Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data windows. While the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Oklahoma City range from 45% to 85% on their since-2016 records, Edward L. Thompson's 45% approval rate reflects your specific record over the same period. With 3,222 decisions on record, the data provides a look at past outcomes.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Thompson. 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 Thompson'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, your approval rate has fluctuated. After an initial 54% in 2016, the rate shifted to 44% in 2025. With 3,222 total decisions on record, these variations reflect the diverse nature of the cases you review.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Thompson'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 Oklahoma City hearing office
Edward L. Thompson's most recent SSA record (September 2025) is at the Oklahoma City hearing office. This office maintains a bench of 17 judges. While office-wide approval rates provide context, your case depends on the specific medical evidence you present.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Oklahoma City
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your judge is assigned randomly. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the Oklahoma City hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 45% to 85%.
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
Edward L. Thompson has an approval rate of 45% across 3,222 decisions on record since 2016. Among the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is Oklahoma City, approval rates range from 45% to 85%. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
Your approval rate has fluctuated over the years, starting at 54% in 2016 and reaching 44% in 2025. These variations are common in long-term data and reflect the diverse nature of disability claims. A qualified attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with current standards.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. Having an attorney can help you organize your testimony and ensure your medical records are complete.
The 45% approval rate for Edward L. Thompson is a summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is decided based on its own merits and the quality of the medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing.
