Approval rates
The approval rate for Robert Baker Jr. is based on 3,185 decisions issued between April 2016 and September 2025. When evaluating this figure, it is helpful to compare it against the broader bench at the Baltimore hearing office, where judges range from 32% to 79% in their approval rates on record. This data provides a statistical baseline for the judge's history, though aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Baker Jr.. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Baker Jr.'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 Robert Baker Jr. has shown a steady pattern with minor fluctuations. After an initial 70% approval rate in 2016, the figures moved between 61% and 74% over the following years. With 3,185 total decisions on record, the volume of cases provides a stable view of this judge's history. The most recent data from 2025 shows a 69% approval rate, reflecting a continuation of this long-term trend.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Baker Jr.'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 Baltimore hearing office
The most recent office on record for Robert Baker Jr. is the Baltimore hearing office, which serves you in Maryland. This office is staffed by 24 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Baltimore
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 24 judges whose most recent office on record is the Baltimore hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 32% to 79% on their records since 2016. While these rates vary, the core requirements for proving your disability remain consistent 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
Robert Baker Jr. has a 68% approval rate on record since 2016. This places him within the range of the 24 judges whose most recent office on record is Baltimore, who collectively span from 32% to 79%. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific bench.
The approval rate for Robert Baker Jr. has remained relatively steady over the years, starting at 70% in 2016 and recording 69% in 2025. While there have been annual variations, the overall pattern remains consistent across his 3,185 decisions on record. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths regardless of these historical trends.
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 a strong case with the help of an attorney.
The 68% approval rate for Robert Baker Jr. represents a historical average of past decisions, not a guarantee of how he will rule on your specific claim. Your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and testimony you provide. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific requirements of the Social Security Administration.
