Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office cluster around a median approval rate of 46%, but with a moderate spread ranging from 40% to 67%. This variation means that while the panel follows consistent Social Security Administration guidelines, each judge weighs evidence differently. Because cases are assigned randomly, your file must be robust enough to stand on its own regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizabeth R. Lishner | 67% | 2,939 | |
| 2 | John P. Giannikas | 64% | 583 | |
| 3 | Gail Reich | 63% | 3,568 | |
| 4 | Robin Rosenbluth | 60% | 3,532 | |
| 5 | Ena Weathers | 46% | 1,531 | |
| 6 | Sally C. Reason | 43% | 3,290 | |
| 7 | Lawrence D. Wheeler | 41% | 538 | |
| 8 | Susan Hoffman | 40% | 600 | |
| 9 | Richard T. Breen | 40% | 3,781 |
How long you'll wait
At Los Angeles West, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 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 45 to 60 minutes, with an ALJ presiding over the proceedings. You should arrive with updated medical records that document your condition since your initial denial, as these are the most critical pieces of evidence. A vocational expert will likely testify regarding your ability to perform work, and you or your representative will have the opportunity to question them. Because the Social Security Administration restricts last-minute evidence submissions, ensure your file is complete well before your date. Decisions are not made on the spot; you will receive a written notice by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
With a 9-month wait between filing and your hearing, you have a window of time that you can use to pressure-test your file against the specific vocational questions you will face under oath. When approval rates vary across a panel, a representative ensures your medical documentation is clear and comprehensive.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Los Angeles West, 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 current average wait for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with additional time to gather necessary medical evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to strengthen your case.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to have a well-documented file that addresses your limitations clearly. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this panel.
You generally cannot request a specific judge for your hearing. If you have concerns about a potential conflict of interest, you should discuss them with an attorney who can advise on the proper procedures for raising those issues.
While you are not required to have an attorney, represented claimants are often better positioned at the hearing stage. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the hearing and prepare you for the testimony of the vocational expert.
