Approval rates
The approval rate for James Stewart is based on 1,940 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the broader bench at the Tulsa OHO, where judges range from 37% to 81% in their since-2016 approval records, this figure provides a clear view of his historical decision-making patterns. These statistics are derived from official SSA data to help you understand the landscape of your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Stewart. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Stewart'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 2016, the approval rate for James Stewart has remained relatively steady. After an initial 63% approval rate in 2016, the figures reached a peak of 73% in 2017 before stabilizing in the mid-60s range through 2022. This consistency across 1,940 decisions suggests a stable approach to evaluating your disability claim.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Stewart'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 Tulsa OHO hearing office
James Stewart's most recent office on record is the Tulsa OHO, with decisions there through September 2022. This office serves you across Oklahoma, managing a diverse volume of disability hearings. With 15 judges on the bench, the office maintains a professional environment focused on the adjudication of complex claims.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Tulsa OHO
The SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tulsa OHO, with approval rates ranging from 37% to 81% on their since-2016 records. While the specific judge matters, the fundamental requirements for proving your disability remain consistent across the entire bench.
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 Stewart holds a 67% approval rate on record since 2016. This places him within the range of 37% to 81% observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is the Tulsa OHO. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
The approval rate for James Stewart has remained steady over his recorded activity from 2016 to 2022. While there was a variance between 63% and 73% during the window, the rate has consistently hovered in the mid-60s. A qualified attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards this judge has historically applied.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses an automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, ensuring that assignments remain random and impartial. Since you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong, evidence-based case is the best way to prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history, daily limitations, and the nature of your impairments. An attorney can help you prepare for this judge's specific bench and ensure your testimony clearly addresses the criteria for disability.
The 67% approval rate for James Stewart represents a historical pattern from 1,940 decisions, not a guarantee of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing process.
