Judges whose most recent office on record is this one
Outcomes at this office swing significantly across the panel, with approval rates for judges ranging from 21% to 74%. Because of this wide spread, which judge you draw matters, and your case must be strong enough to stand on its own merits regardless of the specific ALJ assigned. Judges are assigned randomly, and each weighs evidence differently, so you should be prepared for a rigorous review of your medical documentation.
| Rank | Judge | Approval Rate | Total Decisions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John A. Beall | 74% | 157 | |
| 2 | Earl W. Shaffer | 67% | 467 | |
| 3 | Ann F. MacMurray | 53% | 678 | |
| 4 | Debra L. Boudreau | 51% | 3,182 | |
| 5 | Kathryn D. Burgchardt | 46% | 3,047 | |
| 6 | Kurt D. Schuman | 46% | 2,226 | |
| 7 | Bryan Henry | 42% | 3,487 | |
| 8 | Matthew C. Kawalek | 39% | 4,253 | |
| 9 | William Musseman | 29% | 2,142 | |
| 10 | Diane S. Davis | 21% | 3,179 |
How long you'll wait
At Colorado Springs, the average wait from hearing request to written decision is 7 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
With a 7-month wait, you have a limited window to strengthen your file before your hearing. Your most important task is submitting updated medical records that document your limitations since your initial denial. You should also prepare a detailed list of your medications and their side effects, along with a log of your daily activities. During the hearing, an ALJ will preside, and a vocational expert will often testify about whether jobs exist that fit your specific restrictions. You have the right to question this expert, which is a key moment to clarify why your condition prevents sustained work. Because this office has a lower approval rate, ensure all evidence is submitted well before the deadline, as last-minute additions are restricted.
When a panel's approval rates span over 50 points, your file must be strong enough that no judge can dismiss it on weak documentation. While you wait for a hearing, you can use that time to pressure-test your file against the vocational expert's likely testimony. This preparation is the difference between a record that leaves questions and one that provides clear answers.
Field offices that route cases here
If your hearing is at Colorado Springs, your case originated at one of the SSA field offices below — the local intake counter where you (or a representative) filed the initial application. SSA's published service areas route these offices' appeals here. Field offices don't decide hearings, but they hold your file, issue benefit-payment notices, and field the day-to-day questions during your wait.
Frequently asked questions
The average wait to reach a hearing at this office is 7 months, which is trending downward and is faster than the national average of 8.2 months. An attorney can help you track your status and prepare for your hearing date.
ALJs are assigned randomly to cases, and you will typically learn which judge is assigned to your hearing a few weeks before the date. Because outcomes vary across this office's panel, an attorney can help you understand the tendencies of the judges who have decided cases here.
You generally cannot choose your judge, as assignments are made by the SSA to ensure impartiality. If you have concerns about a specific judge, an attorney can help you understand the proper legal channels for addressing those issues.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the 34% approval rate at this office suggests that hearings are challenging. An attorney can help you navigate the evidentiary requirements and prepare you for questioning by the vocational expert.
