Approval rates
The approval data for Barry C. LaBoda is based on a record of 1,600 lifetime decisions compiled between 2016 and 2020. When evaluating this figure, note that the Orlando hearing office bench features a wide range of lifetime approval rates, spanning from 34% to 89% across all judges on record. Aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge LaBoda. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge LaBoda'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 decision pattern for Barry C. LaBoda has remained steady throughout the 2016 to 2020 data window. Starting with an 88% approval rate in 2016, the annual figures have consistently hovered between 88% and 90%. This stability indicates a reliable approach to case evaluation over the years, suggesting that the judge's methodology has remained consistent regardless of fluctuations in the broader hearing environment.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge LaBoda'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Orlando hearing office
The Orlando hearing office serves a significant population in Florida, managing a high volume of disability claims. With a bench of 17 judges on record, the office operates under the broader Social Security Administration guidelines for case adjudication. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical documentation remains the primary factor in a favorable outcome. You can see the Orlando Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Orlando hearing office currently lists 17 judges on record since 2016, with 8 of those judges appearing in the most recent SSA data. Because the Social Security Administration utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, the specific judge you are assigned is essentially random. Approval rates across this office vary significantly, with lifetime records ranging from 34% to 89%.
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
Barry C. LaBoda holds an 89% lifetime approval rate, which sits at the high end of the 34% to 89% range seen among the 17 judges on record at the Orlando hearing office. While this rate is high, every case is different, and an attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific standards of this judge.
The approval rate for Barry C. LaBoda has remained very consistent. From 2016 through 2020, his annual approval rates stayed within a narrow band of 88% to 90%. If you are concerned about how this stability affects your claim, an attorney can help you evaluate your evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases to judges. Since you cannot choose your judge, an attorney can help you prepare for the hearing regardless of who is assigned.
An approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of how Barry C. LaBoda will rule on your specific claim. Your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and testimony you present. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is presented effectively.