Approval rates
Comparing Linda Thomasson's performance requires looking at both long-term records and recent trends. Her 66% approval rate since 2016 is at the upper end of the range for the Portland OR bench, which varies from 34% to 66%. In the most recent reporting period, she approved 70% of cases, which is 6 points higher than the office average of 64%. These figures are based on 4,214 decisions on record. 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 Thomasson'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
Linda Thomasson's approval rate has shown notable shifts since 2016. After starting at 38% in 2016, the rate climbed, peaking at 83% in 2021 before moderating. The 70% approval rate seen in the latest period remains consistent with this broader trend of higher approval levels compared to her earliest years on record. This pattern reflects the evolution of her docket across the 4,214 decisions analyzed.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Thomasson'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 Portland OR hearing office
The Portland OR hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout the region. It is staffed by 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, and the office-wide approval rate in the latest period was 64%. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in the outcome.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Portland OR
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Portland OR office. Approval rates across this bench vary widely, from 34% to 66%. Preparation remains the most effective way to manage your case regardless of which judge is 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
Linda Thomasson's 66% approval rate since 2016 is at the top of the range for the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Portland OR office. While her rate is higher than many of her peers, every case is unique. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific requirements of this judge's bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Linda Thomasson has fluctuated since 2016. It began at 38% and rose to a peak of 83% in 2021, before settling at 70% in the most recent reporting period. Understanding these trends is part of preparing for a hearing, and an attorney can help you evaluate how your evidence aligns with current patterns.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome, and an attorney can help you build a strong case regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are complete before you appear before the judge.
An approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions and is not a guarantee of how Linda Thomasson will rule on your specific claim. While the 66% rate since 2016 provides context, the strength of your medical evidence is the most critical factor. An attorney can help you determine if your case is ready for a hearing.
