Approval rates
The approval rate for Leisha Self reflects a lifetime record of 68% based on 1,831 decisions. This figure sits within the broader range of 32% to 79% observed across the 26 judges on record at the Baltimore hearing office since 2016. Understanding where a judge falls within this office-wide spectrum provides helpful context for your case.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Self. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Self'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 record for Leisha Self has shown a varied yearly trend. After an approval rate of 68% in 2016, the data indicates fluctuations, including a high of 78% in 2019 and a rate of 61% in 2022. This pattern suggests that while the judge has maintained a consistent presence, the outcome of your specific hearing depends on the unique medical evidence and testimony you present.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Self'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 Baltimore hearing office
The Baltimore hearing office serves claimants throughout the region, maintaining a bench of 26 judges who have presided over cases since 2016. You can expect a standard administrative process focused on the evaluation of your medical evidence and vocational factors. For more information on the local bench, see the /disability-benefits/hearing-offices/baltimore-MD Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The SSA uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 26 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates among these peers vary significantly, ranging from 32% to 79% on a lifetime basis.
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
Leisha Self holds a 68% lifetime approval rate, which places her within the office-wide range of 32% to 79% for all judges on record since 2016. Because every case involves different medical evidence, an attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
The approval rate for Leisha Self has fluctuated since 2016, ranging from a low of 60% in 2018 to a high of 78% in 2019. These shifts are common and often relate to changes in case volume or the complexity of evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how these trends might impact your strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random, workload-based algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency and impartiality. An attorney can help you prepare your case regardless of which judge is ultimately assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony from you and potentially a vocational expert. The goal is to determine if your impairment meets the criteria for disability benefits. An attorney can help you prepare for this process and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
A judge's lifetime approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Your success depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence and how well you meet the SSA's strict disability definitions. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for your hearing.