Approval rates
The approval rate for Michael DePrimo is based on 3,235 decisions recorded since January 2017. When evaluating this figure, compare it against the broader bench at the Tupelo hearing office, where the 7 judges have recorded approval rates ranging from 19% to 66% over the same period. This range highlights the variance in decision patterns across the 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 DePrimo. 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 DePrimo'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 2017, the approval rate for Michael DePrimo has shown a varied trend. After an initial rate of 74% in 2017, the rate shifted to 55% in 2018, 54% in 2019, 60% in 2020, 57% in 2021, 60% in 2022, 66% in 2023, 68% in 2024, and 58% in 2025. These fluctuations often reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented, rather than a fixed judicial philosophy.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge DePrimo'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 Tupelo hearing office
Michael DePrimo's most recent office on record is the Tupelo hearing office, which serves you and other claimants across Mississippi. This office is part of a regional network tasked with processing disability appeals. With a bench of 7 judges, the office handles a significant volume of cases, and you should expect a formal administrative process focused on your medical documentation.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Tupelo
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 7 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tupelo hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 19% to 66% on their records since 2016. While these figures illustrate the diversity of the bench, the fundamental requirements for proving your disability remain consistent.
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
Michael DePrimo's 60% approval rate sits within the 19% to 66% range observed among the 7 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tupelo hearing office. Because case assignment is random, you cannot choose your judge, but an attorney can help you prepare for the specific expectations of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Michael DePrimo has fluctuated over time. It began at 74% in 2017, moved through a period of stability, and saw an increase to 68% in 2024 before reaching 58% in 2025. These patterns are common and often depend on the specific mix of cases heard. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges, ensuring that assignments remain random and impartial. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. An attorney can help you organize your records and prepare your testimony for the hearing.
The 60% approval rate for Michael DePrimo is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific case. Your success depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence and how well you document your inability to work. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
