Approval rates
The approval rate for Ruth Ramsey is based on 622 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2019. This figure sits within the broader lifetime approval range of 24% to 54% observed among all judges at the Metairie hearing office. These statistics provide a historical view of how cases have been decided in this jurisdiction.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Ramsey. 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 Ramsey'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
Ruth Ramsey has maintained a record of 622 decisions since 2016. Her approval rate moved from 30% in 2017 to 20% by 2019. This pattern indicates a consistent approach to case evaluation over the observed window. Because each hearing depends on the specific medical evidence and vocational testimony you present, this trend serves as a baseline for understanding how your case may be evaluated.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Ramsey'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 Metairie hearing office
The Metairie hearing office serves you throughout the Louisiana region. With 9 judges on record, the office handles a diverse volume of disability claims. You can see the Metairie Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 24% to 54% over their respective lifetime records.
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
Ruth Ramsey has a lifetime approval rate of 24% across 622 decisions. This places her at the lower end of the 24% to 54% lifetime approval range seen among the 9 judges on record at the Metairie office. An attorney can help you understand how to build a strong case regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
Yes, the data shows a shift in her approval patterns between 2017 and 2019. Her approval rate moved from 30% in 2017 to 20% in 2019 across a total of 622 lifetime decisions. If you are concerned about how these trends impact your claim, an attorney can help you prepare the necessary medical evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at the Metairie office. Because assignment is random, it is important to focus on the quality of your case evidence with the help of a qualified attorney.
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 evidence is presented clearly.
A judge's approval rate is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. While Ruth Ramsey has a 24% lifetime approval rate, your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.