Approval rates
At the Bronx hearing office, the 16 judges on record show a wide range of lifetime approval rates, spanning from 43% to 84%. Because your case is assigned through a random workload-balancing algorithm, you cannot choose your judge. These aggregate rates reflect past decisions rather than specific predictions for your hearing.
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 record for Lynn Neugebauer covers 1,142 lifetime decisions between 2016 and 2019. Her approval rate was 73% in 2016, 63% in 2017, 62% in 2018, and 67% in 2019. These fluctuations are common and may reflect changes in the complexity of cases or the quality of evidence presented in your specific situation.
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 serves claimants throughout the region as a hub for SSDI hearings in New York. With 16 judges on record since 2016, the office manages a diverse caseload that requires careful preparation of medical and vocational evidence. You can visit the Bronx hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is random. There are 16 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 43% to 84% over their respective careers.
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 a lifetime approval rate of 65% across 1,142 decisions. This places her within the broader range of 43% to 84% observed among the 16 judges at the Bronx hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Her approval rate has shown some movement, beginning at 73% in 2016 and reaching 67% by 2019. These shifts are typical in SSDI cases and do not necessarily indicate a change in judicial philosophy. An attorney can help you understand how your evidence aligns with current standards.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases. Because you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare your case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and daily limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are complete.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific case. Your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and vocational testimony you provide. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.