Approval rates
Comparing a judge's record requires looking at the full scope of their activity. Maribeth McMahon's 40% lifetime approval rate sits at the lower end of the 40% to 65% range observed among the 6 judges on record at the Paducah office. These figures are based on 1,764 lifetime decisions. 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 McMahon. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge McMahon'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 Maribeth McMahon spans from 2016 to 2023, showing a varied approval trend. After an initial 30% approval rate in 2017, the figures fluctuated, reaching 48% in 2022 before settling at 44% in 2023. This pattern reflects the history of evaluating disability claims. The data suggests a steady approach to case adjudication, balancing the requirements of the Social Security Administration against the evidence presented in your file.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge McMahon'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 Paducah hearing office
The Paducah hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating under the Office of Hearings Operations. With a bench of 6 judges on record, the office manages a steady volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process focused on the medical and vocational evidence supporting your claim. You can see the Paducah Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning you cannot choose your judge. There are 6 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 40% to 65% lifetime. 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
Maribeth McMahon has a lifetime approval rate of 40%, which is at the lower end of the 40% to 65% range seen among the 6 judges on record at the Paducah office. Because every case is unique, an attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence effectively for this specific judge.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated since 2016. It began at 30% in 2017, saw a high of 48% in 2022, and was 44% in 2023. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing by analyzing how these trends might relate to your specific medical evidence.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. If you are concerned about your hearing, an attorney can help you prepare regardless of which judge is assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your case is ready.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. While Maribeth McMahon has approved 40% of the 1,764 cases on record, your success depends on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you build the strongest possible case for your hearing.