Approval rates
Comparing performance requires looking at consistent data windows. Richard Hopkins has a 47% approval rate based on 2,736 decisions since 2016. Within the St Louis hearing office, the bench of 20 judges shows a wide range of approval rates, spanning from 30% to 78% for their respective records since 2016. These aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predicting the outcome of your specific hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Hopkins. 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 Hopkins'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 Richard Hopkins has fluctuated over the years, starting at 58% in 2016 and reaching 59% in 2025. With 2,736 total decisions on record, the data shows periods of varying approval activity. This pattern reflects the diverse nature of disability claims and the specific evidence presented in each case. Recent data points suggest a shift in the approval trend compared to the lower rates observed in the 2021-2022 period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Hopkins'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
Richard Hopkins's most recent SSA record is at the St Louis hearing office, which serves the Missouri region. This office maintains a bench of 20 judges who handle a high volume of disability claims. You can expect a formal process where your medical documentation and vocational testimony are central to the outcome. You can see the St Louis Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is St Louis
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Louis hearing office. These judges demonstrate a broad range of approval rates, from 30% to 78%, highlighting the importance of being prepared for your specific 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
Richard Hopkins has a 47% approval rate on record since 2016. Across the 20 judges whose most recent office on record is St Louis, approval rates range from 30% to 78%. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the approval rate for Richard Hopkins has varied over time, ranging from a high of 58% in 2016 to 37% in 2021, with more recent data showing 59% in 2025. These fluctuations are common and often depend on the specific mix of cases and evidence presented. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for the nuances of your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, you should focus on preparing a strong case with the help of an attorney.
The 47% approval rate for Richard Hopkins is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a prediction of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and testimony. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible before your hearing.
