Approval rates
The 59% approval rate for Todd D. Jacobson reflects the entire record since 2016, which can be viewed alongside the 29% to 83% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Charlotte. These figures are based on 1,647 decisions on record, providing a clear view of historical trends. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Jacobson. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Jacobson'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 Todd D. Jacobson has remained relatively steady throughout the time on record since 2016. After starting at 56% in 2016, the annual approval rate fluctuated, reaching 63% in 2020. With 1,647 total decisions on record, the data shows a consistent approach to case evaluation.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Jacobson'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 Charlotte hearing office
The Charlotte hearing office serves you and other claimants across North Carolina and the surrounding region. As of the most recent data, 18 judges have their most recent office on record at this location. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in a decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Charlotte
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is the Charlotte office, with approval rates ranging from 29% to 83% on their since-2016 records. Because each judge has a unique approach to evidence, understanding the broader office bench is helpful.
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
Todd D. Jacobson has an approval rate of 59% across 1,647 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 29% to 83% range observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Charlotte. An attorney can help you understand how to prepare your evidence for this specific bench.
The approval rate for Todd D. Jacobson has held relatively steady, moving from 56% in 2016 to 63% in 2020. These yearly fluctuations are common and reflect the specific mix of cases heard during those periods. An attorney can help you evaluate how your case's unique facts might be viewed.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. 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 attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews the evidence in your file. You will likely testify about your symptoms and limitations, and a vocational expert may provide testimony regarding potential work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Todd D. Jacobson has a 59% approval rate on record since 2016, every case is decided based on its own medical and vocational merits. An attorney can help you ensure your case is presented as effectively as possible.
