Approval rates
The approval rate for Elizabeth C. Palacios is based on 325 decisions on record since 2016. When evaluating this figure, consider that the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Miami hearing office range from 32% to 83% in their own since-2016 records. These statistics reflect past performance rather than a guarantee for your specific hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Palacios. 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 Palacios'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 Elizabeth C. Palacios was 33% in 2016, 34% in 2017, and 27% in 2018. These figures are based on 325 total decisions on record since 2016.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Palacios'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 Miami hearing office
Elizabeth C. Palacios's most recent office on record is the Miami hearing office, with decisions there through September 2018. The bench at this location consists of 13 judges with varying approval rates, reflecting the diverse nature of disability claims processed in the area.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Miami
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Miami hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 83% on their since-2016 records. The requirements for proving your disability remain consistent regardless of your assigned judge.
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 C. Palacios has a 32% approval rate on record since 2016. Among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is the Miami hearing office, approval rates range from 32% to 83%. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
The approval rate for Elizabeth C. Palacios was 33% in 2016, 34% in 2017, and 27% in 2018. These figures are based on 325 total decisions on record. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly to ensure efficiency. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of your judge assignment.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history, daily limitations, and symptoms. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and prepare for these questions.
The 32% approval rate for Elizabeth C. Palacios is a historical statistic, not a prediction of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical documentation is the primary factor in a judge's decision. An attorney can help you evaluate your evidence.
