Approval rates
Understanding how your judge compares to the broader bench helps you set realistic expectations for your hearing. The 38% approval rate for Sheldon P. Zisook sits within the 32% to 78% range observed among the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Phoenix hearing office. With 2,107 decisions on record since 2016, this data provides a look at past outcomes.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Zisook. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Zisook'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 Sheldon P. Zisook has shown variation across the 2,107 decisions on record since 2016. After starting at 33% in 2016, the rate reached 50% in 2020. This trend reflects changes in outcomes over the four-year window, which may relate to the types of cases heard or the evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Zisook'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 Phoenix hearing office
The Phoenix hearing office serves you and other claimants throughout Arizona and the surrounding region. As one of 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this location, Sheldon P. Zisook is part of a bench that handles a diverse range of disability claims. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical documentation is paramount.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Phoenix
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 12 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 78% on their since-2016 records. While you cannot choose your judge, understanding the range of outcomes at the Phoenix hearing office provides context for your hearing.
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
Sheldon P. Zisook has an approval rate of 38% based on 2,107 decisions since 2016. This falls within the 32% to 78% range of approval rates for the 12 judges whose most recent office on record is the Phoenix hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare a case strategy tailored to the specific standards of this office.
Yes, the approval rate for Sheldon P. Zisook has fluctuated over time. It began at 33% in 2016 and reached 50% by 2020. If you are concerned about how these trends might impact your hearing, a qualified attorney can help you evaluate your evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is best to focus on building the strongest possible case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily activities and how your condition limits your ability to work. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate these questions and present your case effectively.
An approval rate is a summary of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. While Sheldon P. Zisook has a 38% approval rate on record since 2016, your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your file is complete and ready for review.
