Approval rates
The approval rate for James K. Steitz is based on his lifetime record of 104 decisions. When evaluating this figure, consider the broader context of the Creve Coeur hearing office, where lifetime approval rates among the 7 judges on record range from 39% to 84%. This range highlights the variance in decision-making across the local bench.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Steitz. 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 Steitz'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 James K. Steitz covers the period from 2016. During this time, his approval rate was 80% across his 104 lifetime decisions. This steady pattern reflects his historical decision-making tendencies.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Steitz'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.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 7 judges on record at this office since 2016, with lifetime approval rates ranging from 39% to 84%. Because each judge has a unique approach to evidence, understanding the office-wide landscape is useful.
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
James K. Steitz has a lifetime approval rate of 80% based on 104 decisions. This sits within the office-wide range of 39% to 84% for the 7 judges on record. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with the standards applied at this office.
The data for James K. Steitz shows an 80% approval rate across his 104 decisions recorded in 2016. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific evidentiary requirements this judge looks for.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases. Since you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong, evidence-based case is the best way to prepare for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ 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 medical evidence is clearly presented.
An approval rate is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of how James K. Steitz will rule on your specific claim. Your outcome depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well it meets SSA disability criteria. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare accordingly.