San Bernardino's 63% allowance rate sits within the national norm for SSDI hearing offices, meaning your outcome depends on the quality of your evidence. With a steady 8-month wait time, you have a predictable window to organize your medical records and prepare for your hearing. An attorney can help you build a strong, evidence-based strategy to navigate this stage.
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Check My BenefitsPreparing for Your Hearing
With an 8-month wait, you have a clear runway to build a robust file before your hearing. Your most critical task is gathering updated medical records that document your limitations since your initial denial. You should also prepare a detailed log of your daily activities and medication side effects, as these details clarify your functional capacity for the judge. During the hearing, a vocational expert will likely testify about jobs that fit your profile. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to question this expert to ensure they account for all your physical or mental restrictions. Once the hearing concludes, the judge will mail a decision to your home.
The Judges at This Office
The panel of 6 judges at this office maintains a tight allowance-rate spread, with outcomes clustering around a 64% median. Because the judges here weigh evidence with consistency, you are less likely to face extreme variations in how your case is handled. While cases are assigned randomly, the panel's uniformity means your success rests primarily on the strength of your documentation.
Why Representation Matters at the Hearing Stage
Even at offices with a 63% allowance rate, the difference between an approval and a denial often comes down to how well you anticipate the vocational expert's testimony. An attorney uses the 8-month wait to pressure-test your medical evidence against the specific jobs the expert is likely to cite. This preparation ensures that when you sit down at the hearing, your file is built to withstand scrutiny.
About This Hearing Office
With 1,505 cases disposed of in the last reporting period, this office is a high-volume hub for SSDI claims. Keep these location details handy for your hearing day.
Most Favorable Judges
San Bernardino, CA
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Full Approval | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark Yasutomi | 67% | 34% | 5,720 | |
| 2 | Elizabeth Stevens Bentley | 64% | 48% | 25,604 | |
| 3 | Troy Silva | 63% | 60% | 22,005 | |
| 4 | Mason D. Harrell Jr. | 62% | 53% | 23,243 | |
| 5 | Kathleen Fischer | 59% | 50% | 19,351 | |
| 6 | Joel Tracy | 54% | 43% | 22,067 | |
| 7 | Daniel Benjamin | 52% | 63% | 12,652 |
Your odds change dramatically with a lawyer
SSDI hearing approval rates — with a lawyer vs. on your own
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37 — analysis of SSA ALJ adult disability decisions, FY 2007–2015. Applicants with a lawyer got approved at a rate nearly three times higher than those without. Individual case outcomes vary based on medical evidence, the specific judge, and quality of representation. Checking whether you qualify for a free benefits review takes 2 minutes.
Wait Time Trend
Average months from hearing request to decision — last 16 months
Nearest SSA Field Offices
Where to apply or check on your claim in person
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Content
Statistics come from SSA's Office of Hearings Operations reports and publicly available judge decision data. Approval rates count both full and partial approvals. Wait times reflect the average from hearing request to decision.