Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. Lyle A. Jones's 52% approval rate since 2017 provides a long-term baseline, while latest-period data shows how the judge compares to the broader office environment. In the most recent reporting period, the judge's 44% approval rate sits 11 points below the 55% office average. These figures rely on a significant volume of decisions, providing a stable statistical foundation.
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 Jones'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 trend for Lyle A. Jones has shown variation across the 2,221 decisions on record since 2017. While the rate reached 66% in 2018, it shifted in subsequent years, reflecting the complexities of individual case evidence. The most recent period shows a 44% approval rate, which is a departure from the long-term average. This recent pattern may reflect changes in case mix or evidence quality presented at the hearing level.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Jones'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 claimants across Tennessee and the surrounding region. As of the most recent record in July 2026, this office remains a hub for regional disability adjudications. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of medical evidence is the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Memphis
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Approval rates across this bench range from 44% to 80%.
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
Lyle A. Jones has a 52% approval rate since 2017. Among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is the Memphis Hearing Office, approval rates range from 44% to 80%. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the years, starting at 66% in 2018 and moving to 44% in the most recent reporting period. These shifts are common in disability adjudication as case types and evidence standards evolve. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney is the best way to ensure your case is prepared for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where you, your attorney, and potentially a vocational or medical expert appear before the judge. The judge will ask questions about your work history and limitations to determine if you meet the criteria for disability. An attorney can help you present your evidence clearly and effectively.
The 52% approval rate on record for Lyle A. Jones is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your hearing's outcome. Your case's success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you gather the necessary records to build the strongest possible case for your hearing.
