Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 67% approval rate for Alexander G. Levine reflects his total decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 43% to 84% range of his peers at the Bronx hearing office. Because these figures are based on 1,761 decisions, they provide a stable view of past activity. 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 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 rate for Alexander G. Levine has fluctuated over the years, starting at 70% in 2016 and reaching 82% by 2021. With 1,761 decisions on record since 2016, the data shows a trend that dipped in 2019 before rising in the final years of his recorded activity. This pattern suggests that the approach to evidence or case mix evolved over time. The recent uptick in the final period reflects a departure from the lower rates observed in 2019.
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 has seen 16 judges with records since 2016. This office handles a volume of disability claims, and you can expect a review of your medical evidence. Understanding the local bench is a part of preparing for your hearing. You can see the Bronx Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Bronx
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 43% to 84%. While these peers operate within the same office, their individual patterns vary. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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 an approval rate of 67% based on his 1,761 decisions on record since 2016. This places him within the 43% to 84% range of the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Bronx. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific expectations of this bench.
Yes, the rate has shifted over time, moving from 70% in 2016 to 82% in 2021. These fluctuations across 1,761 total decisions reflect the changing nature of the cases heard. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how these historical trends might relate to your specific claim.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at the hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having an attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions you will face.
The 67% approval rate for Alexander G. Levine is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and testimony. An attorney can help you build a case that addresses the specific standards of your judge.
