Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. While the overall approval rate since 2016 is 48%, recent performance can vary. We look at the latest reporting period to see how the judge compares to the St Louis office, Missouri state, and national averages. With 3,653 decisions on record, the data provides a view of past patterns. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for 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 Imsland'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 approval rate for Lori Imsland has fluctuated between 44% and 53%. The record includes 3,653 total decisions, providing a view of how these patterns have evolved. While the latest period shows an approval rate of 48%, this follows a year of higher activity in 2025. The recent data reflects a continuation of this pattern, though your case outcome depends on the specific evidence you present.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Imsland'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
Lori Imsland's most recent office on record is the St Louis hearing office, which serves claimants across Missouri. This office is part of a broader regional network, and the bench includes 20 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on your medical and vocational evidence.
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 office. Approval rates among this bench range from 30% to 78% based on their records since 2016. 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
Lori Imsland has an approval rate of 48% across 3,653 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the range of 30% to 78% observed among the 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Louis office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
The approval rate for Lori Imsland has fluctuated over the years, starting at 46% in 2016 and reaching 48% in the most recent period. These yearly shifts are common and often reflect changes in case volume or the types of claims being heard. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements 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 you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews the evidence for your disability claim. You will likely answer questions about your work history, medical conditions, and daily limitations. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a guarantee of how Lori Imsland will rule on your specific claim. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing.
