Approval rates
The 78% approval rate for John M. Meisburg Jr. reflects 1,993 decisions on record since 2016. This provides a statistical baseline when compared to the 33% to 78% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Jacksonville.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Meisburg Jr.. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Meisburg Jr.'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 John M. Meisburg Jr. remained steady throughout the 2016 to 2021 data window. Starting at 72% in 2016, the rate reached 80% by 2017 and maintained a consistent level through 2020. The final year of data, 2021, showed an increase to 86% over 136 decisions.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Meisburg Jr.'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 Jacksonville hearing office
The Jacksonville hearing office serves you as part of the Social Security Administration's national network. With 17 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse caseload of disability claims. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on the medical and vocational evidence presented in your file.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Jacksonville
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Jacksonville, with approval rates ranging from 33% to 78% on their since-2016 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
John M. Meisburg Jr. has an approval rate of 78% based on 1,993 decisions on record since 2016. This is at the higher end of the 33% to 78% range observed among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Jacksonville. An attorney can help you understand how your specific evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
The approval rate for John M. Meisburg Jr. has remained generally steady, starting at 72% in 2016 and reaching 86% in 2021. This data reflects 1,993 total decisions on record. If you are concerned about your hearing, an attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific requirements of this judge.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. You cannot choose your judge, which is why it is important to be prepared for any outcome. 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 an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. An attorney can help you prepare for the types of questions this judge may ask.
The 78% approval rate for John M. Meisburg Jr. is a statistical observation of past decisions and not a guarantee of your outcome. Your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and vocational testimony supporting your disability claim. An attorney can help you evaluate your evidence to ensure your case is as strong as possible.
