Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
3 of these 16 judges decided cases here in SSA's latest disposition file (July 2026) and are ranked first, on the 12 months from July 26, 2025 to July 31, 2026. The other 13 have no decisions in SSA's data since the month shown and are listed after them, unranked, with every decision on record.
The 3 judges who decided cases here in SSA's latest file show a tight consistency in their decision-making. With approval rates ranging from 46% to 51% over the 12 months to July 31, 2026, your outcome does not swing significantly based on which judge you draw. While the median approval rate of 48% suggests a stable environment, remember that each ALJ weighs evidence differently and random assignment means your case must stand on its own merits.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Decisions | Last Decision | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melissa Hammock | 51% | 405 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 2 | Paul D. Barker | 48% | 375 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| 3 | Christopher L. Dillon | 46% | 99 | Jul 2026latest file | |
| NR | Sara L. Alston | 90% | 507 | Sep 2017none since | |
| NR | Leroy C. Bryant | 83% | 1,717 | Sep 2020none since | |
| NR | Ramon Suris-Fernandez | 76% | 1,509 | Sep 2020none since | |
| NR | Jeffrey Mastin | 70% | 2,398 | Sep 2025none since | |
| NR | Lawrence Levey | 61% | 2,400 | Sep 2025none since | |
| NR | David S. Pang | 59% | 1,149 | Sep 2025none since | |
| NR | Yvette N. Diamond | 56% | 2,901 | Sep 2024none since | |
| NR | Stanley K. Chin | 56% | 3,105 | Sep 2025none since | |
| NR | Michael J. Kopicki | 55% | 2,025 | Sep 2021none since | |
| NR | Paul D. Barker Jr. | 48% | 1,806 | Feb 2023none since | |
| NR | Laureen Penn | 45% | 3,011 | Sep 2025none since | |
| NR | James R. McHenry III | 44% | 432 | Sep 2017none since | |
| NR | Charlie M. Johnson | 40% | 2,118 | Sep 2024none since |
How long you'll wait
At Baltimore National Hearing Center, the average wait from hearing request to hearing held was 10.5 months as of May 2026, the latest month SSA has published for this office. The national average was 8.2 months as of July 2026. Here's how it has moved month by month over the 16 months through May 2026.
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.
Going to your hearing
The 10.5-month wait as of May 2026 provides a window to strengthen your file before you appear before an ALJ. Your hearing will likely last 45 to 60 minutes, where you will testify about your limitations and a Vocational Expert will discuss potential work. Bring an updated list of medications, including side effects, and a log of your daily activities to support your testimony. Ensure all medical records from your treating physicians are submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute evidence is restricted. Because this office conducts hearings by video, you should ensure your documentation is clear and ready for digital review. A decision will arrive by mail in the weeks following your appearance.
The months between your hearing request and your hearing are preparation time you can use to strengthen your claim. You can use this period to bridge the gap between your initial denial and the evidence required to secure an approval. By anticipating the questions a Vocational Expert will ask, you can ensure your file is ready for the hearing room. You may want to see if you qualify for a free case review to begin building your strategy.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait from hearing request to hearing held was 10.5 months as of May 2026. This wait has been trending upward since late 2025. An attorney can help you understand how to use this time to prepare your case.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges who decided cases here in SSA's latest file. You will be notified of your specific judge closer to your hearing date. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific preferences of the judge assigned to you.
You generally cannot choose your judge. However, if you have a valid legal reason to believe a judge has a conflict of interest, you can discuss this with your attorney, who can help you file the appropriate request.
While not required, represented claimants are statistically more likely to be approved. An attorney can help you navigate the hearing process and prepare your evidence to give you the best chance of success.