Approval rates
The 39% approval rate for Carolyn Ebbers covers all 284 decisions on record since 2017. This figure sits within the 38% to 79% range observed among the bench of judges whose most recent office on record is Shreveport. These aggregate rates reflect past decisions rather than specific predictions for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Ebbers. The most recent period with decisions on record is February 22, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Ebbers'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 284 decisions on record for Carolyn Ebbers since 2017 show a shifting approval pattern. The data indicates an approval rate of 34% in 2018, followed by a rise to 44% in 2019. These yearly fluctuations reflect how case mix and evidence quality influence outcomes over time, showing that your approach to your case file is essential.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Ebbers'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 Shreveport hearing office
The Shreveport hearing office serves you if you are in Louisiana or the surrounding region. With 6 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse range of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in the decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Shreveport
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 6 judges whose most recent office on record is Shreveport, with approval rates ranging from 38% to 79% on their since-2016 records. Because each judge has a unique approach to evaluating evidence, understanding the broader office bench is helpful for your preparation.
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
Carolyn Ebbers has an approval rate of 39% on record since 2017. This falls within the 38% to 79% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Shreveport. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific bench.
Yes, the data shows a shift from a 34% approval rate in 2018 to 44% in 2019. These variations are common and often depend on the specific evidence presented in each case. A qualified attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific requirements of your hearing.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control your judge assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and symptoms. Having an attorney can help you navigate these questions and ensure your case is presented clearly.
The 39% approval rate for Carolyn Ebbers is a measure of past decisions and not a prediction of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the judge's decision will ultimately depend on the medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare accordingly.
