Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes to ensure accuracy. While Derek N. Phillips has a 71% approval rate since 2016, his latest-period approval rate of 69% sits 5 points above the Dallas North OHO average of 64%. These figures are derived from a docket of 4,381 decisions, providing a stable view of past activity. These metrics reflect historical trends rather than a fixed outcome for your claim.
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 Phillips'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 trend for Derek N. Phillips has shifted over the years since 2016. After a period of higher approval rates early in the record, the data shows a decline followed by a more recent stabilization. The latest period shows a 69% approval rate, which remains consistent with his recent performance levels. This pattern suggests that the judge's approach has reached a steady state in the most recent reporting window.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Phillips'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 Dallas North OHO hearing office
Derek N. Phillips' most recent office on record is the Dallas North OHO, with decisions there through July 2026. This office serves the region and maintains a bench of 20 judges. The office-wide latest approval rate is 64%, reflecting the broader environment for disability claims in this location. You can see the Dallas North OHO Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Dallas North OHO
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the Dallas North OHO, with 11 of them deciding cases in SSA's latest file. Approval rates among this bench range from 24% to 88% since 2016. Your preparation remains the same regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
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
Derek N. Phillips has an approval rate of 71% since 2016, which sits within the range of 24% to 88% for the 20 judges associated with the Dallas North OHO. In the latest reporting period, his 69% approval rate is 5 points higher than the office average of 64%. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the approval rate for Derek N. Phillips has fluctuated over the years, starting at 93% in 2016 and moving to 69% in the most recent fiscal year to date. These changes often reflect shifts in case mix or evidence quality rather than a change in judicial philosophy. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your specific case.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency across all hearing offices. Because assignment is random, it is important to be prepared for any judge. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews the evidence for your disability claim. You will likely testify about your symptoms and limitations, and a vocational expert may provide testimony regarding your ability to perform work. Having an attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and prepare your testimony effectively.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. While Derek N. Phillips has an approval rate of 71% since 2016, every case is decided based on its unique medical evidence and legal merits. An attorney can help you evaluate the strengths of your case and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
