Approval rates
The approval rate for Yvette N. Diamond is based on 2,901 decisions on record since 2016. When evaluating this figure, it is helpful to compare it against the broader bench at the NHC Baltimore office, where individual judge approval rates range from 40% to 90% over the same period. This range highlights the variance in decision patterns across the office.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Diamond. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Diamond'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 approval rate for Yvette N. Diamond has fluctuated between 52% and 58% annually. With 2,901 decisions on record, the data reflects a consistent approach to case evaluation over the last several years. While the rate reached 58% in 2024, the overall pattern remains steady.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Diamond'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
Yvette N. Diamond's most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore, with decisions there through September 2024. This office manages a bench of 16 judges. While the office-wide latest-period approval rate is 46%, individual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case.
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 you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore, and approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 40% to 90%. Because you cannot choose your judge, your focus should remain on the strength of your medical evidence.
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
Yvette N. Diamond has an approval rate of 56% since 2016. This places her within the 40% to 90% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
The approval rate for Yvette N. Diamond has remained steady since 2016, with yearly figures ranging from 52% to 58%. Over 2,901 decisions on record, there is no evidence of a significant shift in her overall decision pattern. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process random. Because you cannot control your judge assignment, working with an attorney to build a strong case is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and hears testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history, daily limitations, and medical treatments. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are properly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Yvette N. Diamond has approved 56% of cases since 2016, your success depends on the quality of your medical evidence and how well you document your disability. An attorney can help you identify the evidence needed to support your claim.
