Approval rates
The approval rate for Deborah Foresman is based on 1,859 lifetime decisions, providing a clear view of her historical record since 2016. This figure sits within the broader range of 18% to 59% observed across the Richmond hearing office bench. Comparing these lifetime figures helps you understand the local judicial landscape, though every case remains unique.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Foresman. 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 Foresman'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 trend for Deborah Foresman has shifted over the years. Starting from 49% in 2016, the rate fluctuated before reaching 34% in 2022. With 1,859 total decisions on record, these shifts highlight how case mix or evolving evidence standards can influence outcomes. The recent period reflects a departure from the higher approval rates seen earlier in the record window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Foresman'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 throughout Virginia, operating as a critical hub for regional disability determinations. The office maintains a diverse bench of 13 judges on record, reflecting a wide spectrum of decision patterns. You can expect a formal hearing process where evidence quality is the primary driver of the outcome. You can see the Richmond hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 13 judges on record at this office since 2016, with lifetime approval rates ranging from 18% to 59%. Because of this variance, understanding the office environment is helpful.
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
Deborah Foresman has a lifetime approval rate of 42% across 1,859 decisions. This falls within the 18% to 59% range seen among the 13 judges on record at the Richmond office. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
Yes, the data shows a shift in approval patterns. While the rate was 49% in 2016, it moved to 34% by 2022. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to the evidence required for your specific claim.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. An attorney can help you prepare for the hearing process regardless of the judge assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical evidence.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your outcome. Deborah Foresman has approved 42% of her 1,859 lifetime decisions. An attorney can help you build a strong case that addresses the specific standards of your hearing.