Approval rates
The approval rate for April M. Wexler is based on 1,823 decisions on record since 2016. When evaluating this figure, compare it against the broader bench at the Long Island hearing office, where judges range from 48% to 83% in their own since-2016 records. These statistics provide a baseline for understanding how different judges have historically approached disability claims. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Wexler. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Wexler'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, April M. Wexler has maintained a steady volume of decisions. After starting at 56% in 2016, the approval rate saw a gradual decline, reaching 47% by 2020 before showing signs of stabilization at 50% in 2021. The 2022 data represents a smaller sample size of 23 decisions, reflecting the conclusion of her recorded activity at this location. This pattern suggests a consistent approach to case evaluation over the observed period.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Wexler'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
April M. Wexler's most recent office on record is the Long Island hearing office, with decisions there through September 2022. This office serves the New York region and is staffed by a bench of 12 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can expect a formal hearing process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony. See the Long Island Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Long Island
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. At the Long Island hearing office, there are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. These judges show a wide variance in approval rates, ranging from 48% to 83% on their since-2016 records. For your preparation, the guidance 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
April M. Wexler has an approval rate of 52% on her record since 2016. This sits within the range of 48% to 83% observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is Long Island. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Her approval rate on record since 2016 started at 56% and saw a gradual shift over the following years, stabilizing at 50% in 2021. These trends reflect past decisions, but your case outcome depends on the specific evidence you present. An attorney can help you understand how to best prepare.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. You cannot choose your judge, which is why it is important to be prepared for any ALJ assigned to your hearing. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an Administrative Law 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. Having a qualified attorney can help you navigate these questions and present your case effectively.
