Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Approval rates across the panel at this office show a moderate spread, with individual rates ranging from 35% to 70%. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, and each ALJ weighs evidence differently. This variation means your file must be robust enough to stand on its own merits, regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barbara Dunn | 70% | 3,405 | |
| 2 | Donna M. Montano | 69% | 1,543 | |
| 3 | Philip J. Simon | 68% | 1,581 | |
| 4 | Lesley Troope | 68% | 1,817 | |
| 5 | Ghermann Magana | 68% | 1,344 | |
| 6 | John D. Moreen | 66% | 346 | |
| 7 | Ken H. Chau | 66% | 2,541 | |
| 8 | Bruce T. Cooper | 65% | 3,389 | |
| 9 | David Lacy | 54% | 1,451 | |
| 10 | James D. Goodman | 43% | 1,235 | |
| 11 | Joel B. Martinez | 35% | 111 |
How long you'll wait
At Pasadena, 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
You have 9 months to prepare for your hearing, a period that should be used to gather updated medical records, a detailed medication list with side effects, and daily-activity logs. Because the ALJ will rely on your most recent health data, ensure any new diagnoses or treatment notes since your initial denial are submitted well before the deadline. During the hearing, you will testify under oath while a vocational expert provides testimony regarding your ability to perform work. A well-documented file is the most effective tool for navigating this process.
With a 9-month wait, you have a significant runway to strengthen your claim before you ever step into the hearing room. Identifying gaps in your medical evidence early can help you prepare for the testimony of a vocational expert. By pressure-testing your file now, you ensure that your testimony is supported by objective data when you finally face the judge.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Pasadena, 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 wait time has been trending upward, so it is vital to begin organizing your medical evidence as soon as your hearing is scheduled. An attorney can help you manage this timeline effectively.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because each judge weighs evidence differently, an attorney can help you prepare by reviewing the panel's aggregate data.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the hearing stage is a complex legal proceeding where your medical evidence is tested against vocational standards. An attorney can help you navigate these requirements to improve your chances of success.
While there is no formal dress code, dressing in neat, professional attire shows respect for the court and the ALJ. An attorney can help you understand what to expect during the hearing process beyond just your appearance.
