Approval rates
The approval rates for Kim D. Parrish reflect a consistent history of decision-making within the Oklahoma City hearing office. When comparing the latest-period approval rate of 69% against the office-wide latest-period rate of 71%, the data shows a 2-point difference. These figures are supported by a substantial docket of 4,749 lifetime decisions, providing a stable view of the record. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Parrish'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
Since 2016, the decision pattern for Kim D. Parrish has shown a gradual upward trend in approval rates. While the lifetime average sits at 63%, recent years have seen cases approved at or near the 69% to 70% mark. This shift suggests that the approach to evidence and case requirements has evolved from the earlier years of the record. The latest period reflects a continuation of this steady pattern.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Parrish'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 Oklahoma City hearing office
The Oklahoma City hearing office serves you throughout the region, managing a diverse caseload of disability applications. With 17 judges on record, the office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 71%. You can expect a formal hearing process where the quality of your medical evidence remains the primary factor in the outcome. See the Oklahoma City 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 the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 17 judges on record at this office since 2016, 11 of whom reported in the latest period. These judges exhibit a wide range of lifetime approval rates, spanning from 45% to 85%. For your preparation, 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
Kim D. Parrish has a lifetime approval rate of 63%, which sits within the broader office range of 45% to 85%. While individual rates vary, an attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific evidentiary standards of this hearing office.
Yes, the data shows an upward trend in approval rates since 2016. While the lifetime rate is 63%, the judge has reached a 69% approval rate in the most recent reporting period. An attorney can help you understand 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. Because you cannot choose your judge, working with an attorney can help you prepare for any outcome.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments prevent you from performing daily tasks. An attorney can help you prepare for this testimony and ensure your medical evidence is complete.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and is not a prediction of your specific outcome. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical documentation is the most important factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare effectively for your hearing.