Approval rates
Comparing approval rates provides context for how different judges evaluate evidence, though every case is unique. The 52% approval rate for Thomas L. English sits within the 37% to 68% range observed among the 9 judges whose most recent office on record is the Lansing hearing office. These figures are based on the total decisions on record since 2016, providing a view of past activity.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge English. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge English'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 record for Thomas L. English includes 98 decisions spanning from January 2016 to September 2016. During this period, the approval rate was 52%. This data reflects a consistent approach to case evaluation during that time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge English'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 Lansing hearing office
The Lansing hearing office serves claimants across Michigan. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard hearing process where the focus is on your medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Lansing
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is the Lansing hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 37% to 68% since 2016. While these rates vary, the fundamental requirements for proving disability remain the same.
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 L. English has an approval rate of 52% on record since 2016. This falls within the 37% to 68% range of approval rates for the 9 judges whose most recent office on record is the Lansing hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for Thomas L. English was 52% throughout the 2016 record window. This consistency indicates a stable decision-making pattern during that time. If you are concerned about your hearing, an attorney can help you review your case strategy.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is important to be prepared for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your evidence.
An approval rate is a probability based on past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Your outcome depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you demonstrate your inability to work. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
