Approval rates
The approval rate for Michael J. Kopicki is based on 2,025 decisions on record since 2016. This figure provides a statistical baseline when compared to the 40% to 90% range observed among other judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore. While these numbers offer context regarding historical trends, they do not account for the specific medical evidence or vocational factors unique to your claim. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Kopicki. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 24, 2021. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Kopicki'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 Michael J. Kopicki showed a steady trend from 2016 through 2018, followed by a gradual decline in the later years of the recorded window. Starting at 59% in 2016, the rate shifted to 53% by 2019 and reached 42% in 2021. These 2,025 decisions on record since 2016 illustrate how the judge's approach evolved over the five-year period. This pattern reflects the specific case mix and evidentiary standards present during those years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kopicki'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
Michael J. Kopicki's most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore, with records through September 2021. This office serves the Maryland region and maintains a bench of 16 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal hearing process where the judge evaluates your medical and vocational evidence against Social Security Administration standards. 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 draw is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore, with approval rates ranging from 40% to 90% on their since-2016 records. Because assignment is outside of your control, the focus remains on building a robust case. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Michael J. Kopicki has a 55% approval rate on record since 2016. This sits within the 40% to 90% range of approval rates for the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore. An attorney can help you prepare a case strategy that addresses the specific evidentiary requirements of this hearing office.
The approval rate for Michael J. Kopicki was 59% in 2016 and moved to 42% by 2021. These 2,025 decisions on record since 2016 show a shift in outcomes over time. Understanding these trends is part of how an attorney helps you prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ALJs. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on the strength of your medical evidence with a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records, vocational history, and testimony. You will likely be asked questions about your ability to perform work-related tasks despite your impairments. Having an attorney present can ensure your testimony is clear and your evidence is properly presented.
