Underwood, Debra M
Oakland, CA · Oct 2024 – Sep 2025
Hearing Approval Rate
62.1%
Above the national average of 48.7%
Disability judges hear appeals after an initial claim is denied. Judge Underwood approves 62.1% of cases — knowing your judge’s track record helps you and your representative prepare. How to prepare for your hearing →
How Judge Underwood Decides Cases
Nat'l avg: 48.7%
Nat'l avg: 35.1%
Nat'l avg: 16.2%
Know Your Numbers
Judge Underwood approved 62.1% of dispositions. That’s 13.4 percentage points above the national average of 48.7%. Underwood decided 309 cases out of 343 total dispositions. Under SSA’s methodology (excluding dismissals), the approval rate is 68.9%. Knowing your judge’s track record can help you prepare for your hearing.
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Get Your Free GuideDetailed Case Counts— Oct 2024 – Sep 2025
Total Cases
343
Approved
213
Denied
96
Hearing Office
Oakland (CA)
8.0 months wait · 1,276 pending
Whether your judge's approval rate is high or low, the strongest factor in your outcome is the quality of your medical evidence and whether you have representation. How judge approval rates vary nationally →
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Appearing before Judge Underwood?
Claimants with representation are approved at nearly 3× the rate. A free case evaluation takes less than two minutes — and it could change the outcome of your claim.
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