Approval rates
The approval rates for John J. Barry are calculated based on his total lifetime record of 1,244 decisions since 2016. When evaluating these figures, it is helpful to compare them against the White Plains office-wide lifetime range of 43% to 82%. This context helps you understand how his record aligns with the broader bench at this location.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Barry. 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 Barry'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
John J. Barry's approval record shows a shift over the period from 2016 to 2021. While the early years of the record saw higher approval rates, the trend moved toward a more moderate level in the later years of the data window. With 1,244 decisions on record, this pattern provides a view of how his approach has evolved.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Barry'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.
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 5 judges on record at this office since 2016, and approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 43% to 82%. Because each judge manages their courtroom differently, understanding the office-wide environment is a key part of your preparation.
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
John J. Barry's lifetime approval rate of 82% sits at the top of the range for the White Plains office, where other judges have lifetime rates as low as 43%. Because assignment is random, you cannot choose your judge, but an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this office.
Yes, the data shows a transition from higher approval rates in 2016 and 2017 toward a rate of 71% in the final year of our data window. This trend is based on his 1,244 lifetime decisions. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific medical evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases randomly to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot control your judge assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony about your limitations. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and is not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific case. While John J. Barry has an 82% lifetime approval rate, every case is decided on its own merits. An attorney can help you review your case to see if you meet the criteria for a favorable decision.