Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframes. The most relevant comparison for your case is the range of outcomes among judges at the Evanston hearing office. With 3,023 decisions on record, the data provides a look at past patterns. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Lewin. 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 Lewin'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 Lee Lewin has fluctuated, starting at 57% and moving through a period of change before reaching 51% in 2025. With 3,023 total decisions on record, these patterns reflect a significant volume of case reviews. The latest data suggests that the judge's approach to evidence has remained consistent over time.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Lewin'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 Evanston hearing office
Lee Lewin's most recent SSA record (September 2025) is at the Evanston hearing office in Illinois. This office maintains a bench of 15 judges. You can expect a standard administrative process where the quality of medical documentation remains the primary factor in a decision. You can see the Evanston hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Evanston
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 15 judges whose most recent office on record is Evanston, with approval rates ranging from 45% to 79% on their since-2016 records. 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
Lee Lewin's 51% approval rate sits within the 45% to 79% range observed among the 15 judges whose most recent office on record is Evanston. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific bench.
The approval rate for Lee Lewin has fluctuated over the years, moving from 57% in 2016 to 51% in 2025. These variations are common in SSDI hearings and often depend on the specific mix of cases and evidence presented. An attorney can help you determine how to best prepare your application.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical documentation is the most effective way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for the questions you will face.
