Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at the full scope of their available record. Alexander G. Levine has maintained a 67% approval rate over 1,761 lifetime decisions, which sits within the broader 43% to 84% range observed across the Bronx bench. These figures provide a statistical baseline for understanding how cases have been decided at this office since 2016.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Levine. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Levine'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 trend for Alexander G. Levine has shown movement over the years. After starting at 70% in 2016, the rate saw a period of decline before reaching 82% in the 2021 data. This pattern suggests a shift in outcomes that may reflect changes in case mix or evolving evidentiary standards. Because these trends are based on 1,761 lifetime decisions, they offer a window into how the judge has approached the hearing process over the last several years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Levine'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 Bronx hearing office
The Bronx hearing office serves the local region and maintains a bench of 16 judges on record. You can expect a standard administrative process governed by 20 CFR Part 404. The office-wide latest-period approval rate is 55%, providing a point of reference for the local environment.
Other judges at this hearing office
SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges on record at this office since 2016, 6 of whom are reported in the latest SSA period. Approval rates across this bench vary widely, ranging from 43% to 84% on a lifetime basis.
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
Alexander G. Levine has a lifetime approval rate of 67% across 1,761 decisions. This places him within the 43% to 84% range of lifetime approval rates seen among the 16 judges who have served at the Bronx office. An attorney can help you understand how these local patterns might influence your specific hearing strategy.
Yes, the data shows a dynamic trend. While the rate was 70% in 2016, it fluctuated in the intervening years before reaching 82% in 2021. This variation is common in long-term judicial records, and an attorney can help you prepare for the current evidentiary expectations in your case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, which ensures that assignments are random and impartial. Since you cannot control the assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare. An attorney can help you build a case that meets the necessary standards for approval.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is properly presented.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. While the 67% rate for Alexander G. Levine provides context, the outcome of your hearing depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you build a case that meets the necessary standards for approval.