Approval rates
Comparing a judge's record requires looking at consistent metrics over the same timeframe. Michael R. Swan maintains a lifetime approval rate of 81%, which sits within the broader 42% to 82% range observed across the Chattanooga bench since 2016. These figures are derived from a significant volume of 2,823 lifetime decisions, providing a clear view of historical trends at this office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Swan. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Swan'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 Michael R. Swan shows a consistent pattern of approvals since 2016. With 2,823 lifetime decisions on record, the data reflects a stable approach to case evaluation. His recent yearly approval rates have remained high, indicating that his current decision-making remains aligned with his long-term record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Swan'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.
About the Chattanooga hearing office
The Chattanooga hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a critical hub for disability adjudication in Tennessee. The office maintains a bench of 16 judges on record who manage a diverse caseload. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony. You can see the Chattanooga Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment is essentially random. There are 16 judges on record at this office since 2016, 7 of whom are reported in the latest SSA period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 42% to 82% on a lifetime basis.
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
Michael R. Swan has a lifetime approval rate of 81%, which is at the higher end of the 42% to 82% range seen among the 16 judges who have served at the Chattanooga office since 2016. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence to best align with the standards of this specific bench.
Michael R. Swan's approval rate has remained consistently high over his record of 2,823 lifetime decisions starting in 2016. While annual rates vary, the overall trend reflects a stable decision-making pattern. An attorney can help you evaluate how these historical trends might relate to the specific facts of your claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses an automated, random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at the Chattanooga hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case that meets the requirements for disability benefits.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history, daily limitations, and symptoms. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is organized for the judge's review.
A judge's approval rate is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. While Michael R. Swan has approved 81% of his 2,823 lifetime decisions, your outcome depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well it proves your disability. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your evidence before your hearing date.