Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The judge's 40% approval rate on record since 2017 sits within the 40% to 90% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore. These figures are based on a significant volume of 2,118 decisions on record, which provides a stable statistical foundation for analysis.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Johnson. 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 Johnson'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 Charlie M. Johnson has fluctuated since 2017, moving from 53% in the first year of the record to 42% in 2024. With 2,118 total decisions on record, the judge has maintained a varied pace of approvals over the years. The data shows periods of both lower and higher approval activity, with the most recent figures reflecting a continuation of this steady pattern.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Johnson'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
The NHC Baltimore is the most recent office on record for Charlie M. Johnson, with data reflecting activity through September 2024. This office serves the Maryland region and hosts a bench of 16 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can see the NHC Baltimore Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
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 the NHC Baltimore, and their approval rates on record since 2016 range from 40% to 90%. While this variance exists, the fundamental requirements for proving disability remain consistent across the entire bench.
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 Johnson's 40% approval rate on record since 2017 is at the lower end of the 40% to 90% range seen among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the 2,118 decisions on record since 2017, ranging from a high of 53% in 2017 to 42% in 2024. These patterns are common in long-term data and may reflect changes in the types of cases assigned. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your hearing strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses an automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, ensuring that assignments remain random. If you are concerned about your hearing, an attorney can help you prepare for the process regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be asked questions about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your evidence is presented effectively.
