Decisions in FY 2026
| Comparison | Approval rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Judge Paul Elkin | 45% | — |
| Columbia hearing office average | 62% | 17 points below |
| National average | 58% | 13 points below |
What these numbers mean for your hearing
An approval rate summarizes a judge's past decisions, not the outcome of a single case. Judges hear very different mixes of claims, and a case with strong medical records, consistent treatment and a clear work history can be approved by any judge. Dismissals, for example when a claimant withdraws or misses the hearing, are excluded from the rate.
If your case is at the Columbia office, the most useful facts are the current wait time and the evidence deadline before your hearing. Read what happens at a disability hearing and how the appeal works.
Frequently asked questions
What is Judge Paul Elkin's approval rate?
In FY 2026, Judge Paul Elkin decided 104 cases and approved 47 of them (fully or partially favorable), an approval rate of 45%. That is 13 points below the national rate of 58%.
Where does Judge Paul Elkin hear cases?
SSA lists Judge Paul Elkin at the Columbia Hearing Office (Columbia, SC).
Can I choose or change my judge?
No. The hearing office assigns cases to judges on a rotational basis, generally oldest requests first, with exceptions such as critical cases. Claimants do not choose their judge.
Does a low approval rate mean I will lose?
No. Rates describe past decisions across very different cases. What decides your case is the medical evidence, your work history and how well the file is prepared.