Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe. The 21% approval rate for Tom L. Morris reflects all decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 21% to 93% range seen among the bench of 22 judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle. With 600 decisions on record, this data provides a view of past activity.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Morris. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Morris'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 Tom L. Morris shows a trend across the 600 decisions on record since 2016. The data indicates an approval rate of 26% in 2016, 23% in 2017, 17% in 2018, and 12% in 2019. This pattern reflects the shift in approvals over the observed window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Morris'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 Seattle hearing office
Tom L. Morris's most recent office on record is the Seattle hearing office, with decisions there through September 2019. This office serves the Washington region and maintains a bench of 22 judges whose most recent record is at this location. You can expect a formal process where evidence quality is the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 22 judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle, and their approval rates on record since 2016 range from 21% to 93%. Because assignment is outside of your control, understanding the broader bench is useful for your preparation.
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
Tom L. Morris has an approval rate of 21% across 600 decisions on record since 2016. This is at the lower end of the 21% to 93% range observed among the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the evidentiary standards of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Tom L. Morris moved from 26% in 2016 to 12% in 2019 across the 600 total decisions on record. Understanding these trends can be helpful when working with an attorney to build a strong case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on the quality of your medical evidence with the help of a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. Having an attorney can help you navigate these questions and present your case effectively.
An approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. While Tom L. Morris has a 21% approval rate on record since 2016, your individual outcome depends on the specific medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
