Approval rates
The approval rate for Marjorie Panter is based on 3,409 decisions recorded since 2016. When evaluating this figure, consider the broader context of the Fort Worth bench, where the 15 judges with records since 2016 show approval rates ranging from 32% to 63%. These figures provide a baseline for understanding how different judicial approaches manifest in the hearing room.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Panter. 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 Panter'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
Since 2016, the approval rate for Marjorie Panter has fluctuated, moving from 39% in 2016 to a low of 26% in 2023, before reaching 42% in 2025. This trend indicates that while the rate varies, it remains within a range that reflects the complexities of the cases heard. Such patterns often emerge from shifts in case evidence or the specific mix of medical conditions presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Panter'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 Fort Worth hearing office
The Fort Worth hearing office serves the surrounding region of Texas, handling a diverse volume of disability claims. With 15 judges on record, this office operates as part of a larger network of SSA facilities. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical documentation and work history when appearing at this office.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Fort Worth
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Fort Worth office, there are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. These judges demonstrate a wide range of approval rates, from 32% to 63%, highlighting the importance of being prepared for the specific requirements of your hearing.
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
Marjorie Panter has a 37% approval rate on record since 2016. This places her within the 32% to 63% range observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is Fort Worth. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific expectations of your assigned judge.
Yes, the rate has fluctuated over the years. It began at 39% in 2016 and reached 42% in 2025, with various shifts in between. Understanding these trends can be part of your overall case strategy, and an attorney can help you evaluate how your evidence aligns with these patterns.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot select your judge, working with an attorney to prepare for any outcome is a recommended approach.
A hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records to ensure your case is presented clearly.
The 37% approval rate for Marjorie Panter reflects past decisions and is not a prediction of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a disability claim. An attorney can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your specific application.
