Little Rock hearing office, 8 decided cases in the latest SSA file through July 2026. These judges show a wide range of approval rates, spanning from 27% to 66% on their records since 2016.
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
Thomas Cheffins has an approval rate of 27% on his record since 2016. This places him at the lower end of the 27% to 66% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Little Rock hearing office. An attorney can help you build a case that addresses the specific evidentiary standards of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Thomas Cheffins has fluctuated over the years. While he reached a 32% approval rate in 2017, his most recent data from 2026 shows a 23% approval rate. Understanding these trends is part of how an attorney can help you prepare for your specific hearing.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. You cannot choose your judge, which is why it is important to be prepared for the hearing regardless of who is assigned to your case. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 27% approval rate on record since 2016 reflects past decisions and is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare effectively for your hearing.
