Approval rates
The approval rates for Nancy M. Stewart are based on 3,072 decisions on record since 2016. When comparing these figures, consider the bench's since-2016 range of 36% to 72% for context. Recent data shows a 50% approval rate in the latest period, which differs from the office-wide latest-period rate of 66%. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
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
The approval rate for Nancy M. Stewart has shown variation across the 3,072 decisions on record since 2016. The trend moved upward from 2016 through 2024, reaching a peak of 79% before shifting in the most recent data. The latest period reflects a departure from the long-term average, though the small sample size of 9 decisions in 2026 makes it a partial view. This pattern highlights how case mix and evidence quality influence outcomes over time.
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 Fresno hearing office
Nancy M. Stewart's most recent office on record is the Fresno hearing office, with decisions there through July 2026. This office serves the California region and maintains a bench of 6 judges. You can expect a standard hearing process where the focus remains on the medical and vocational evidence you present.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Fresno
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 6 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Approval rates among this bench vary significantly, ranging from 36% to 72% on their records since 2016. 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
Nancy M. Stewart has an approval rate of 68% on her record since 2016. This sits within the range of 36% to 72% for the 6 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for Nancy M. Stewart has fluctuated over time, showing a general upward trend from 2016 through 2024 before a recent shift. Because these rates are based on past decisions, they do not guarantee a specific outcome for your case. An attorney can help you understand how your evidence aligns with current standards.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Regardless of your assignment, an attorney can help you build a strong case.
A hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and may hear testimony from you or vocational experts. The goal is to determine if you meet the criteria for SSDI benefits. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. While Nancy M. Stewart has a 68% approval rate on record since 2016, your individual outcome depends on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for the hearing.
