Approval rates
The approval rate for Philip J. Simon is based on 1,581 lifetime decisions. Within the Pasadena hearing office, the lifetime approval rates for all judges on record range from 35% to 70%. These figures offer context for how different judges approach their dockets.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Simon. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Simon'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
Philip J. Simon has maintained a consistent approval pattern across his record starting in 2016. His yearly approval rates remained between 66% and 71% from 2016 through 2020, reflecting a steady approach to evaluating your disability claim. While the 2021 data shows a lower volume of decisions, the long-term trend indicates a judge whose historical approval rate has been relatively predictable.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Simon'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
The Pasadena hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a hub for SSDI cases in California. The office maintains a bench of 11 judges who handle a high volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal environment where evidence quality is the primary driver of the outcome.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your judge is assigned randomly. There are 11 judges on record at this office since 2016, 5 of whom are reported in the latest period. Approval rates across this bench vary, ranging from 35% to 70% on a lifetime basis.
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
Philip J. Simon has a lifetime approval rate of 68%, which sits within the 35% to 70% range seen among the 11 judges on record at the Pasadena office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your medical evidence effectively for this specific judge.
His approval rate remained steady between 66% and 71% from 2016 through 2020. While the 2021 data shows a shift, the long-term trend suggests a consistent approach to case evaluation. An attorney can help you prepare a case strategy that aligns with these historical patterns.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases. Regardless of who is assigned to your case, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing.
A hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily activities and work history. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is organized.
A 68% lifetime approval rate provides context on how Philip J. Simon has decided past cases, but it is not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor. An attorney can help you build the strongest possible case for your specific situation.