Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. While Eric Eklund has a 57% approval rate on record since 2016, his latest-period performance shows a 57% approval rate, which sits 12 percentage points above the Richmond office's latest-period average of 45%. With a docket of 3,992 decisions since 2016, the data provides a stable view of his decision patterns.
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 Eklund'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, Eric Eklund has presided over 3,992 decisions. His yearly approval trend has remained steady, fluctuating between a low of 51% in 2022 and a high of 65% in 2017. The most recent data from 2026 shows a 57% approval rate, which is consistent with his long-term average. This stability suggests a predictable approach to evaluating evidence, though each case remains unique in its specific medical and vocational requirements.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Eklund'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 Richmond hearing office
The Richmond hearing office serves you and other claimants across Virginia. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, which recorded decisions through July 2026. The office-wide approval rate in the latest period was 45%, providing a baseline for the local bench.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Richmond
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Richmond hearing office, with 5 of them having decided cases in the latest SSA file. Approval rates among this bench range from 18% to 59% 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
Eric Eklund's latest-period approval rate of 57% is 12 percentage points higher than the Richmond office's latest-period average of 45%. While this difference is notable, every case is decided on its own merits, and an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
Eric Eklund's approval rate has remained relatively steady since 2016, with an overall rate of 57% across 3,992 decisions. While annual fluctuations occur, his recent performance is consistent with his long-term record. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific disability claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong, evidence-based case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate these questions and present your evidence effectively.
An approval rate is a probability based on past decisions, not a guarantee of how Eric Eklund will rule on your specific case. Your medical evidence and vocational profile are the primary factors in any decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing process.
