Who decides cases at this office
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 76%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs evidence differently. This wide variation makes it essential that your case is documented strongly enough to stand on its own regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E. M. Koldewey | 76% | 532 | |
| 2 | John C. Tobin | 71% | 1,669 | |
| 3 | Peggy M. Zirlin | 69% | 503 | |
| 4 | Marc A. Yerkey | 68% | 1,034 | |
| 5 | Robert A. Evans | 67% | 528 | |
| 6 | Edward C. Graham | 60% | 2,126 | |
| 7 | Cynthia Floyd | 56% | 3,704 | |
| 8 | Kimberly M. Gallegos | 55% | 1,011 | |
| 9 | Joseph T. Marcee | 51% | 670 | |
| 10 | Diana J. Coburn | 32% | 3,162 |
How long you'll wait
At Long Beach, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 8 months— versus a national average of 8 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 is a formal proceeding where an ALJ will evaluate your claim, often with the help of a vocational expert who testifies about available work. Because the panel here shows a wide range of approval rates, your file must be thorough before you arrive. Use the 8-month wait to organize your medical records, specifically highlighting new diagnoses or treatments since your initial denial. You should also prepare a daily-activity log that clearly illustrates how your symptoms prevent you from performing basic work tasks. Ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted. The hearing typically lasts about an hour, and you will receive a written decision by mail several weeks later.
When a panel's approval rates span 44 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. A professional who understands the tendencies of the Long Beach panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical record speaks for itself. Use your remaining wait time to have a professional evaluate your file before you step into the hearing room.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Long Beach, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. 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 for a hearing at this office is 8 months. This is slightly faster than the national average of 8.2 months, providing a steady timeline for you to finalize your medical evidence.
ALJs are assigned to cases randomly at the Long Beach office. Because the panel features a wide spread in approval rates, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards common to this office.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about a specific judge, an attorney can help you understand the appropriate legal steps to take.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the wide variation in judge approval rates at this office makes professional representation a significant advantage. An attorney can help you organize your records and prepare for the vocational expert's testimony, and an attorney can help you navigate the hearing process.