Approval rates
The approval rate for H. S. Williams is based on 1,426 decisions recorded from 2016 through 2019. When evaluating this figure, it is helpful to look at the range of approval rates among the 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Nashville, which spans from 47% to 75%. This comparison provides a clearer picture of the local bench than national averages alone. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Williams. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Williams'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 approval rate for H. S. Williams remained steady throughout the recorded period. Starting at 76% in 2016, the rate moved to 75% in 2017 and 73% in 2018, before reaching 78% in 2019. With 1,426 total decisions on record, the data shows a consistent pattern of adjudication. These yearly trends provide insight into how the judge has approached cases in the past.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Williams'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 Nashville hearing office
The Nashville hearing office serves you and other claimants across Tennessee and the surrounding region. There are 11 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in any decision. You can see the Nashville hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Nashville
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Nashville, with approval rates ranging from 47% to 75%. While you cannot choose your judge, understanding that you are part of a larger system of random assignment is important. The guidance for your preparation remains the same regardless of which judge you are 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
H. S. Williams has an approval rate of 75% based on 1,426 decisions since 2016. This is at the higher end of the 47% to 75% range observed among the 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Nashville. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
The approval rate for H. S. Williams has remained steady, with yearly figures of 76%, 75%, 73%, and 78% between 2016 and 2019. This consistency suggests a stable pattern in how the judge has reviewed evidence over the years. An attorney can help you understand how your case evidence fits into this pattern.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses an automated, random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges. Because you cannot control your assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you with this process.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you organize your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While H. S. Williams has a 75% approval rate on record, every case is unique and depends on the specific medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you determine if your claim is well-positioned for a hearing.
