Approval rates
The approval rates for this judge are calculated based on 2,869 lifetime decisions. Within the NHC Chicago office, lifetime approval rates among the 14 judges on record range from 29% to 61%. Comparing these figures helps you understand the local judicial environment, though every case is unique. 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 Armstrong. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Armstrong'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 Paul R. Armstrong has shown a gradual upward trend. Starting at 24% in 2016, the rate reached 41% by 2020 before stabilizing at 40% in 2021. This pattern reflects a shift in outcomes over the 2,869 decisions on record. The recent data suggests a consistent approach to case evaluation compared to the earlier years of this record window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Armstrong'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 NHC Chicago hearing office
The NHC Chicago hearing office serves you throughout Illinois and the surrounding region. With 14 judges on record, this office manages a significant volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process where evidence quality is the primary factor in a favorable decision. You can see the NHC Chicago Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 14 judges on record at this office since 2016. With lifetime approval rates across the bench ranging from 29% to 61%, the specific judge assigned to your case can influence the process.
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
Paul R. Armstrong has a lifetime approval rate of 30% across 2,869 decisions. This sits within the broader office-wide lifetime range of 29% to 61% for the 14 judges on record at the NHC Chicago office. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific judge.
Yes, the approval rate for Paul R. Armstrong has trended upward since 2016. After beginning at 24%, the rate increased over several years, reaching 41% in 2020 and 40% in 2021. An attorney can help you evaluate how these trends might relate to your specific medical evidence.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control your assignment, having an attorney help you prepare for any judge is a smart strategy.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be asked about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure the judge understands your specific challenges.
A 30% lifetime approval rate for Paul R. Armstrong is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of how he will rule on your specific case. Your outcome depends heavily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well your limitations are documented. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible before your hearing.