Approval rates
Stephen M. Hanekamp has maintained a 56% approval rate across 3,345 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 30% to 78% observed among the 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Louis hearing office. These figures provide a statistical baseline for the office, though aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Hanekamp. 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 Hanekamp'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 Stephen M. Hanekamp has fluctuated across the 3,345 decisions on record since 2016. While the rate reached 63% in 2016, it has seen various shifts over the years, including a low of 48% in 2023 and 52% in 2025. This pattern shows that your judge's decision-making reflects changes in the evidence presented or the specific mix of cases assigned. Thorough preparation of your medical evidence remains the most effective way to address these variations.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Hanekamp'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 St Louis hearing office
Stephen M. Hanekamp's most recent office on record is the St Louis hearing office. This office includes a bench of 20 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on the medical and vocational evidence of your disability. You can visit the St Louis hearing office page for the full roster of judges.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is St Louis
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your judge is assigned randomly. There are 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Louis hearing office. Approval rates among this bench vary significantly, ranging from 30% to 78% on their since-2016 records. Your preparation remains consistent regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
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
Stephen M. Hanekamp has an approval rate of 56% across 3,345 decisions on record since 2016. This places him within the 30% to 78% range of approval rates for the 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Louis hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
Yes, the approval rate for Stephen M. Hanekamp has varied over time. It began at 63% in 2016 and has moved through different levels, such as 50% in 2021 and 52% in 2025. These shifts are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases or evidence presented. An attorney can help you navigate these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm. Because assignment is random, it is best to focus on building a strong case with the help of a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. Having an attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your evidence is clearly presented. An attorney can help you prepare your case.
The 56% approval rate for Stephen M. Hanekamp is a historical average based on 3,345 decisions on record since 2016. It is not a prediction of how he will rule on your specific claim. Your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and vocational testimony you provide, which an attorney can help you organize.
