Approval rates
Comparing approval rates provides context for how different judges evaluate evidence, though every case is unique. The 44% approval rate for James R. McHenry III 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 432 decisions on record since 2016, providing a stable baseline for your review. 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 McHenry III. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2017. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge McHenry III'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 James R. McHenry III shows a shift over the period of 2016 to 2017. With 432 total decisions on record since 2016, the data indicates a decline from 47% in 2016 to 24% in 2017. This pattern reflects the specific outcomes recorded during that timeframe. Such variations in annual approval rates can occur due to changes in the complexity of cases or the medical evidence presented during your hearing.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge McHenry III'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
James R. McHenry III's most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore, with decisions there through September 2017. This office serves the Maryland region and maintains a bench of 16 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can expect a standard administrative hearing process focused on verifying the severity of your impairments. 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, with approval rates ranging from 40% to 90% since 2016. Because you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the most effective way to prepare. For your preparation, the guidance remains consistent 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
James R. McHenry III has an approval rate of 44% since 2016. This falls within the 40% to 90% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the NHC Baltimore. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the data shows a shift from a 47% approval rate in 2016 to 24% in 2017 across 432 total decisions on record. These fluctuations are common and often depend on the specific mix of cases heard. A qualified attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot control your judge assignment, focusing on your medical evidence is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
The 44% approval rate is a historical statistic, not a prediction of your outcome. It reflects past decisions rather than the merits of your specific medical condition. Working with an attorney can help ensure your evidence is presented clearly to meet the SSA's standards. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
