Approval rates
Comparing performance requires looking at consistent data windows. David A. Ettinger's 60% approval rate is based on 2,604 decisions recorded between 2016 and 2022. When evaluating this against the broader bench, the 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Nashville range from 47% to 75% in their approval rates over the same period. 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 Ettinger. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Ettinger'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 approval rate for David A. Ettinger has shown a varied pattern since 2016. After reaching a high of 65% in 2018, the rate fluctuated before returning to 65% in 2022 based on 205 decisions. With 2,604 total decisions on record, the data provides a view of his decision-making history. These shifts often reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented during your hearing process.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Ettinger'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 Nashville hearing office
The Nashville hearing office serves you and other claimants across Tennessee and the surrounding region. This office maintains a bench of 11 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process focused on your medical documentation and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Nashville
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Nashville, with approval rates ranging from 47% to 75%. Because case assignment is outside of your control, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence remains the most effective strategy.
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 A. Ettinger has a 60% approval rate on record since 2016. This places him within the 47% to 75% range observed among the 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Nashville. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively before any judge in this office.
Yes, the rate has fluctuated over time. It began at 59% in 2016, peaked at 65% in 2018, and was most recently recorded at 65% in 2022. These variations are common and may depend on the specific mix of cases heard in a given year. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses an automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges, ensuring the process remains impartial. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you build a strong case that meets the specific requirements of the Social Security Administration.
