Approval rates
The approval rates for Michael S. Hertzig are calculated based on 3,503 lifetime decisions. In the most recent reporting period, the judge's 47% approval rate sits alongside an office-wide lifetime range of 24% to 54% for all judges on record at the Metairie office. These figures provide a statistical view of how cases have been decided over time, though they do not predict the outcome of your individual hearing.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Hertzig'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, the decision pattern for Michael S. Hertzig has shown fluctuations, moving from a 47% approval rate in the initial year to 59% in 2025, before reaching 47% in the most recent period. This trend indicates that the judge's approach to evidence and case requirements has evolved over the last decade. The latest period reflects a continuation of this pattern, suggesting that the judge remains focused on the specific medical and vocational documentation provided in each file.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Hertzig'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 Metairie hearing office
The Metairie hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a hub for disability adjudications in Louisiana. The office maintains a bench of 9 judges who handle a diverse caseload of SSDI and SSI claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the focus remains on the quality of medical evidence and vocational testimony. You can see the Metairie hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges on record at this office since 2016. Across this bench, lifetime approval rates vary significantly, ranging from 24% to 54%. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Michael S. Hertzig holds a 44% lifetime approval rate, which falls within the broader office-wide range of 24% to 54%. Because every case involves unique medical evidence, your specific outcome is not determined by these averages. An attorney can help you understand how your case strengths align with the expectations of judges in this office.
Yes, the data shows annual variation in approval rates, ranging from a low of 36% in 2024 to a high of 59% in 2025. These shifts often reflect changes in case mix or the specific evidence presented in hearings. An attorney can help you prepare your case to ensure your medical records are as compelling as possible.
No, the Social Security Administration assigns cases through an automated workload-balancing algorithm. You cannot choose your judge, which is why it is important to be prepared for any outcome. An attorney can help you build a robust case regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
A hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and may hear testimony from you and vocational experts. The goal is to determine if your condition meets the strict criteria for disability. An attorney can help you prepare for this process by organizing your evidence and coaching you on what to expect.