Approval rates
Understanding how a judge's approval rate compares to their peers provides helpful context for your hearing. The 65% approval rate for Lynn Neugebauer is based on 1,142 decisions on record since 2016. This figure sits within the 43% to 84% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Bronx.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Neugebauer. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Neugebauer'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 Lynn Neugebauer has varied across the 1,142 decisions on record since 2016. The annual approval rates were 73% in 2016, 63% in 2017, 62% in 2018, and 67% in 2019. These fluctuations reflect the specific mix of cases and evidence presented during those years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Neugebauer'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 is the most recent office on record for 16 judges. Claimants appearing at this office participate in a formal process where the judge evaluates medical evidence against federal disability standards. You can visit the Bronx hearing office page for the full roster of judges.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Bronx
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly, meaning you cannot choose your judge. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Bronx, and their approval rates since 2016 range from 43% to 84%. Focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare for your hearing regardless of the judge 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
Lynn Neugebauer has an approval rate of 65% on record since 2016. This places her 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 requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the rate has fluctuated over time. It was 73% in 2016, 63% in 2017, 62% in 2018, and 67% in 2019. An attorney can help you understand how these past patterns might relate to your current case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is assigned to your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
The 65% approval rate on record for Lynn Neugebauer reflects past decisions and is not a prediction of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you review your evidence to see if it meets the necessary standards.
