Approval rates
To understand how David Willis compares to his peers, you can look at both long-term records and recent performance. Since 2016, the approval-rate range for the 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Memphis spans from 44% to 80%. In the most recent reporting period, David Willis maintained an approval rate of 66%, which is 11 percentage points higher than the office average of 55%. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
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 Willis'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, David Willis has issued 3,154 decisions, showing a varied approval trend over the last decade. After an initial period of fluctuation between 2016 and 2019, the approval rate saw a notable rise in 2020 and has continued to shift, reaching 66% in the most recent partial year of 2026. This latest figure represents a divergence from his long-term average, potentially reflecting changes in case complexity or the specific evidence presented in recent dockets.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Willis'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 Memphis hearing office
The Memphis hearing office is the most recent office on record for David Willis, with his last recorded decision there in July 2026. As of the most recent data through July 2026, this office maintains an average approval rate of 55%. With a bench of 14 judges, the office handles a high volume of disability claims, requiring you to be well-prepared with comprehensive medical documentation.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Memphis
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge assigned to your hearing is essentially random. There are 14 judges whose most recent office on record is Memphis, and 7 of them decided cases in the latest SSA file through July 2026. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 44% to 80% based on records since 2016.
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 Willis maintains a 66% approval rate in the latest reporting period, which is 11 percentage points higher than the Memphis office average of 55%. While this data is useful for context, your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence in your file. An attorney can help you build a stronger case regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the approval rate for David Willis has fluctuated over the years. Starting at 52% in 2016, it reached a low of 41% in 2018 before trending upward to 66% in the partial 2026 fiscal year. These shifts are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases or evidence presented. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control the assignment, it is vital to have an attorney who can prepare you for the specific requirements of any judge.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. Having an attorney present can help you present your testimony clearly and ensure all relevant evidence is included.
The 50% approval rate for David Willis since 2016 provides a historical perspective on his docket, but it is not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.
