Approval rates
Evaluating an approval rate requires looking at the broader context of the hearing office. The 53% approval rate for Mary E. Richardson is based on 2,281 decisions since 2016. This figure sits within the 13% to 77% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville. These aggregate rates reflect historical patterns rather than specific outcomes for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Richardson. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Richardson'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 January 2016, Mary E. Richardson has seen fluctuations in her annual approval rates. After a period of relative stability, the data shows a downward trend in the middle years of the record, followed by a shift in 2024. With 2,281 total decisions on record, these variations highlight how case mix and evidence quality can influence outcomes year over year. The recent data point reflects a change from the previous multi-year pattern.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Richardson'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 Knoxville hearing office
Mary E. Richardson's most recent SSA record (September 2024) is at the Knoxville hearing office. This office serves claimants across Tennessee and is staffed by a bench of 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standardized hearing process focused on the specific medical evidence you present.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville, and their approval rates vary significantly from 13% to 77%. This diversity across the bench underscores the importance of preparing a robust case regardless of the specific judge 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
Mary E. Richardson has a 53% approval rate on record since 2016. Among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Knoxville, approval rates range from 13% to 77%. An attorney can help you understand how to prepare your evidence for this specific bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Mary E. Richardson has varied over time, starting at 55% in 2016 and reaching 60% in 2024. These shifts are based on 2,281 total decisions on record. An attorney can help you evaluate how these historical trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. An attorney can help you prepare for the hearing process regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will have the opportunity to explain how your condition prevents you from working. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records to ensure your case is presented clearly.
The 53% approval rate for Mary E. Richardson reflects past decisions and is not a prediction of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most critical factor. An attorney can help you build a strong case by ensuring your documentation meets the necessary standards.
