Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent data sets. Linda Gail Roberts has a lifetime approval rate of 64% based on 952 lifetime decisions. This figure sits within the broader office-wide lifetime range of 29% to 76% observed among the 14 judges on record at this location. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Roberts. The most recent period with decisions on record is February 23, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Roberts'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 Linda Gail Roberts spans from 2016 to 2018. In 2016, she approved 64% of cases, followed by 69% in 2017. By 2018, the approval rate moved to 54% over 195 decisions. This variation suggests that while her overall record is high, the most recent period reflects a change in the volume or nature of cases heard.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Roberts'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 Franklin TN hearing office
The Franklin TN hearing office serves you throughout the region. It is staffed by 14 judges on record, with an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 55%. You should expect a standard administrative process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony. You can see the Franklin TN Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning you cannot choose your judge. There are 14 judges on record at this office since 2016, 10 of whom reported in the latest period. With lifetime approval rates across the bench ranging from 29% to 76%, the specific judge assigned to your hearing can influence the process. 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
Linda Gail Roberts has a 64% lifetime approval rate, which falls within the 29% to 76% range seen across the 14 judges on record at the Franklin TN office. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you understand how your specific evidence aligns with this judge's history.
Yes, the data shows a shift in her approval patterns. After maintaining rates of 64% and 69% in 2016 and 2017, her approval rate was 54% in 2018. If you are concerned about how these trends might affect your hearing, an attorney can help you prepare a robust case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a random workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Regardless of your assignment, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of an SSDI hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
A 64% lifetime approval rate is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you document your disability. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to strengthen your claim.