Approval rates
The approval data for Linda A. Stagno reflects a record of 1,834 decisions. When comparing her latest-period performance to the broader office, she currently maintains an approval rate 8 points higher than the Long Island office average. These figures are based on the most recent reporting period to ensure a like-for-like comparison. These rates reflect historical trends rather than future outcomes.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Stagno'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
Since 2016, the approval rate for Linda A. Stagno has shown a stable trajectory. While the rate has fluctuated between 71% and 86% over the years, the most recent data shows a 79% approval rate. This performance indicates a consistent approach to evaluating your disability claim.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Stagno'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 Long Island hearing office
The Long Island hearing office serves claimants throughout the region, operating as a key hub for New York disability hearings. With 12 judges on record, the office maintains an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 71%. You can expect a professional environment where evidence quality remains the primary factor in every decision. You can visit the Long Island Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. At the Long Island hearing office, there are 12 judges on record since 2016, 7 of whom reported in the latest period. The lifetime approval rates across this bench range from 48% to 83%. Your preparation remains 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
In the most recent reporting period, Linda A. Stagno approved 79% of cases, which is 8 points higher than the 71% average for the Long Island hearing office. While this comparison is helpful, remember that every case is unique. An attorney can help you understand how your specific medical evidence aligns with this judge's history.
The approval rate for Linda A. Stagno has remained relatively steady over her record since 2016. While yearly rates have varied, her lifetime average of 77% shows a consistent approach to disability adjudication. If you are concerned about how these trends affect your claim, an attorney can help you understand your options.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome with the help of a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having an attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions Judge Stagno or any other judge might ask.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific case. Your success depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence and how well you document your disability. An attorney can help you gather the necessary records to build the strongest possible case.