Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe. Peggy M. Zirlin's 69% approval rate on record since 2016 is evaluated against the performance of the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Long Beach hearing office, who collectively range from 32% to 76% over the same period. This range provides a clear picture of how different judicial approaches can influence case outcomes.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Zirlin. 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 Zirlin'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 Peggy M. Zirlin showed movement across the 503 decisions on record since 2016. After an approval rate of 68% in 2016, the figure rose to 77% in 2017 before adjusting to 64% in 2018. These patterns are common in disability hearings and often reflect changes in the specific types of cases or evidence presented during those periods.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Zirlin'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 Beach hearing office
The Long Beach hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as part of the Social Security Administration hearing network. With a bench of 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, the office manages a diverse caseload of disability claims. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical and vocational evidence.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Long Beach
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. Within the Long Beach hearing office, there are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 76% since 2016. Because of this variance, understanding the broader bench is helpful for your preparation.
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
Peggy M. Zirlin's 69% approval rate on record since 2016 sits within the 32% to 76% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Long Beach hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate fluctuated from 68% in 2016 to 77% in 2017, and then to 64% in 2018. These variations are based on 503 total decisions on record. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific case.
No. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges. You cannot choose your judge, which is why working with an attorney to build a strong case is essential regardless of who is assigned. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a 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. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and evidence for this process.
The 69% approval rate on record since 2016 is a statistical observation of past performance and not a guarantee of a future outcome. Your success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation supporting your disability claim. An attorney can help you ensure your file is complete and ready for review.
