Approval rates
This table compares the approval performance of George W. Jenkins III against the broader bench at the Memphis hearing office. By looking at the since-2016 approval rate of 78% alongside the office-wide range of 44% to 80%, you can see how this judge fits within the local context. These figures are derived from 2,581 decisions on record, providing a view of past activity.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Jenkins III. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Jenkins III'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 George W. Jenkins III has remained consistent across 2,581 decisions on record. While the annual approval rate fluctuated between 74% and 83% during this period, the judge maintained a record of allowances. The data from 2022 reflects a continuation of this pattern, suggesting a stable approach to case evaluation.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Jenkins III'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 Memphis hearing office
The Memphis hearing office serves you and other claimants across Tennessee and the surrounding region. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Claimants appearing at this office can expect a formal process focused on the medical and vocational evidence presented in your file.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Memphis
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is the Memphis hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 44% to 80% on their since-2016 records. Because individual judges may weigh evidence differently, understanding the bench as a whole 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
George W. Jenkins III has an approval rate of 78% on his 2,581 decisions on record since 2016. This places him at the higher end of the range for the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is the Memphis hearing office, where rates vary from 44% to 80%. An attorney can help you prepare your case for this specific bench.
The approval rate for George W. Jenkins III has remained steady, with yearly figures ranging from 74% to 83% across his 2,581 decisions on record. This consistency suggests a stable pattern in how he has evaluated claims over the years. If you are concerned about how your case will be viewed, an attorney can help you understand the evidence requirements.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency, making the assignment process random. Because you cannot select your judge, an attorney can help you prepare a strong, evidence-based case regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your daily limitations and work history, and a vocational expert may testify about potential job options. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. While George W. Jenkins III has a 78% approval rate on his 2,581 decisions on record, your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation supporting your disability. An attorney can help you identify and fill gaps in your evidence to improve your chances of success.
