Approval rates
The approval rates for Cecilia LaCara are based on a record of 2,922 lifetime decisions since 2016. When comparing her latest-period approval rate of 24% against broader benchmarks, she currently sits 31 points below the Seattle office average, 37 points below the state average, and 34 points below the national average. These figures reflect historical trends rather than a fixed outcome for your case.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge LaCara'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 pattern for Cecilia LaCara has fluctuated. After starting with a 33% approval rate in 2016, the figures shifted over the following years, reaching a high of 34% in 2020 before settling into the current range. The latest period reflects a continuation of this pattern, with the judge maintaining a consistent approach to case evaluation across her 2,922 lifetime decisions.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge LaCara'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 Seattle hearing office
The Seattle hearing office serves you and other claimants across Washington and the surrounding region. It is home to a bench of 22 judges on record who manage a high volume of disability claims. With an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 55%, you can expect a rigorous review of your medical evidence.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. The Seattle hearing office bench includes 22 judges on record since 2016, with 4 judges currently reporting in the latest period. Approval rates across this office vary significantly, with a lifetime range spanning from 21% to 93%.
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
Cecilia LaCara has a lifetime approval rate of 27% based on 2,922 lifetime decisions. This places her within the broader office-wide lifetime range of 21% to 93% seen among the 22 judges on record at the Seattle office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific judge.
Yes, the approval rate for Cecilia LaCara has fluctuated since 2016, moving from 33% in her early recorded years to 24% in the most recent reporting period. These shifts are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases heard or the quality of evidence presented. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of these historical trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at the Seattle hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building the strongest possible case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and testimony to determine if you meet the criteria for disability. You will likely be asked questions about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate these questions and ensure your case is presented clearly.