Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
The 7 judges whose most recent office on record is this one show a moderate spread in approval rates, ranging from 40% to 72%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs medical evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits regardless of which judge presides over your session.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Trunick | 72% | 509 | |
| 2 | Marti Kirby | 61% | 2,938 | |
| 3 | Josephine Arno | 54% | 3,481 | |
| 4 | Brian Yamada | 51% | 887 | |
| 5 | Joseph D. Schloss | 49% | 1,915 | |
| 6 | Elizabeth Watson | 45% | 3,436 | |
| 7 | Amy Chau | 40% | 1,177 |
How long you'll wait
At Moreno Valley, 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 at the Moreno Valley office involves an ALJ reviewing your claim and hearing testimony. Because the wait is 9 months, you have a valuable runway to submit updated medical records and a detailed log of your daily activities. Ensure your medication list is current and clearly notes any side effects that impact your ability to work. A vocational expert will often testify to identify jobs that might fit your physical or mental limits, and you or your attorney will have the opportunity to question them. Evidence submission deadlines are strict, so provide new documentation well before your hearing date.
When a panel's approval rates span over 30 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it due to gaps in documentation. Even at offices with typical approval rates, the cases that fail often lack the specific medical evidence needed to counter a vocational expert's testimony. Focusing on the completeness of your medical record is the most effective way to prepare for your hearing.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Moreno Valley, 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 for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This is slightly longer than the national average of 8.2 months, providing you with extra time to prepare your medical evidence. An attorney can help you use this time to strengthen your claim.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, your best strategy is to focus on the quality of your medical record rather than the specific judge assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for the different styles of the judges on this panel.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about a potential conflict of interest, an attorney can help you discuss your options.
While not required, having an attorney can significantly improve your chances of approval. An attorney can help you navigate the 54% approval rate at this office by ensuring your evidence is properly presented to the ALJ.
