Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges having at least 30 decisions on record spanning from 38% to 79%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs evidence according to their own interpretation of the law. This wide spread means your file must be strong enough to succeed regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mary Abbondondelo | 79% | 4,100 | |
| 2 | Patricia W. Supergan | 54% | 3,076 | |
| 3 | Charlotte A. Wright | 43% | 3,159 | |
| 4 | Charles R. Lindsay | 43% | 1,653 | |
| 5 | Carolyn Ebbers | 39% | 284 | |
| 6 | W. Thomas Bundy | 38% | 414 |
How long you'll wait
At Shreveport, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 months— versus a national average of 8.2 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
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.
Going to your hearing
Your hearing will typically last about an hour, during which an ALJ will review your medical history and often hear from a vocational expert. Because the wait time in Shreveport has been trending upward recently, you have a valuable window to update your medical records with recent treatment notes, diagnostic tests, and a clear log of your daily limitations. Ensure your medication list is current and includes documented side effects, as these often impact your ability to perform work-related tasks. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so do not wait until the last minute to provide new documents. A well-organized file that highlights your functional impairments is the most effective way to address the testimony of the vocational expert. Your final decision will arrive by mail several weeks after the hearing concludes.
When a panel's approval rates span over 40 points, your file must be robust enough that no judge can dismiss it due to weak documentation. While Shreveport has a high overall approval rate, the cases that fail often do so because you did not adequately prepare for the vocational expert's testimony. You can use your 8-month wait time to pressure-test your evidence and ensure your functional limitations are clearly linked to your medical records before you step into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Shreveport, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. SSA's published service areas route these offices' appeals here. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait time for a hearing at this office is 8 months. While this is slightly shorter than the national average of 8.2 months, the trend has been rising, so it is important to prepare your evidence early. An attorney can help you manage this timeline.
Judges are assigned to cases randomly, and you cannot request a specific judge. Because the approval rates for the panel range from 38% to 79%, an attorney can help you understand how to present your case to meet the standards of any judge on the panel.
Yes, but you must adhere to strict submission deadlines set by the SSA. Submitting updated medical records and witness statements well before your hearing date is critical for a successful outcome. An attorney can help you gather and submit this evidence.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be approved for SSDI benefits. An attorney can help you navigate the wide variation in judge approval rates and ensure your evidence is ready for the hearing.
