Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent timeframes. The 51% approval rate for Robert A. Lynch reflects his entire record since 2016, which you can compare against the 25% to 60% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is also Springfield MO. With 1,976 decisions, this docket provides a stable look at past patterns. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Lynch. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Lynch'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 Robert A. Lynch has fluctuated over the years, starting at 45% in 2016 and reaching a peak of 72% in 2023. While the rate dipped to 45% in 2022, the most recent data from 2024 shows a rate of 61%. These shifts often reflect changes in the types of cases heard or the quality of evidence presented. This pattern demonstrates that while the judge has a consistent history, recent trends show a notable variance.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Lynch'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 Springfield MO hearing office
Robert A. Lynch's most recent office on record is the Springfield MO hearing office, which serves you and other claimants across the region. This office is home to a bench of 10 judges with varying approval patterns. You can expect a formal process where the strength of medical evidence is the primary factor in your decision. You can see the Springfield MO hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Springfield MO
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. At the Springfield MO office, there are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. These judges show a wide range of approval rates, spanning from 25% to 60% 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
Robert A. Lynch's 51% approval rate sits within the 25% to 60% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is Springfield MO. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the rate has varied over time. After starting at 45% in 2016, the rate reached 72% in 2023 before settling at 61% in 2024. An attorney can help you prepare for this judge's specific bench by reviewing your medical evidence.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is vital to have a strong case prepared for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for this judge's specific bench.
The 51% approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
