Approval rates
The approval rates for Katherine Jecklin reflect a history of decision-making at the St Louis hearing office. While her lifetime rate stands at 30%, recent data shows a 22% approval rate, which is 29 points lower than the office-wide latest-period average of 51%. These figures are derived from a sample of 2,157 lifetime decisions. Aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predicting outcomes 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 Jecklin'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 2017, Katherine Jecklin has maintained a steady volume of cases, with annual approval rates fluctuating between 23% and 36%. Her record shows a period of relative stability followed by a shift in the latest reporting period. This pattern suggests that while her approach to evidence remains consistent, the outcomes for your claim depend on the specific medical documentation you provide. The latest period reflects a departure from her historical average, which may be influenced by changes in case mix.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Jecklin'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
The St Louis hearing office serves claimants throughout the Missouri region. With a bench of 24 judges on record, the office maintains an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 51%. You should expect a formal process focused on the medical evidence supporting your disability claim. You can visit the St Louis hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The St Louis hearing office utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning you cannot request a specific judge. There are 24 judges on record at this office since 2016, with 17 currently reporting data. The lifetime approval rates across this bench range from 30% to 78%, highlighting the importance of being prepared for any assigned judge. For preparation purposes, the guidance remains consistent 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
Katherine Jecklin has a lifetime approval rate of 30%, which sits at the lower end of the 30% to 78% range seen among the 24 judges on record at the St Louis office. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific evidentiary standards this judge often requires.
Yes, her approval rate has fluctuated over her time on the bench, ranging from 23% in 2026 to a high of 36% in 2025. These variations are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases or the quality of evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical records to meet the requirements of her current decision pattern.
No, the Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. You cannot choose your judge, which is why it is essential to be prepared for any judge assigned to your hearing. An attorney can help you build a strong case regardless of which judge is presiding.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history and how your impairments prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are complete.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical observation of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Katherine Jecklin's 30% lifetime rate provides context, your case's success depends primarily on the medical evidence and how well you demonstrate your inability to work. An attorney can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your claim before you step into the hearing room.