Approval rates
Your approval rate for Paul M. Stimson is based on 2,979 lifetime decisions recorded between 2016 and 2023. This figure provides a baseline for understanding how his decisions have historically aligned with the broader Memphis hearing office, where individual judge lifetime rates vary between 44% and 80%. Comparing these figures helps you contextualize your hearing, though aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your individual case.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Stimson. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Stimson'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
Paul M. Stimson's record shows a consistent pattern of approvals over 2,979 lifetime decisions tracked since 2016. His annual approval rate fluctuated during this period, reaching a peak of 72% in 2021 before settling into a more moderate range in recent years. This trend reflects a steady approach to evaluating evidence, with the latest period showing a continuation of his established decision-making style.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Stimson'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 Memphis hearing office
The Memphis hearing office serves you across Tennessee, operating as a critical hub for the region's disability hearings. The office maintains a bench of 14 judges on record, ensuring that a wide range of cases are processed through the Social Security Act system. You can expect a formal environment where the quality of your medical documentation remains the primary factor in any decision. You can see the Memphis Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Memphis hearing office utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to Paul M. Stimson is essentially random. There are 14 judges on record at this office since 2016, with 7 currently reporting in the latest SSA data. Because approval rates across this bench range from 44% to 80%, understanding the local environment is a standard part of your hearing preparation.
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
Paul M. Stimson has a lifetime approval rate of 64% across 2,979 lifetime decisions. This places him within the broader office range of 44% to 80% seen among the 14 judges on record at the Memphis office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific judge.
Yes, the data shows an approval rate that has shifted over the years, peaking at 72% in 2021 before moving to 61% in 2023. These fluctuations are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases heard or the evidence provided. An attorney can help you evaluate how these trends might relate to your specific claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to focus on building a strong case that meets the necessary criteria for approval. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific case. While Paul M. Stimson has approved 64% of cases in his career, your outcome depends on your unique medical evidence and testimony. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific requirements of the Social Security Administration.