Approval rates
The 60% approval rate for Jan Donsbach reflects all decisions on record since 2016. This sits within the broader range of 38% to 78% observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is Los Angeles Downtown. These figures provide a historical perspective on the office's activity.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Donsbach. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2016. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Donsbach'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 Jan Donsbach is based on 85 decisions on record since 2016. During 2016, the rate was 60%. This data window provides a view of past activity at the Los Angeles Downtown office, reflecting a consistent approach to case evaluation during that period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Donsbach'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
The Los Angeles Downtown hearing office is the most recent office on record for Jan Donsbach as of September 2016. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can see the Los Angeles Downtown Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Los Angeles Downtown
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is Los Angeles Downtown, with approval rates ranging from 38% to 78%. These figures provide context for the office's historical performance.
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
Jan Donsbach has a 60% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the 38% to 78% range seen among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is Los Angeles Downtown. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
The approval rate for Jan Donsbach was 60% in 2016. This rate remained steady throughout the recorded period of January 2016 to September 2016. A qualified attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at the Los Angeles Downtown office. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal 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. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and organize your medical evidence.
The 60% approval rate for Jan Donsbach represents past decisions and is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical documentation is the most important factor in your outcome. An attorney can help you build a strong case to present at your hearing.
