Approval rates
Comparing a judge's approval rate requires looking at the same data window. Since 2016, the Wichita hearing office bench has seen approval rates ranging from 37% to 67%. Alison K. Brookins's rate of 58% sits within this range, providing a stable baseline for review. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Brookins. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Brookins's docket. Annual rates fluctuate with the mix of cases SSA assigns; the longer-run pattern is more informative than any single year.
Decision pattern
The approval rate for Alison K. Brookins has fluctuated over the years, starting at 58% in 2016 and reaching a high of 69% in 2024. While the rate was 50% in 2025, the overall trend shows a consistent pattern of decision-making across the 2,394 total decisions on record. This variation is common in SSDI cases and often reflects changes in the complexity of the evidence presented or the specific mix of cases assigned.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Brookins's bench. Judge-specific preparation guidance requires a corpus of public Appeals Council decisions involving each judge, which we haven't built yet.
- Bring a clean treating-physician record. Longitudinal primary-care or specialist notes spanning the disability period, with consistent symptom documentation, are typically the strongest evidence at hearing. A single month's records usually aren't enough.
- Don't rely on consultative exams alone. If your medical evidence is built primarily around a one-time CE finding, expect detailed questioning. Supplement with treating-source statements where possible.
- Prepare for daily-activity questions. Have honest, specific answers about a typical day. Answers that conflict with the medical record (in either direction) tend to hurt credibility.
- Expect transferable-skills probing. A vocational expert will usually testify about jobs available to someone with your limitations. Your representative should be prepared to cross-examine.
About the Wichita hearing office
Alison K. Brookins's most recent office on record is the Wichita hearing office, with decisions there through September 2025. This office serves the region and maintains a bench of 8 judges who manage a high volume of disability claims. You can expect a formal process where the quality of medical documentation is the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Wichita
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 8 judges whose most recent office on record is the Wichita hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 37% to 67%. Because each judge has a unique approach to evaluating medical evidence, preparation is essential for your hearing.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Alison K. Brookins has an approval rate of 58% since 2016, which falls within the 37% to 67% range of the other judges whose most recent office on record is Wichita. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of which judge is assigned.
Yes, the rate has fluctuated over the years, ranging from 50% in 2025 to 69% in 2024. These shifts are common and do not necessarily indicate a change in policy, but rather the nature of the cases heard. A qualified attorney can help you prepare for your hearing by analyzing these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. Having an attorney by your side can help you navigate the process and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions and is not a prediction of your outcome. Your case's success depends on the specific medical evidence and testimony provided. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strengths and prepare for the hearing.
