Approval rates
Your approval rate for Judge Baldwin is 85% based on 1,812 lifetime decisions. This figure is best understood when compared to the broader bench at the Oklahoma City office, where lifetime approval rates for all judges on record range from 45% to 85%. Because the SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, your specific assignment is essentially random.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Baldwin. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Baldwin'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, Judge Baldwin has maintained a consistent record of approvals. The data shows a steady trend, with approval rates moving from 81% in 2016 to 100% in 2023. This trajectory reflects the judge's decision-making history over the last several years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Baldwin'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Oklahoma City hearing office
The Oklahoma City hearing office serves you throughout Oklahoma, operating under the oversight of the SSA. The office maintains a bench of 17 judges who manage a high volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in any decision.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Oklahoma City hearing office has 17 judges on record since 2016. Because case assignment is random, you have no control over which judge hears your case, and approval rates across this bench vary significantly from 45% to 85%. Understanding that your judge is assigned by an algorithm underscores the importance of a well-prepared case.
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
Judge Baldwin has an 85% lifetime approval rate, which sits at the high end of the 45% to 85% range seen among the 17 judges on record at the Oklahoma City office. While this rate is higher than many peers, every case is unique. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards of this hearing office.
Yes, the approval rate has shown a steady upward trend since 2016, moving from 81% in the early years of the data window to 100% in the most recent period. This indicates a consistent pattern in how the judge evaluates disability claims. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might influence your hearing strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges, making the process random. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to have an attorney who can help you prepare a strong case regardless of who is assigned to your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments prevent you from performing daily tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for the questions you will face during this process.
A judge's lifetime approval rate of 85% provides context on past decisions, but it is not a guarantee of your outcome. Your success depends primarily on your medical evidence and the quality of your testimony. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is organized to give you the best possible chance of approval.