Approval rates
The approval rates for Judith A. Kopec are calculated based on 2,377 lifetime decisions. Within the Stockton hearing office, lifetime approval rates among the bench range from 23% to 82%, illustrating the variance in how cases are evaluated. These figures offer context for the hearing environment you are entering.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kopec. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Kopec'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
Since 2016, the approval rate for Judith A. Kopec has shown a steady trend with yearly fluctuations. Starting at 51% in 2016, the rate reached 70% in 2021 before settling at 65% in 2022. This pattern suggests a consistent approach to evaluating your disability evidence over the years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kopec'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Stockton hearing office
The Stockton hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a hub for SSDI hearings in California. With a bench of 11 judges on record, the office manages a diverse caseload. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on your medical and vocational evidence.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 11 judges on record at the Stockton hearing office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 23% to 82% over their respective lifetime records.
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
Judith A. Kopec's 61% lifetime approval rate sits within the broader range of 23% to 82% seen among the 11 judges on record at the Stockton office. Because each judge has a unique history, an attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific bench.
The approval rate for Judith A. Kopec has remained relatively steady, moving from 51% in 2016 to 65% in 2022. While these yearly shifts occur, the overall pattern suggests a consistent approach to case evaluation. A qualified attorney can help you prepare a case strategy that addresses the specific requirements of this judge.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency, making the assignment process random. Regardless of your assigned judge, an attorney can help you build a strong case.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ 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 clearly presented.
A 61% lifetime approval rate is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of how Judith A. Kopec 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 identify the evidence needed to meet the judge's standards.