Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframes to ensure accuracy. The 67% approval rate on record since 2016 provides a broad view of the decision history, while the latest-period figures offer a snapshot of recent activity. These statistics are derived from 2,939 decisions on record. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
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 Lishner'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 Elizabeth R. Lishner has shown a varied trend. After a period of fluctuation between 2016 and 2021, the data shows an upward shift in recent years, with the latest period reaching 78%. This recent performance stands notably higher than the office, state, and national averages for the same timeframe. The latest period reflects a continuation of this recent pattern of higher approval rates compared to the long-term average.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Lishner'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 Los Angeles West hearing office
Elizabeth R. Lishner's most recent office on record is Los Angeles West, with decisions there through July 2026. This office serves claimants across the region, maintaining a bench of 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. With an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 62%, you can expect a rigorous review of your medical evidence. See the Los Angeles West Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Los Angeles West
The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 9 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with 5 of them deciding cases in the latest file. Approval rates across this bench range from 40% to 67% 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
Elizabeth R. Lishner's 67% approval rate on record since 2016 sits at the top of the range for the 9 judges whose most recent office on record is Los Angeles West. While this indicates a higher historical rate, every case is unique and depends on the specific medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively before this judge.
Yes, the approval rate for Elizabeth R. Lishner has fluctuated over time. While the rate on record since 2016 is 67%, recent data shows a 78% approval rate in the latest reporting period. This recent trend is higher than the long-term average, though past patterns do not guarantee future outcomes. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across hearing offices. Because you cannot influence the assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare for your hearing. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your claim. You will likely testify about your symptoms and limitations, and the judge may hear from a vocational expert regarding your ability to work. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions and procedures you might encounter.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and not a prediction for your specific hearing. While Elizabeth R. Lishner has a 67% approval rate on record since 2016, your outcome will ultimately depend on the medical documentation and testimony presented in your case. An attorney can help you determine if your evidence meets the necessary criteria for approval.
