Approval rates
The 49% approval rate for Michael L. Larner since 2017 provides a broad view of the judge's history, while the latest-period rate of 55% offers insight into more recent activity. These figures are evaluated against the 37% to 70% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Des Moines hearing office. These aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predicting the outcome of your specific hearing.
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 Larner'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 2017, Michael L. Larner has issued 3,214 decisions. The yearly approval trend shows fluctuations, with rates ranging from 40% in 2021 to 55% in the most recent partial fiscal year. This latest-period rate of 55% is higher than the long-term average, reflecting a recent shift in outcomes. The data suggests that while your judge's approach has varied over time, the latest period reflects a continuation of this recent upward pattern.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Larner'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 Des Moines hearing office
The Des Moines hearing office serves you and other claimants across Iowa and the surrounding region. This office maintains a bench of 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. With an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 53%, you can expect a standard administrative process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Des Moines
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Des Moines hearing office. Approval rates across this bench range from 37% to 70% on their records since 2016. Your preparation remains the same regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
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
Michael L. Larner has a 49% approval rate on record since 2017. This sits within the 37% to 70% range of approval rates for the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Des Moines hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the approval rate for Michael L. Larner has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a low of 40% in 2021 to 55% in the most recent partial fiscal year. These shifts are common in SSDI dockets and may reflect changes in case complexity. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, which ensures that assignments remain random and impartial. Your focus should be on building a strong case with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and hears testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions and procedures you will encounter.
The 49% approval rate for Michael L. Larner is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of how your specific case will be decided. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
