Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same time periods to ensure accuracy. The 54% approval rate on record since 2016 is evaluated against the 35% to 82% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the Santa Barbara location. This data provides a statistical baseline for understanding how past cases have been decided, rather than predicting your specific outcome.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Andeer. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Andeer'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
The approval rate for Kyle E. Andeer shows a fluctuating trend across the 1,264 decisions on record since 2016. The data indicates an approval rate of 54% in 2016, 48% in 2017, and 61% in 2018. This variance suggests that decisions have shifted over the period of record, reflecting the complexity of medical evidence and case mix that you may encounter.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Andeer'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 Santa Barbara hearing office
The Santa Barbara hearing office serves claimants in California, operating within the broader Social Security Administration regional framework. There are 7 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, which has historically managed a diverse range of disability claims. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on your medical documentation and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Santa Barbara
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 7 judges whose most recent office on record is the Santa Barbara location, with approval rates ranging from 35% to 82% on their since-2016 records. While the specific judge matters, the process for presenting evidence remains consistent across the bench.
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
Kyle E. Andeer has an approval rate of 54% based on 1,264 decisions on record since 2016. Among the 7 judges whose most recent office on record is the Santa Barbara location, approval rates range from 35% to 82%. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
The approval rate has fluctuated over the record window, starting at 54% in 2016, moving to 48% in 2017, and reaching 61% in 2018. These changes reflect the variability in case types and evidence presented over time. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific requirements of your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency and fairness. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on the strength of your medical evidence with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your daily activities, work history, and the limitations caused by your impairments. An attorney can help you prepare for this process and ensure your testimony is clear and consistent.
The 54% approval rate on record for Kyle E. Andeer is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most critical factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your specific hearing.
