Approval rates
The approval rates for William D. Pierson are calculated based on 4,404 decisions on record since 2016. When evaluating these figures, it is helpful to compare the judge's performance against the 45% to 68% approval range seen among other judges whose most recent office on record is Fort Wayne. Latest-period data shows the judge's approval rate at 60%, which aligns with the local office average.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Pierson'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, your approval rate for William D. Pierson has shown fluctuations. After a period of lower approval rates in 2017 and 2018, the judge saw a rise in 2020 and 2023, followed by more recent stabilization. The latest-period approval rate of 60% indicates a steady pattern compared to the overall average on record. This trend suggests that while outcomes vary year to year, recent decisions remain consistent with broader office benchmarks.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Pierson'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 Wayne hearing office
William D. Pierson's most recent office on record is the Fort Wayne hearing office. This office is part of a regional network that manages disability claims. With a bench of 4 judges, the office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 60%. You can see the Fort Wayne Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Fort Wayne
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 4 judges whose most recent office on record is the Fort Wayne office. Approval rates across this bench range from 45% to 68% since 2016. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
William D. Pierson's 57% approval rate since 2016 sits within the 45% to 68% range of other judges at the Fort Wayne office. While this provides context, your specific medical evidence is the most important factor in your case. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific standards of this hearing office.
Yes, the approval rate for William D. Pierson has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a low of 46% in 2017 to a high of 69% in 2023. These shifts often reflect changes in case volume or the types of evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how to present your claim effectively regardless of these historical trends.
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 vital to have a well-prepared case that meets all SSA requirements. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
The 57% approval rate for William D. Pierson is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and your success depends on the strength of your medical documentation and testimony. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and identify potential gaps before your hearing.
