Approval rates
The approval rate for Carolyn Cohn-Morros reflects her history of decisions within the SSA framework. When evaluating this data, it is important to note that the office-wide lifetime approval rates for the 12 judges on record at the Orange office range from 19% to 68%. This variation highlights the importance of presenting a well-documented case regardless of the judge assigned to your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Cohn-Morros. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Cohn-Morros'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 record for Carolyn Cohn-Morros spans from 2017 to 2019, covering 552 lifetime decisions. Her approval rate has remained relatively steady throughout this period, showing only minor fluctuations year over year. This consistency suggests a stable approach to evaluating disability claims, which can be useful when you and your representative structure your testimony and medical evidence.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Cohn-Morros'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 Orange hearing office
The Orange hearing office serves claimants throughout the region in California. It is home to a bench of 12 judges who manage a high volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process focused on the medical and vocational evidence presented in your file. You can visit the Orange Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 12 judges on record at the Orange hearing office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 19% to 68% over their respective careers. For preparation purposes, the guidance remains consistent regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Judge Carolyn Cohn-Morros has a lifetime approval rate of 62%, which sits within the broader range of 19% to 68% seen among the 12 judges on record at the Orange office. Because case assignment is random, an attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards expected in this office.
The approval rate for Judge Carolyn Cohn-Morros has held relatively steady across her 552 decisions on record. While yearly fluctuations occur, her overall pattern remains consistent. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical records effectively given this historical trend.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random, automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges. Since you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you prepare a strong case that addresses the common requirements of the Orange hearing office.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical and vocational evidence. You will likely be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is organized to support your claim.
A 62% lifetime approval rate for Judge Carolyn Cohn-Morros is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your outcome. Your specific medical evidence and how it aligns with regulatory requirements are the primary factors in your case. An attorney can help you evaluate your evidence to ensure it is as strong as possible.