Approval rates
The approval rate for Charlotte N. White reflects a volume of 2,107 decisions on record since 2016. When compared to the broader bench at the New Orleans hearing office, where approval rates for judges range from 38% to 85% over the same period, her record provides a statistical baseline. These figures are derived from historical SSA data to help you understand the range of outcomes at this office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge White. 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 White'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, the approval rate for Charlotte N. White has shown variance, starting at 77% and reaching a peak of 81% in 2021. After a dip to 65% in 2019, the trend moved upward, with the most recent full-year data from 2023 showing a 79% approval rate. This pattern suggests that while the rate has fluctuated, it remains high relative to the office bench.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge White'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 New Orleans hearing office
Charlotte N. White's most recent SSA record (September 2023) is at the New Orleans hearing office. This office is part of a larger network of hearing locations where 17 judges have established records since 2016. You can see the New Orleans Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is New Orleans
The SSA assigns cases to you using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges whose most recent office on record is the New Orleans hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 38% to 85% since 2016. Six of these judges decided cases here in SSA's latest file.
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
With an approval rate of 74% since 2016, Charlotte N. White sits toward the higher end of the range for the 17 judges whose most recent office on record is New Orleans (38% to 85%). An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards often required in this jurisdiction.
The approval rate for Charlotte N. White has fluctuated over the years, moving from 77% in 2016 to a high of 81% in 2021, and settling at 79% in 2023. These shifts are common and may reflect changes in the types of cases assigned or the quality of evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency and fairness. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome by having a strong, evidence-based case. An attorney can help you prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and may hear testimony from you and vocational or medical experts. The goal is to determine if your impairment meets the SSA's definition of disability. An attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure your testimony is clear and supported by medical documentation.
The 74% approval rate for Charlotte N. White is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and vocational testimony you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
