Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data windows. While Stanley K. Chin has maintained a 56% approval rate since 2016, the bench at this office shows a wide range of outcomes, with individual judges recording rates between 40% and 90%. These figures are based on thousands of decisions, providing a stable baseline for understanding local trends.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Chin. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Chin'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 decision pattern for Stanley K. Chin shows variance over the years, starting with a 59% approval rate in 2016 and reaching a peak of 70% in 2017. Following a period of fluctuation, the most recent data from 2025 shows a 61% approval rate. With 3,105 total decisions on record, the judge's history demonstrates how case mix and evidentiary standards can influence annual outcomes.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Chin'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
Stanley K. Chin's most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore, which serves the Maryland region. This office is part of a larger network of hearing locations where 16 judges have established records since 2016. You can expect a review process where the quality of medical documentation is paramount.
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 this one, and their approval rates vary significantly from 40% to 90%. This variation highlights why focusing on the strength of your own medical evidence is the most reliable way to prepare.
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
Stanley K. Chin has an approval rate of 56% since 2016, placing the judge within the range of the 16 judges who have recorded decisions at this office. Because approval rates across this bench span from 40% to 90%, your outcome depends more on the specific evidence in your file than on the judge's general history. An attorney can help you organize your medical records to meet the specific requirements of your hearing.
Yes, the approval rate for Stanley K. Chin has fluctuated over the years, ranging from a high of 70% in 2017 to a low of 42% in 2024. These changes often reflect shifts in the types of cases heard or updates in SSA policy. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your case strategy.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a random, automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot control your judge assignment, focusing on the quality of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare for your hearing. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of the judge assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and may hear testimony from you or a vocational expert. The judge's goal is to determine if your condition meets the strict criteria for disability. An attorney can help you ensure your testimony is clear and your medical records are properly submitted.
The 56% approval rate for Stanley K. Chin is a statistical observation of past performance, not a guarantee of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and a judge's decision is based on the specific evidence provided in your file. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing process.
