Approval rates
The approval rate for Edwin E. Kerstine is based on 1,051 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2018. When evaluating this figure, consider that the Jackson MS office bench maintains a wide range of approval outcomes, spanning from 41% to 90% across all judges on record. These statistics provide a window into the office's historical decision-making environment.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kerstine. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Kerstine'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 decision record for Edwin E. Kerstine shows a consistent pattern of high approval rates throughout the 2016 to 2018 data window. His annual approval percentages remained steady, starting at 89% in 2016, reaching 91% in 2017, and returning to 89% in 2018. This stability suggests a reliable approach to evaluating your disability claim based on the evidence you present.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kerstine'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Jackson MS hearing office
The Jackson MS hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout Mississippi and the surrounding region. It is staffed by a bench of 8 judges who manage a high volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal legal process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in any decision. You can see the Jackson MS Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Jackson MS hearing office currently has 8 judges on record since 2016. Because the Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, you cannot choose your judge. Approval rates across this office vary significantly, with peers ranging from 41% to 90% in their lifetime records.
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
Edwin E. Kerstine holds a 90% lifetime approval rate, which sits at the top of the range for the 8 judges on record at the Jackson MS office. Other judges at this location have lifetime approval rates ranging from 41% to 90%. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence to best align with the standards of this specific office.
The approval rate for Edwin E. Kerstine has remained steady, with annual figures of 89%, 91%, and 89% between 2016 and 2018. This consistency suggests a stable approach to case evaluation. If you are concerned about how your specific medical conditions will be viewed, an attorney can help you prepare your case for a hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across the hearing office. Since you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong, evidence-based case with the help of a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal administrative proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history, daily limitations, and the severity of your symptoms. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your testimony is clear and accurate.
While a 90% lifetime approval rate is a helpful data point, it is not a guarantee of how Edwin E. Kerstine will rule on your specific claim. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in any decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for the hearing process.