Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe. While David J. DeLaittre has an approval rate of 77% across all decisions on record since 2016, his latest-period approval rate is 75%. This latest-period figure sits 26 percentage points above the Omaha office average of 49%. These statistics are derived from a docket of 3,551 decisions, providing a 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 DeLaittre'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 2016, the approval rate for David J. DeLaittre has remained steady. The data reflects a consistent approach to case evaluation across 3,551 total decisions on record. While the latest-period approval rate of 75% is slightly lower than some peak years, it remains above the national average of 58% for the same period. This pattern suggests a stable judicial approach.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge DeLaittre'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 Omaha hearing office
The Omaha hearing office serves you across Nebraska and the surrounding region. As of the most recent data from July 2026, this office maintains a bench of 11 judges who have recorded decisions there since 2016. With an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 49%, you can expect a review of your medical evidence and vocational history.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Omaha
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is random. There are 11 judges whose most recent office on record is the Omaha hearing office, and 6 of them decided cases here in the latest file through July 2026. Approval rates for this bench range from 29% to 83% based 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
David J. DeLaittre has an approval rate of 77% on record since 2016. This places him within the range of 29% to 83% seen among the 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Omaha. An attorney can help you understand how to prepare your evidence for this specific bench.
The approval rate for David J. DeLaittre has remained steady over the years, with 3,551 total decisions on record since 2016. While yearly rates have fluctuated between 74% and 81%, the judge maintains a consistent pattern of decision-making. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how these trends might impact your specific case.
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 assignment is random, it is vital to have an attorney who is prepared to present your case effectively to any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and testimony. You will likely be asked about your daily activities, work history, and the specific limitations caused by your impairments. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate the questioning and ensure your evidence is clearly presented. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your individual hearing. While David J. DeLaittre's 77% rate since 2016 is a helpful data point, your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and your testimony. An attorney can help you build a strong case that addresses the specific requirements for disability benefits.
