Approval rates
The approval rate for Harry E. Siegrist is based on a total of 376 lifetime decisions. Within the Atlanta Downtown hearing office, the lifetime approval rates for all judges on record range from 23% to 86%. This wide variance highlights the importance of understanding the specific bench you are assigned. 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 Siegrist. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Siegrist'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 Harry E. Siegrist spans from 2016 to 2017. During this period, his approval rate moved from 68% in 2016 to 66% in 2017. This stability suggests a consistent application of Social Security Administration guidelines throughout his time on the bench. The data indicates that his approach to evaluating medical evidence and vocational factors has stayed within a predictable range.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Siegrist'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 Atlanta Downtown hearing office
The Atlanta Downtown hearing office serves you throughout the region, managing a high volume of disability hearings. With 22 judges on record, the office maintains a bench that reflects a broad spectrum of decision patterns. You can expect a formal process focused on the documentation of your impairments under 20 CFR Part 404. You can see the Atlanta Downtown 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 the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 22 judges on record at this office since 2016. With lifetime approval rates across the office bench ranging from 23% to 86%, your assigned judge is a significant factor in your hearing 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
Harry E. Siegrist has a lifetime approval rate of 67%, which sits within the office-wide range of 23% to 86%. Because approval rates vary significantly among the 22 judges on record at this office, an attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of your assigned judge.
The approval rate for Harry E. Siegrist has remained relatively steady, recording 68% in 2016 and 66% in 2017. This consistency across his 376 lifetime decisions suggests a stable approach to case evaluation. If you are concerned about how your specific medical evidence aligns with these patterns, an attorney can help you prepare.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you build a strong case that addresses the specific requirements of the disability program.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and testimony to determine if you meet the criteria for disability. You will likely be asked about your work history and daily limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the questions you will face during your hearing.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Harry E. Siegrist has a 67% lifetime approval rate, your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you ensure your file is complete and ready for review.