Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent data sets. James D. Goodman has a lifetime approval rate of 43% based on 1,235 decisions. This sits within the broader range of 35% to 70% seen across the Pasadena bench since 2016. These figures provide a statistical baseline for understanding how cases have been handled at this office. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Goodman. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Goodman'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 James D. Goodman spans from 2016 to 2020, showing a total of 1,235 decisions. His approval rate remained between 40% and 46% from 2016 through 2019. The data shows an uptick in 2020, though this reflects a smaller volume of cases. This trend pattern suggests that while the judge's approach has been consistent, external factors or changes in case evidence can influence outcomes in any given year.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Goodman'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 Pasadena hearing office
The Pasadena hearing office serves you throughout the region. With 11 judges on record, the office manages a diverse caseload of disability claims. You can expect a formal process where evidence quality is the primary driver of the outcome. You can see the Pasadena Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 11 judges on record at this office since 2016, 5 of whom reported in the latest period. Approval rates vary significantly across this bench, ranging from 35% to 70% lifetime. 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
James D. Goodman has a lifetime approval rate of 43% across 1,235 decisions. This falls within the 35% to 70% range established by the 11 judges on record at the Pasadena office. An attorney can help you understand how your specific evidence aligns with the expectations of this bench.
His approval rate held between 40% and 46% from 2016 to 2019. While there was an increase in 2020, it involved a much smaller number of decisions. An attorney can help you analyze how these trends might relate to the current requirements of your case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot select your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where the 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 ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical documentation is the most important factor. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your file that could impact your chances of approval.