Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same time periods to ensure accuracy. The 55% approval rate for Nancy M. Pizzo reflects her entire record since 2016, which sits within the 38% to 85% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the New Orleans Hearing Office. Because these figures are based on thousands of decisions, they provide a stable view of past trends.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Pizzo. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Pizzo'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, Nancy M. Pizzo has issued 3,035 decisions with a generally steady approval pattern. While the rate fluctuated from a low of 47% in 2017 to a high of 60% in 2022 and 2023, the overall trend reflects consistent decision-making over the seven-year window. The most recent data from 2023 shows a continuation of the higher approval levels seen in the preceding year.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Pizzo'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 New Orleans hearing office
Nancy M. Pizzo's most recent office on record is the New Orleans Hearing Office. This office is part of a broader network of 17 judges who have recorded decisions at this location since 2016. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical documentation is the primary factor in the outcome.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is New Orleans
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the New Orleans Hearing Office, and their approval rates vary from 38% to 85%. This variation underscores why focusing on your own medical evidence is the most important step in your claim.
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
Nancy M. Pizzo has a 55% approval rate on record since 2016. Among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the New Orleans Hearing Office, approval rates range from 38% to 85%. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific office.
Her approval rate has shown some variation, starting at 57% in 2016 and reaching 60% in 2023. While these yearly fluctuations occur, she has maintained a consistent pattern of decision-making across her 3,035 decisions on record. A qualified attorney can help you determine if your case aligns with the evidence standards typically required. An attorney can help you prepare your case by gathering the specific medical evidence required for your claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using an automated workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to have your case prepared for any outcome. An attorney can help you prepare your case by gathering the specific medical evidence required for your claim.
A hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and may hear testimony from you and medical or vocational experts. The judge evaluates whether your condition meets the strict criteria for disability under Social Security Administration guidelines. An attorney can help you prepare for the questions you will face during this process. An attorney can help you prepare your case by gathering the specific medical evidence required for your claim.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and your success depends on the strength of your medical evidence and how well it is presented. An attorney can help you review your file to ensure you have the necessary documentation to support your claim. An attorney can help you prepare your case by gathering the specific medical evidence required for your claim.
