At 65%, the Shreveport office maintains an allowance rate above the national norm, suggesting a favorable environment for well-documented claims. However, with wait times rising to 9 months and a panel of 5 judges showing a 27-point spread in approval rates, your outcome depends heavily on the specific evidence you present. An attorney can help you organize your medical history and anticipate the vocational testimony that will define your hearing.
Heading to an ALJ hearing? Get a free case review to prepare for your upcoming hearing.
Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
Your 9-month wait is a critical runway to ensure your file is complete before you face an ALJ. Start by gathering all medical records generated since your initial denial, as these provide the most current snapshot of your limitations. You should also maintain a daily log of your symptoms and medication side effects to provide concrete testimony during your hearing. A vocational expert will likely testify about available jobs, and you must be prepared to explain why your specific impairments prevent you from performing those roles. Because the Shreveport panel shows meaningful variation in how they weigh evidence, your file must stand on its own merits. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
The Judges at This Office
The Shreveport panel of 5 judges shows a moderate spread in outcomes, with individual allowance rates ranging from 55% to 82%. While the median rate sits at 62%, the variation across the panel means that which judge you draw can influence the tone and focus of your hearing. Cases are assigned randomly, and each judge weighs medical evidence differently, so your preparation must be thorough enough to satisfy the requirements of any judge on the panel.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
With a 9-month wait time, you can use the period before your hearing to pressure-test your medical evidence against the specific standards used by the Shreveport panel. By identifying gaps in your documentation early, you can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to denials even in offices with high allowance rates. This proactive approach helps ensure your case is ready for the hearing room.
About This Hearing Office
Keep these location details and office hours handy as you finalize your plans for your hearing day in Shreveport.
Most Favorable Judges
Shreveport, LA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mary Abbondondelo | 79% | 77% | 26,871 | |
| 2 | Samuel Thomason | 65% | 50% | 6,075 | |
| 3 | Grant Dail | 61% | 55% | 6,376 | |
| 4 | John Antonowicz | 46% | 43% | 29,391 | |
| 5 | Charlotte A. Wright | 43% | 37% | 22,019 | |
| 6 | Charles R. Lindsay | 42% | 36% | 12,524 | |
| 7 | W. Thomas Bundy | 37% | 31% | 3,294 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.