Approval rates
The approval rate for David G. Marcus is based on 2,488 decisions recorded since 2016. This figure provides a baseline for understanding his historical decision-making patterns compared to the 38% to 78% range observed among other judges whose most recent office on record is the Los Angeles Downtown office. These statistics rely on a large volume of cases to ensure data reliability.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Marcus. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Marcus'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 David G. Marcus has shown yearly variation. After an initial rate of 61% in 2016, the rate fluctuated before reaching 52% in 2022. This pattern reflects his historical approach to the evidence presented in thousands of cases. These trends are useful for understanding his history but do not dictate the outcome of your specific hearing.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Marcus'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 Downtown hearing office
David G. Marcus's most recent office on record is the Los Angeles Downtown hearing office. This office features a bench of 10 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can see the Los Angeles Downtown Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Los Angeles Downtown
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Los Angeles Downtown office, with approval rates ranging from 38% to 78% on their since-2016 records. Case assignment remains outside of your control.
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
David G. Marcus has a 56% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the 38% to 78% range of approval rates for the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Los Angeles Downtown office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for David G. Marcus has fluctuated over time, moving from 61% in 2016 to 52% in 2022. These shifts are common and often reflect changes in the types of cases or evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is vital to focus on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you prepare your case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your evidence.
The 56% approval rate for David G. Marcus reflects his past decisions since 2016 and is not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical documentation is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
