Approval rates
The 73% approval rate for Jennifer Mills reflects all decisions on record since 2016. This figure sits within the 44% to 80% range observed among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Memphis.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Mills. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Mills'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 Jennifer Mills has varied across the 3,330 decisions on record since 2016. After 75% in 2016 and 82% in 2017, the rate moved to 79% in 2018, 73% in 2019, 77% in 2020, 70% in 2021, 69% in 2022, 60% in 2023, 62% in 2024, and 72% in 2025.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Mills'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 Memphis hearing office
The Memphis hearing office is the most recent office on record for 14 judges as of September 2025. You can see the Memphis hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Memphis
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is the Memphis hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 44% to 80%.
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
Jennifer Mills has a 73% approval rate on record since 2016, which is within the 44% to 80% range seen among the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Memphis. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with this judge's history.
Yes, the approval rate for Jennifer Mills has fluctuated, starting at 75% in 2016 and reaching 72% in 2025. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney is the best way to ensure your case is prepared for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You, your attorney, and sometimes a vocational or medical expert will participate. Having an attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and present your case effectively.
The 73% approval rate for Jennifer Mills represents a historical pattern of past decisions, not a guarantee for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in your outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strength.
