Approval rates
The approval rate for James A. Burke is based on 2,464 lifetime decisions. Within the Albuquerque hearing office, the 16 judges on record show a range of lifetime approval rates from 41% to 89%. Comparing these figures helps you understand the local environment of your hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Burke. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Burke'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 record for James A. Burke shows a steady approval trend. Yearly performance remained consistent, with rates between 88% and 92% throughout the data window. This stability suggests a predictable approach to evaluating your disability claim.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Burke'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 Albuquerque hearing office
The Albuquerque hearing office serves you throughout New Mexico and the surrounding region. This office maintains a bench of 16 judges on record. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on your medical evidence and vocational testimony. See the Albuquerque hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 16 judges on record at this office since 2016. With lifetime approval rates across the bench ranging from 41% to 89%, your specific judge matters. You can find more information on the Albuquerque hearing office page.
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
James A. Burke maintains a lifetime approval rate of 89%, which sits at the upper end of the 41% to 89% range observed among the 16 judges on record at the Albuquerque hearing office. While this rate is high, every case is unique and depends on your specific medical evidence. An attorney can help you evaluate how your case fits within this local context.
The approval rate for James A. Burke has remained steady since 2016. His yearly performance has consistently stayed between 88% and 92%, indicating a stable decision-making pattern over the years. If you are concerned about how these trends affect your hearing, an attorney can help you prepare a strong case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is important to be prepared for any judge in the Albuquerque office. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions and procedures you will encounter at your hearing.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. While James A. Burke has an 89% lifetime approval rate, the quality of your medical evidence remains the most critical factor in your outcome. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is presented effectively.