Approval rates
Understanding how a judge's approval rate compares to their peers can provide helpful context for your hearing. The data shows that Lisa Hibner has an approval rate of 53% based on 1,219 decisions on record since 2016. This figure sits within the 50% to 93% range observed among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the South Jersey hearing office. These figures reflect historical trends rather than specific outcomes for your case.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Hibner. The most recent period with decisions on record is October 25, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Hibner'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 Lisa Hibner on record since 2016 shows a pattern that shifted after an initial period. Following a 68% approval rate in 2016, the annual rate was 54% in 2017, 50% in 2018, and 53% in 2019. With 1,219 total decisions on record, these fluctuations suggest that the approach to case evaluation has remained relatively consistent in recent years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Hibner'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 South Jersey hearing office
The South Jersey hearing office is the most recent office on record for Lisa Hibner as of October 2019. This office maintains a bench of 13 judges whose most recent record is at this location. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony. You can see the South Jersey Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is South Jersey
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the South Jersey hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 50% to 93% on their since-2016 records. While you cannot choose your judge, understanding the range of outcomes at this office provides a clearer picture of the hearing process.
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
Lisa Hibner has a 53% approval rate on record since 2016. This places her within the 50% to 93% range of approval rates for the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the South Jersey hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Lisa Hibner has fluctuated over time. After an initial 68% approval rate in 2016, the rate settled into a range between 50% and 55% from 2017 through 2019. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these patterns might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, and the judge you are assigned is essentially random. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history and your ability to perform daily tasks. Working with an attorney can help you ensure your evidence is organized and ready for the hearing.
A judge's approval rate is a summary of past decisions, not a prediction for any specific hearing. Lisa Hibner has approved 53% of the 1,219 cases on record since 2016. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your specific evidence.
