Approval rates
The approval rate for Sue Leise is calculated from 2,885 decisions on record since 2016. This figure is best understood by comparing it to the broader bench at the Seattle hearing office, where individual judge approval rates range from 21% to 93% over the same period. These numbers provide a baseline for understanding how cases have been decided historically, though they do not account for the specific medical evidence or vocational factors in your claim.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Leise. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Leise'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, Sue Leise has seen a notable evolution in her approval patterns. After an initial 51% approval rate in 2016, the trend moved upward, reaching 75% in 2025. This progression reflects a consistent shift in outcomes over the 2,885 total decisions on record. The recent data suggests a trend toward higher approval rates compared to the start of this data window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Leise'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 throughout the Washington region. This office features a diverse bench of 22 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on your medical and vocational documentation.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Seattle
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 22 judges whose most recent office on record is the Seattle hearing office, and their approval rates vary significantly from 21% to 93%. Because of this variance, understanding the general environment of the office is helpful for your claim.
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
Sue Leise maintains a 63% approval rate on her record since 2016. Among the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is the Seattle hearing office, approval rates range from 21% to 93%. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
Yes, the approval rate for Sue Leise has shown an upward trend over time. Starting at 51% in 2016, the rate reached 75% by 2025 across her 2,885 total decisions on record. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how these historical trends might relate to the current requirements for your specific disability claim.
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. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to prepare a robust case is the best way to ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your daily activities, work history, and the limitations caused by your condition. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate these questions and ensure your testimony aligns with the medical evidence in your file.
The 63% approval rate for Sue Leise is a statistical observation of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical documentation is the primary factor in a judge's decision. An attorney can help you review your file to ensure you have the necessary evidence to support your claim.
