Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent data sets, specifically the judge's lifetime record against the broader range of peers at the same office. With 243 lifetime decisions on record, the data provides a clear view of historical trends at the Lexington office. While the office-wide lifetime range spans from 21% to 79%, your individual outcome depends heavily on the medical evidence you present. 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 Paris. 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 Paris'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 Don C. Paris covers the period from 2016 to 2017. During this time, the approval rate shifted from 30% in 2016 to 55% in 2017. This trend indicates a change in the volume of favorable outcomes over the observed window. Such patterns often emerge from variations in the types of cases heard or the quality of evidence you provide. The recent uptick reflects a departure from the earlier, lower approval frequency.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Paris'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 Lexington hearing office
The Lexington hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a critical hub for Kentucky disability hearings. The office maintains a diverse bench of 18 judges on record, ensuring a broad range of judicial perspectives. You can expect a standard administrative process focused on your medical documentation and vocational testimony. You can see the Lexington Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 18 judges on record at this office since 2016, 10 of whom reported in the SSA's latest period. Approval rates vary significantly across this bench, ranging from 21% to 79% lifetime. For preparation purposes, 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
Don C. Paris has a lifetime approval rate of 34% based on 243 decisions. This sits within the broader office-wide lifetime range of 21% to 79% for the 18 judges on record. An attorney can help you understand how your specific case evidence aligns with these historical patterns.
Yes, the data shows an increase in approval rates from 30% in 2016 to 55% in 2017. This shift highlights the importance of presenting current and comprehensive medical evidence. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot control the assignment, focusing on the strength of your medical record is the best way to prepare. An attorney can help you prepare for this process.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's historical approval rate is a statistical observation, not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. Your outcome depends primarily on the medical evidence and your ability to prove your disability under SSA guidelines. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.