Approval rates
The 32% approval rate for M. D. Evans reflects the record since 2016. You can view this alongside the 21% to 87% range of the 19 judges whose most recent office on record is Ft Lauderdale. Because the SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, your specific assignment is random.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Evans. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Evans'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 338 decisions on record for M. D. Evans since 2016 show a fluctuating approval pattern. The rate was 24% in 2016, 38% in 2017, and 32% in 2018. These shifts reflect the judge's activity during the period before the most recent record concluded.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Evans'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 Ft Lauderdale hearing office
The Ft Lauderdale hearing office serves claimants in Florida. With 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office handles a diverse range of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Ft Lauderdale
The SSA assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your judge assignment is random. There are 19 judges whose most recent office on record is Ft Lauderdale, with approval rates ranging from 21% to 87% on their since-2016 records. These figures provide context for the office but do not dictate the outcome of your hearing.
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
M. D. Evans has an approval rate of 32% on record since 2016. This sits within the 21% to 87% range observed among the 19 judges whose most recent office on record is Ft Lauderdale. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
The approval rate for M. D. Evans fluctuated between 2016 and 2018, moving from 24% to 38% and ending at 32%. These variations are common and often depend on the specific medical evidence presented in each case. An attorney can help you understand how to strengthen your claim.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, which ensures that assignments are random. Your best strategy is to focus on preparing a robust case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal 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 tasks. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical evidence.
The 32% approval rate for M. D. Evans is a statistical summary of past decisions and not a prediction for your hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical documentation is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths.
