Approval rates
The approval rate for John A. Ransom is based on a total of 70 lifetime decisions recorded since 2016. When evaluating this figure, it is helpful to note that the Flint hearing office bench shows a wide range of lifetime approval rates, spanning from 42% to 81% across all judges on record. These statistics provide a view of past decisions, not a prediction for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Ransom. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Ransom'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 record for John A. Ransom covers the period from 2016 to 2016, during which he maintained an approval rate of 81%. This data reflects a stable pattern of decision-making over the course of his recorded docket. Because this judge's record is based on 70 lifetime decisions, the data provides a clear view of his historical approach to disability claims.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Ransom'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Flint hearing office
The Flint hearing office serves claimants throughout the region. This office maintains a bench of 9 judges on record who handle a diverse range of disability claims. You can see the Flint Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to John A. Ransom is essentially random. There are 9 judges on record at this office since 2016, with 4 judges currently reported in the latest period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 42% to 81%.
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
John A. Ransom sits at the higher end of the approval spectrum for the Flint office, which features a lifetime approval range of 42% to 81% among its judges. While his 81% rate is notable, every case is unique and depends on the specific medical evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively before this judge.
The data for John A. Ransom shows an approval rate of 81% during the recorded window of 2016. This indicates a steady approach to his caseload during that period. If you are concerned about how his past decisions might impact your future hearing, an attorney can help you prepare.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a random assignment algorithm to distribute cases among the judges at the Flint hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome by working with a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony regarding your ability to work. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your limitations and past work history. Having an attorney by your side ensures that your evidence is organized and your testimony is focused on the criteria the judge needs to see.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a statistical observation of past performance, not a prediction of how they will rule on your specific claim. John A. Ransom has approved 57 out of 70 cases on record, but your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical documentation. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your evidence that could strengthen your position.