Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. While the lifetime approval rate for Theodore Kim is 42%, his most recent reporting period shows a 31% approval rate. This latest-period figure sits 32 points below the Washington office average of 63%. These variations are common across the 19 judges on record at this office.
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 Kim'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 record for Theodore Kim spans 3,137 decisions since 2016. His approval rate has fluctuated over the years, showing a period of growth between 2022 and 2024 before a recent decline in the latest reporting cycle. This pattern suggests that while he has maintained a consistent baseline, recent outcomes have trended lower than his historical average.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kim'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 you throughout the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. This office maintains a bench of 19 judges on record, with an office-wide latest-period approval rate of 63%. You can expect a rigorous review process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in any decision. You can see the Washington Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is effectively random. There are 19 judges on record at this office since 2016, 14 of whom reported data in the latest period. Lifetime approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 33% to 85%.
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
Theodore Kim has a lifetime approval rate of 42% across 3,137 decisions. This places him within the broader range of 33% to 85% seen across the 19 judges on record at the Washington office. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific standards of this hearing office.
Yes, the approval rate for Theodore Kim has shown variability since 2016. After reaching a peak of 52% in 2024, the rate adjusted to 38% in the most recent reporting period. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your case preparation.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using an automated workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is best to focus on building a strong case with an attorney regardless of who is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and hears your testimony. You will likely answer questions about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions Theodore Kim may ask during your hearing.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and not a prediction of your specific outcome. While Theodore Kim has a 42% lifetime approval rate, your case's success depends primarily on the medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is presented effectively.