Approval rates
Evaluating a judge's history requires looking at the broader context of their hearing office. With 1,061 decisions on record since 2018, Howard provides a significant data set for analysis. This approval rate of 56% sits within the 29% to 85% range observed among the 33 judges whose most recent office on record is Washington. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Howard. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 30, 2022. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Howard'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 trend for Howard shows variation over the recorded period from 2018 to 2022. After an initial approval rate of 57% in 2018, the figures rose to 62% in 2019 before experiencing a decline in the final years of the record. This shift in the later period reflects a departure from the earlier, higher approval patterns. Such trends often emerge from changes in case complexity or the specific medical evidence presented in your file.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Howard'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 Washington hearing office
The Washington hearing office serves claimants throughout the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. This office maintains a bench of 33 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal process where the quality of your medical documentation is paramount. You can see the Washington hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Washington
The Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 33 judges whose most recent office on record is Washington, with approval rates ranging from 29% to 85%. Because assignment is outside of your control, the focus remains on building a robust case. You can find more information on the Washington 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
Judge Howard has a 56% approval rate on record since 2018. This falls within the 29% to 85% range of the 33 judges whose most recent office on record is Washington. An attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses the specific standards of this bench.
Yes, the data shows a shift in approval patterns. While the rate was 57% in 2018 and 62% in 2019, it moved to 37% in 2021 and 41% in 2022. A qualified 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, evidence-based case is the best way to prepare.
A hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ 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 these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
The 56% approval rate on record since 2018 is a historical statistic, not a guarantee of your outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence is the most important factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case against the requirements for SSDI benefits.
