Approval rates
Comparing a judge's performance requires looking at consistent data sets, specifically the lifetime approval rate against the broader office-wide range of 20% to 73%. By examining the 2,533 decisions on record, you can see how this judge aligns with the local bench. These figures provide a statistical baseline for your expectations.
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 Campbell'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 John Campbell has shown a notable evolution since 2017. After a period of stability, the data indicates a rise in approval rates peaking between 2022 and 2024, followed by a more recent adjustment. The latest 60% approval rate suggests a return toward the long-term average after a period of higher-than-average allowances.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Campbell'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 Newark hearing office
The Newark hearing office serves a significant portion of New Jersey, managing a high volume of disability claims. With 17 judges on record, the office maintains an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 55%. You can expect a formal process focused on the medical evidence presented in your file.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning your assignment to a specific judge is essentially random. There are 17 judges on record at this office since 2016, 10 of whom reported in the latest period, with lifetime approval rates varying widely from 20% to 73%. Because this variance exists, understanding the local bench is a standard part of your hearing 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 Campbell has a lifetime approval rate of 63% across 2,533 decisions. This places him within the broader office-wide lifetime range of 20% to 73%. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific evidentiary standards often seen in this office.
Yes, the data shows a trend of rising approval rates between 2022 and 2024, followed by a recent shift to 60% in the latest reporting period. These fluctuations are common and can be influenced by the complexity of cases assigned. 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 assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney to build a strong case is the best way to prepare for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical evidence for the hearing.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and is not a prediction of how they will rule on your specific case. While the 63% lifetime rate provides context, the strength of your medical evidence remains the most important factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing.