Approval rates
The approval rate for Janice M. Bruning is based on 4,605 lifetime decisions recorded since 2016. Within the Oak Brook hearing office, the 10 judges on record show a wide variance in their lifetime records, ranging from 35% to 84%. These figures offer a look at how different adjudicators have historically approached disability claims, though aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Bruning. 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 Bruning'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
Janice M. Bruning's record shows a varied trend since 2016. After an initial period of fluctuation, the data indicates a recovery in more recent years. The 66% approval rate in 2023 stands as a notable point in the recent history, followed by a stabilization in the most recent periods. This pattern reflects the evolving nature of the docket and the complex case mix handled at the Oak Brook office.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Bruning'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Oak Brook hearing office
The Oak Brook hearing office serves you throughout the region, operating as a key hub for SSDI hearings in Illinois. With a bench of 10 judges on record, the office manages a high volume of cases requiring careful documentation of medical impairments. You can see the Oak Brook hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Oak Brook hearing office utilizes a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning you cannot request a specific judge. There are 10 judges on record at this office since 2016. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, reflecting the diverse approaches taken by different ALJs. For preparation purposes, the guidance is the same regardless of which judge you are assigned.
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
Janice M. Bruning's 55% lifetime approval rate sits within the broader office range of 35% to 84%. Because every judge has a unique approach to evaluating evidence, having a representative who understands these nuances is vital. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific expectations of the judge assigned to your hearing.
Yes, the data shows fluctuations in approval rates since 2016. While the rate reached 66% in 2023, it has moved through different cycles over the last several years. An attorney can help you analyze how these trends might relate to the current evidence requirements for your specific disability claim.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency and fairness. Since you cannot control who hears your case, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where the judge reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your symptoms prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical summary of past decisions, not a guarantee of a future outcome. Your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well it aligns with SSA disability listings. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your file and strengthen your case before your hearing date.