Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 21% approval rate for Ronald M. Kayser reflects his total decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 21% to 79% range observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Lexington. These figures provide a statistical baseline for understanding how different judges have handled cases in this office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kayser. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Kayser'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 Ronald M. Kayser on record since 2016 shows a decline from 21% in 2016 to 11% in 2017 across 382 total decisions. This trend represents the data captured during his time at the Lexington office. Because the Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, the specific mix of cases can influence these yearly fluctuations.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kayser'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 Lexington hearing office
The Lexington hearing office serves claimants across Kentucky and the surrounding region. With 18 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse range of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in any decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Lexington
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 Lexington. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 21% to 79% on their records since 2016. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same 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
Ronald M. Kayser has an approval rate of 21% on his 382 decisions on record since 2016. This places him at the lower end of the 21% to 79% range seen among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is Lexington. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing regardless of the judge assigned.
Yes, the data shows a shift in his approval rate from 21% in 2016 to 11% in 2017. These figures are based on 382 total decisions on record. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. 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 experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having an attorney present can help you navigate these questions and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing.
