Approval rates
Comparing a judge's approval rate requires looking at consistent data windows. Victor L. Horton's 27% approval rate is based on his 1,343 decisions on record since 2016. When evaluating this figure, it is helpful to consider the broader context of the Springfield MO bench, where judges range from 25% to 60% on their since-2016 records. These aggregate rates reflect historical patterns rather than the specific merits of your claim.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Horton. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Horton'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 Victor L. Horton has remained steady throughout his recorded period. Starting at 26% in 2016, the rate stayed consistent at 26% in 2017, before shifting to 27% in 2018 and 28% in 2019. With 1,343 total decisions on record, this pattern suggests a stable approach to case evaluation. The consistency in these figures indicates that the judge's decision-making process has followed a predictable trend since 2016.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Horton'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 Springfield MO hearing office
The Springfield MO hearing office serves you and other claimants across the region. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. While the office-wide latest-period approval rate is 40%, your individual outcome depends heavily on the specific evidence presented in your case. You can see the Springfield MO hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Springfield MO
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Springfield MO hearing office. These judges show a wide range of approval rates, from 25% to 60% on their since-2016 records. You can expect a similar range of outcomes 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
Victor L. Horton has a 27% approval rate based on his 1,343 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 25% to 60% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Springfield MO hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Victor L. Horton's approval rate has remained steady, moving from 26% in 2016 to 28% in 2019. This consistency across 1,343 decisions suggests a stable pattern in his case evaluations. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process essentially random. Because you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions you will face.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Victor L. Horton has a 27% approval rate on his 1,343 decisions since 2016, your case's success depends on the medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths.
