Approval rates
Comparing a judge's record requires looking at consistent data sets. David L. Welch maintains a 75% lifetime approval rate, which sits at the top of the 43% to 75% range observed across the Indianapolis bench. These figures rely on a significant volume of 752 lifetime decisions, providing a stable look at historical trends.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Welch. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Welch'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 decision record for David L. Welch spans from 2016 to 2017, covering 752 lifetime decisions. During this period, the approval rate remained high, moving from 76% in 2016 to 74% in 2017. This trend indicates a consistent approach to case evaluation over the available data window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Welch'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 Indianapolis hearing office
The Indianapolis hearing office serves you throughout Indiana and the surrounding region. With 20 judges on record, the office manages a diverse caseload and maintains a latest-period approval rate of 64%. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on medical and vocational evidence.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 20 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 43% to 75% on lifetime records.
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
David L. Welch has a 75% lifetime approval rate, which is at the higher end of the 43% to 75% range seen among the 20 judges on record at the Indianapolis office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific judge.
The approval rate for David L. Welch has remained steady, with 76% in 2016 and 74% in 2017. This consistency across 752 lifetime decisions suggests a stable approach to case adjudication. A qualified attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of these historical trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. An attorney can help you prepare for the hearing process no matter which judge is assigned to your case.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and organize your medical evidence.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and does not guarantee an outcome for your specific hearing. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you demonstrate your limitations. An attorney can help you build a strong case that meets the specific requirements of the Social Security Act.