Approval rates
The approval rate for Katherine Edgell is based on 1,314 decisions recorded between 2016 and 2019. This figure provides a statistical look at past outcomes within that specific timeframe. Because SSA case assignment is handled by a workload-balancing algorithm, the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
Judge Edgell is not in SSA's latest disposition file, so there is no 12-month figure. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Judge Edgell isn't in SSA's latest disposition file, so the judge comparison tool, which compares active judges over the same 12 months, leaves them out.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Edgell'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
Katherine Edgell's approval rate shows a varied pattern across the years on record. In 2016, the rate stood at 47% over 400 decisions, before reaching 51% in 2017. The rate then returned to 47% in 2018 and concluded at 44% in 2019. These figures represent the 1,314 total decisions on record since 2016.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Edgell'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.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is White Plains
SSA assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 5 judges whose most recent office on record is the White Plains hearing office. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same 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
Katherine Edgell has an approval rate of 47% based on 1,314 decisions on record from 2016 through 2019. Other judges at the White Plains office have their own distinct records, and because case assignment is random, you should focus on preparing your evidence regardless of the judge. An attorney can help you review your case details.
The approval rate for Katherine Edgell fluctuated during the period from 2016 to 2019. It moved from 47% in 2016 to a high of 51% in 2017, followed by 47% in 2018 and 44% in 2019. A qualified attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with hearing requirements.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. SSA assigns cases to judges using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Your best approach is to focus on the strength of your medical evidence with the help of an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews the evidence for your disability claim. You may be asked questions about your work history and medical limitations, and vocational or medical experts may provide testimony. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and organize your medical records.
An approval rate is a summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the quality of the medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible before your hearing date.
