Approval rates
The 55% approval rate for Patricia Daum reflects her total decisions on record since 2016. This is compared against the 33% to 72% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Seven Fields. These figures represent past performance and do not predict the outcome of your specific hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Daum. 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 Daum'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 trend for Patricia Daum shows a shift over the 731 decisions on record since 2016. The approval rate was 100% in 2016, 59% in 2017, 54% in 2018, and 29% in 2019. These yearly fluctuations reflect changes in the cases heard during those periods rather than a fixed policy.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Daum'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 Seven Fields hearing office
The Seven Fields hearing office is the most recent office on record for 10 judges. The office handles a diverse range of disability claims, and the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in your decision. You can visit the Seven Fields hearing office page for the full roster of judges.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Seven Fields
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is Seven Fields. Approval rates across this bench vary, ranging from 33% to 72%. Your preparation remains the same regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
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
Patricia Daum has a 55% approval rate on her 731 decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the 33% to 72% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Seven Fields. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Patricia Daum has shifted over time. After an initial period in 2016, the rate moved from 59% in 2017 to 54% in 2018, with a rate of 29% in 2019. An attorney can help you understand how these patterns might relate to your specific case evidence.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm. Because you cannot select your judge, it is important to have a qualified attorney help you prepare a strong case regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and daily limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
