The News Journal in Delaware published a new database of ALJ denial rates around the country, as part its recent online Special Report. What is remarkable about this database is that is is easily searchable by state or by hearing office. So you can see how your state and hearing office compare to the rest of the country.

When looking at the database, you should focus on the 2008 statistics, which are the most relevant for those with pending claims.

I represent claimants in Maine and New Hampshire, and those two states compare favorably to the rest of the country. That is not surprising to me.

The overarching question raised by the database is the fairness of a system that delivers such uneven results across the country. Just asking the question gives you the answer.