Approval rates
The 49% approval rate for Sharilyn Hopson sits within the 19% to 68% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Orange. With 2,579 decisions on record, the data provides a look at past outcomes. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Hopson. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Hopson'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 Sharilyn Hopson has fluctuated over the years, starting at 43% in 2016 and reaching a peak of 57% in 2018. Following that period, the rate saw a gradual decline, settling at 44% by 2023. This trend reflects the variability inherent in disability adjudication as case evidence and legal standards evolve.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Hopson'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 Orange hearing office
The Orange hearing office serves claimants in California. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, reflecting a diverse bench with varying approval patterns. You can see the Orange hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Orange
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Across the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Orange, approval rates vary significantly, ranging from 19% to 68%. This variation highlights why preparation remains critical regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
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
Sharilyn Hopson has an approval rate of 49% on record since 2016, which falls within the 19% to 68% range of the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Orange. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence to meet the specific standards of this bench.
Yes, the rate has shifted over time, moving from 43% in 2016 to a high of 57% in 2018 before trending to 44% in 2023. These fluctuations are common in disability law as case mixes change. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the current evidentiary requirements.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control the assignment, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony about your ability to work. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 49% approval rate for Sharilyn Hopson is a historical statistic based on 2,579 decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. Your specific medical evidence and work history are the most important factors in your case. An attorney can help you evaluate your claim's strengths and weaknesses.
