Who decides cases at this office
The 9 ALJs at Los Angeles West show a moderate spread in their allowance rates, which range from 40% to 67% with a median of 46%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each weighs medical evidence differently. This variation makes it essential to have a file that is clear and comprehensive, regardless of which judge presides over your session.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Dispositions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elizabeth R. Lishner | 67% | 3,707 | |
| 2 | John P. Giannikas | 64% | 781 | |
| 3 | Gail Reich | 63% | 4,515 | |
| 4 | Robin Rosenbluth | 60% | 4,458 | |
| 5 | Ena Weathers | 46% | 1,967 | |
| 6 | Sally C. Reason | 43% | 4,670 | |
| 7 | Lawrence D. Wheeler | 41% | 878 | |
| 8 | Richard T. Breen | 40% | 4,899 | |
| 9 | Susan Hoffman | 40% | 841 |
Former & transferred judges
SSA rosters change as judges retire, transfer, or move to national assignments. These judges previously decided Social Security disability cases from this location but are not on the current roster. Their full public decision records are on their profiles.
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 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 at Los Angeles West will involve an ALJ reviewing your file and hearing testimony. You must submit all updated medical records, medication lists, and daily-activity logs well before the deadline. A vocational expert will typically testify regarding jobs that fit your specific limitations, and you will have the opportunity to question them. Because the panel here shows a moderate spread in allowance rates, your case must be documented thoroughly to ensure the evidence speaks for itself. After the hearing, you will receive the judge's decision by mail.
When a panel's allowance rates span over 25 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. An attorney who understands the Los Angeles West panel can identify the specific gaps in your medical record that a vocational expert might exploit during questioning. You can review your evidence to see how it measures up before your hearing date.
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. 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 9 months. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with additional time to strengthen your medical evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to build a stronger case.
Cases are assigned randomly to one of the 9 ALJs at this office. Because each judge has a different approach to weighing evidence, an attorney can help you prepare by anticipating the specific concerns often raised by the panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made randomly to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about your assigned ALJ, discuss them with your attorney, who can evaluate if there are valid legal grounds for a request.
While there is no formal dress code, dressing in neat, professional-casual attire shows respect for the court and the ALJ. Focus your energy on ensuring your medical records and testimony are organized and clear. An attorney can help you prepare for the hearing environment.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is complex and involves questioning by a vocational expert. Represented claimants are statistically more likely to be allowed benefits, and an attorney can help you navigate the specific requirements of the Los Angeles West panel.