Approval rates
Your approval rate for Edward C. Graham is based on 2,126 lifetime decisions. When compared to the broader Long Beach bench, which features a lifetime approval-rate range of 32% to 76%, his 60% rate sits within the established local norms. These figures offer a baseline for understanding how cases have been handled in this office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Graham. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Graham'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
Edward C. Graham's record, spanning from 2016 to 2021, shows a consistent approach to disability claims. His approval rate has remained steady throughout this period, reflecting a predictable decision-making process over his 2,126 lifetime decisions. This stability indicates that his approach to evaluating evidence has remained largely unchanged over time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Graham'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 Long Beach hearing office
The Long Beach hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a key hub for California disability hearings. The office maintains a bench of 10 judges on record, ensuring a steady flow of case resolutions. You can expect a professional environment focused on the rigorous evaluation of your medical and vocational evidence.
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 10 judges on record at this office since 2016. With a lifetime approval-rate range of 32% to 76% across the bench, your specific judge can influence your hearing experience.
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
Edward C. Graham has a 60% lifetime approval rate across 2,126 decisions. This places him within the 32% to 76% range seen across the 10 judges on record at the Long Beach office. An attorney can help you understand how your specific evidence aligns with these local trends.
His approval rate has remained steady throughout his record from 2016 to 2021. While yearly fluctuations occur, the overall pattern suggests a consistent approach to case evaluation. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for a hearing before Edward C. Graham by analyzing the strengths of your claim.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control your assignment, working with an attorney is the best way to prepare for any judge.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your 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 presented effectively.
A judge's approval rate is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. Your outcome depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you document your limitations. An attorney can help you build a strong case that meets the Social Security Act requirements.