Approval rates
Comparing performance requires looking at consistent data windows. Paul D. Barker Jr. maintains a 48% approval rate on record since 2017, which sits within the 40% to 90% range of the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore. These figures are based on 1,806 decisions, providing a clear view of past activity. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Barker Jr.. The most recent period with decisions on record is February 24, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Barker 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
The approval rate for Paul D. Barker Jr. has fluctuated over the years, starting at 52% in 2017 and seeing a range of activity through 2023. With 1,806 total decisions on record since 2017, the data shows a pattern that shifted from 45% in 2019 to 59% in 2023. This variance suggests that your case outcome depends on the specific evidence presented in your file.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Barker 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 NHC Baltimore hearing office
Paul D. Barker Jr.'s most recent SSA record (February 2023) is at the NHC Baltimore. This office serves claimants across the Maryland region and maintains a bench of 16 judges whose most recent record is at this location. You can expect a standard hearing process where the quality of your medical documentation is the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Baltimore
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore, with approval rates ranging from 40% to 90% on their respective records. Because case assignment is outside of your control, your focus should remain on the strength of your medical evidence.
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 D. Barker Jr. has a 48% approval rate on record since 2017. This falls within the 40% to 90% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific expectations of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the 1,806 decisions on record. It began at 52% in 2017 and reached 59% in 2023, reflecting a dynamic pattern in case outcomes. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with an attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
The 48% approval rate for Paul D. Barker Jr. represents past decisions, not a prediction for your hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case's strengths and weaknesses.
