Approval rates
The approval rates for Paul D. Barker are based on 1,018 decisions on record since 2017. When comparing his performance to the broader bench at NHC Baltimore, his record falls within the office's 40% to 90% range. In the most recent reporting period, his 48% approval rate sits 2 percentage points above the office average of 46%, though it remains below state and national benchmarks. These figures reflect historical trends rather than specific outcomes for your case.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Barker'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 2017, Paul D. Barker has maintained a consistent volume of activity, with 1,018 decisions on record. His yearly approval trend shows a decline from higher rates in 2017 toward a more moderate level in recent years, with 48% approval recorded in the partial 2026 fiscal year. This latest period reflects a continuation of the steady pattern observed since 2024, where approval rates have fluctuated within a narrow band.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Barker'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
NHC Baltimore is the most recent office on record for Paul D. Barker, with his last recorded decision there in July 2026. This office serves claimants across Maryland and the surrounding region, maintaining a bench of 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. The office-wide latest-period approval rate is 46%, providing a baseline for the local hearing environment.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Baltimore
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge assigned to your case is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this one, and 3 of them decided cases here in SSA's latest file through July 2026. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 40% to 90% on their since-2016 records. Your preparation remains the same regardless of which judge is assigned to your 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
Paul D. Barker has a 50% approval rate on record since 2017. This places him within the 40% to 90% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Baltimore. An attorney can help you understand how to prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the data shows a shift from higher approval rates in 2017 to a more moderate 48% in the most recent reporting period. While his rate has fluctuated, it remains a stable reflection of his recent decision-making patterns. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how these trends might impact your specific case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, which means the assignment is essentially random. Regardless of the judge, an attorney can help you prepare the necessary evidence to support your claim.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will answer questions about your work history and functional limitations caused by your impairments. Having an attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are properly presented.
The 50% approval rate for Paul D. Barker is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a prediction of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable decision. An attorney can help you assess the strengths of your case and prepare accordingly.
