Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data windows. The 66% approval rate for Ronald T. Jordan reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which compares against the 43% to 75% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Indianapolis. This range provides a clear view of how different judicial approaches can impact outcomes within the same office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Jordan. 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 Jordan'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 Ronald T. Jordan remained relatively steady throughout the 2016 to 2020 data window. With 1,816 total decisions on record, the judge maintained a consistent approach, starting at 66% in 2016 and ending at 61% in 2020. This stability suggests a predictable decision-making framework over the period analyzed.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Jordan'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 Indianapolis hearing office
Ronald T. Jordan's most recent office on record is the Indianapolis hearing office, with decisions there through September 2020. This office serves the state of Indiana and is part of a region where caseloads are managed by a bench of 20 judges. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in your decision. You can see the Indianapolis Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Indianapolis
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 Indianapolis, with approval rates ranging from 43% to 75% since 2016. Because of this variance, understanding the broader office bench is helpful for your preparation.
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
Ronald T. Jordan has a 66% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 43% to 75% range of the 20 judges whose most recent office on record is Indianapolis. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
The approval rate for Ronald T. Jordan has remained relatively steady. While the rate was 66% in 2016 and 61% in 2020, the overall volume of 1,816 decisions on record shows a consistent pattern. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ALJs. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions to ensure your case is presented clearly.
The 66% approval rate for Ronald T. Jordan is a historical statistic, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Your outcome depends heavily on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim.
