Approval rates
The 69% approval rate for Michael L. Brownfield is based on 2,052 decisions on record since 2016. Among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Chattanooga hearing office, approval rates range from 42% to 82%. These figures reflect historical patterns rather than individual case outcomes.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Brownfield. 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 Brownfield'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
Since 2016, Michael L. Brownfield has decided 2,052 cases with an overall approval rate of 69%. Your judge's annual approval rate has fluctuated over this period, ranging from a low of 58% in 2019 to 94% in 2024. These yearly variations highlight the importance of focusing on the specific medical evidence in your claim.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Brownfield'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 Chattanooga hearing office
The Chattanooga hearing office is the most recent office on record for 16 judges. The office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 68%. You can find more information about the office's operations on the Chattanooga hearing office page.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Chattanooga
The Social Security Administration assigns cases randomly to ensure workload balance. Across the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Chattanooga hearing office, approval rates vary between 42% and 82%. This range reflects the diversity of judicial approaches within the office.
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
Michael L. Brownfield's 69% approval rate falls within the 42% to 82% range observed among the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Chattanooga hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
Yes, your judge's approval rate has varied over time, reaching 94% in 2024. An attorney can help you evaluate your case strategy in light of these trends.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses a random assignment process. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of which judge is assigned.
Your hearing is a formal proceeding where you provide testimony about your medical conditions and work history. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony to ensure your case is presented clearly.
The 69% approval rate reflects past decisions and does not predict your outcome. Your success depends on the medical evidence you provide. An attorney can help you identify and organize the evidence needed for your hearing.
