Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office vary across the panel, as approval rates for the 16 judges on record range from 40% to 90%. This spread means that the judge assigned to your case is a factor in the process. Because cases are assigned randomly, you cannot choose your judge, making it essential to build a case that is robust enough to succeed regardless of who presides.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sara L. Alston | 90% | 507 | |
| 2 | Leroy C. Bryant | 83% | 1,717 | |
| 3 | Ramon Suris-Fernandez | 76% | 1,509 | |
| 4 | Jeffrey Mastin | 70% | 2,398 | |
| 5 | Lawrence Levey | 61% | 2,400 | |
| 6 | David S. Pang | 59% | 1,149 | |
| 7 | Yvette N. Diamond | 56% | 2,901 | |
| 8 | Stanley K. Chin | 56% | 3,105 | |
| 9 | Michael J. Kopicki | 55% | 2,025 | |
| 10 | Christopher L. Dillon | 55% | 463 | |
| 11 | Paul D. Barker | 50% | 1,018 | |
| 12 | Paul D. Barker Jr. | 48% | 1,806 | |
| 13 | Melissa Hammock | 46% | 3,315 | |
| 14 | Laureen Penn | 45% | 3,011 | |
| 15 | James R. McHenry III | 44% | 432 | |
| 16 | Charlie M. Johnson | 40% | 2,118 |
How long you'll wait
At Baltimore National Hearing Center, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 9 months— versus a national average of 8.2 months. Here's how it's tracked month by month over the past 16 months.
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
Your hearing at the Baltimore National Hearing Center will likely be conducted via video. Because the wait time is steady at 9 months, you have a window to update your medical records and document how your symptoms limit your daily functioning. Ensure you submit all new evidence well before the deadline. During the hearing, an Administrative Law Judge will preside, and a Vocational Expert will often testify regarding job availability. You will have the opportunity to question the expert to clarify how your specific physical or mental limitations prevent you from performing those jobs. A final decision will arrive by mail after the proceedings conclude.
When a panel's approval rates span 50 percentage points, your file must be strong enough to withstand rigorous review. An attorney who understands the tendencies of this panel can help you anticipate the vocational expert's questions and ensure your medical records directly address the criteria for disability.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait for a hearing at this office is 9 months. This wait time has remained steady over recent months, providing you with a window to organize your medical evidence. An attorney can help you manage this timeline.
Cases are assigned randomly to the judges whose most recent office on record is this one. Because there is a wide variation in approval rates among these judges, an attorney can help you prepare for the different ways each judge may weigh your evidence.
Generally, you cannot choose your judge. However, if there is a documented conflict of interest, you may be able to request a reassignment. Discuss any concerns about your assigned judge with your attorney.
While you are not required to have an attorney, an attorney can help you navigate the complex evidence requirements and prepare you for testimony.
