Approval rates
The approval rate for David J. Agatstein is based on 2,469 decisions rendered between 2016 and 2021. When evaluating this figure, consider the broader context of the Los Angeles Downtown hearing office, where the 10 judges on record range from 38% to 78% in their approval rates.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Agatstein. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Agatstein's docket. Annual rates fluctuate with the mix of cases SSA assigns; the longer-run pattern is more informative than any single year.
Decision pattern
Since 2016, your approval rate for David J. Agatstein has shifted. After an initial approval rate of 72% in 2016, the rate was 68% in 2017, 66% in 2018, 61% in 2019, 65% in 2020, and 54% in 2021. These fluctuations reflect the evolving nature of the evidence and case mix presented over the five-year window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Agatstein's bench. Judge-specific preparation guidance requires a corpus of public Appeals Council decisions involving each judge, which we haven't built yet.
- Bring a clean treating-physician record. Longitudinal primary-care or specialist notes spanning the disability period, with consistent symptom documentation, are typically the strongest evidence at hearing. A single month's records usually aren't enough.
- Don't rely on consultative exams alone. If your medical evidence is built primarily around a one-time CE finding, expect detailed questioning. Supplement with treating-source statements where possible.
- Prepare for daily-activity questions. Have honest, specific answers about a typical day. Answers that conflict with the medical record (in either direction) tend to hurt credibility.
- Expect transferable-skills probing. A vocational expert will usually testify about jobs available to someone with your limitations. Your representative should be prepared to cross-examine.
About the Los Angeles Downtown hearing office
David J. Agatstein's most recent office on record is the Los Angeles Downtown hearing office. This office is home to a bench of 10 judges who manage disability claims. You can expect a review of your medical evidence and vocational testimony at this location.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Los Angeles Downtown
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly, meaning you cannot choose your judge. At the Los Angeles Downtown hearing office, there are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. These judges demonstrate a wide range of approval rates, from 38% to 78%.
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.
Frequently asked questions
David J. Agatstein's 65% approval rate sits within the range of 38% to 78% observed among the 10 judges at the Los Angeles Downtown office. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with this judge's history.
Yes, the approval rate for David J. Agatstein has fluctuated, starting at 72% in 2016 and reaching 54% in 2021. These variations often reflect changes in the types of cases or the quality of evidence presented. A qualified attorney can help you build a case that addresses these variables.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to focus on the strength of your medical documentation. An attorney can help you prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 65% approval rate for David J. Agatstein is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not guarantee a specific outcome for your hearing. Your success depends on the medical evidence and the specific details of your disability. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare accordingly.
