Approval rates
The 66% approval rate for John D. Moreen reflects his decisions on record since 2016, which can be measured against the 35% to 70% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is also Pasadena. These figures are derived from 346 decisions on record, providing a baseline for understanding past trends. 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 Moreen. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 28, 2018. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Moreen'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 John D. Moreen shows an upward trend across the 346 decisions on record since 2016. Starting at 55% in 2016, the rate increased to 68% in 2017 and reached 73% by 2018. This growth over the recorded period suggests a shift in the outcomes of cases decided by the judge.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Moreen'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 Pasadena hearing office
John D. Moreen's most recent office on record is the Pasadena hearing office. This office is home to 11 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a standard hearing process governed by federal regulations at this office.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Pasadena
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Pasadena. Approval rates among this bench vary significantly, ranging from 35% to 70% 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
John D. Moreen has a 66% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 35% to 70% range of approval rates for the 11 judges whose most recent office on record is Pasadena. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for John D. Moreen has shown an upward trend. It moved from 55% in 2016 to 73% by 2018 across 346 decisions on record. Understanding these patterns is part of how an attorney can help you evaluate your case strategy.
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, working with a qualified attorney is the best way to prepare for any judge. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will answer questions about your work history and limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical records for the hearing.
The 66% approval rate for John D. Moreen reflects past decisions and is not a prediction of your outcome. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you document your disability. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
