Approval rates
Evaluating a judge's history requires looking at the broader context of their peers. The approval rate for Thomas M. Muth II is based on 2,793 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the 28% to 81% range observed among the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is the Mobile hearing office, this figure helps place the judge's activity within the local bench's spectrum. 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 Muth II. 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 Muth II'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 Thomas M. Muth II has shown variation across the 2,793 decisions on record since 2016. While the rate fluctuated during the middle of this period, the most recent data indicates a rising trend, with approval rates reaching 77% in 2024 and 80% in 2025. This recent uptick reflects a departure from the earlier, more moderate approval levels observed in the record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Muth II'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 Mobile hearing office
The Mobile hearing office serves you and other claimants across Alabama and the surrounding region. As of the most recent data, 18 judges have their most recent office on record at this location. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Mobile
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 18 judges whose most recent office on record is the Mobile hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 28% to 81% on their since-2016 records. Because each judge maintains a unique approach to evaluating evidence, understanding the local bench is a helpful step in 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
Thomas M. Muth II has an approval rate of 69% across 2,793 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 28% to 81% range of the 18 judges whose most recent office on record is the Mobile hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Thomas M. Muth II has fluctuated over time. While the rate was 62% in 2016, it has trended upward in recent years, reaching 80% in 2025. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases via a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your evidence for the hearing.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. Your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation supporting your disability claim. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible before your hearing.
