Approval rates
The approval rate for Irma J. Flottman is based on 3,484 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Columbus hearing office, her rate sits within a range of 34% to 83%. This data reflects a significant volume of cases, offering a clear view of historical trends.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Flottman. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Flottman'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, Irma J. Flottman has issued 3,484 decisions on record. Her yearly approval trend has fluctuated, showing a peak of 75% in 2020 before adjusting in subsequent years. The most recent data from 2025 shows an approval rate of 74% over 131 decisions. These shifts often reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of medical evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Flottman'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 Columbus hearing office
Irma J. Flottman's most recent office on record is the Columbus hearing office. This office is part of a regional network tasked with managing a high volume of disability claims. You can see the Columbus hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Columbus
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to Irma J. Flottman is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Columbus hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 34% to 83%.
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
Irma J. Flottman has a 68% approval rate on record since 2016. Among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Columbus hearing office, approval rates range from 34% to 83%. An attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
Yes, the rate has fluctuated over time. After reaching 75% in 2020, the rate saw a period of adjustment before returning to 74% in 2025. These variations are common and may depend on the specific types of cases assigned. An attorney can help you determine how to best present your medical evidence.
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 vital to be prepared for any judge by having a strong, evidence-based claim. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
The 68% approval rate on record since 2016 is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical records and testimony is the primary driver of a successful hearing. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific nuances of this judge's courtroom.
