Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at data from the same timeframe to ensure accuracy. The 46% approval rate for Kathryn D. Burgchardt is measured against the performance of other judges whose most recent office on record is the Colorado Springs hearing office. Across this bench, approval rates range from 21% to 74% for cases decided since 2016. 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 Burgchardt. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2024. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Burgchardt'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 Kathryn D. Burgchardt has fluctuated over the years, showing a peak of 59% in 2018 followed by a period of lower activity, before reaching 53% in 2024. With 3,047 decisions on record since 2016, the data shows a varied trend rather than a single direction. The most recent figures suggest a return to higher approval levels compared to the 2022 low of 35%. These shifts may reflect changes in the types of cases heard or the quality of evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Burgchardt'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 Colorado Springs hearing office
Kathryn D. Burgchardt's most recent office on record is the Colorado Springs hearing office, which serves you across the region. This office is home to a bench of 10 judges with varying approval patterns. You should be prepared for a thorough review of your medical documentation and work history. You can see the Colorado Springs Hearing Office page for the full roster.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Colorado Springs
The Social Security Administration assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Colorado Springs hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 21% to 74%. Because each judge has a unique approach to evaluating evidence, your preparation should be tailored to the specific requirements of the hearing process. 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
Kathryn D. Burgchardt maintains a 46% approval rate since 2016, which sits within the 21% to 74% range observed among the 10 judges whose most recent office on record is the Colorado Springs hearing office. An attorney can help you understand how your case evidence aligns with these local patterns.
Yes, the approval rate for Kathryn D. Burgchardt has varied over time, ranging from a low of 35% in 2022 to a high of 59% in 2018. Recent data from 2024 shows an approval rate of 53% across 193 decisions. A qualified attorney can help you prepare a case that addresses these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, ensuring that assignments remain random and impartial. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of the judge assigned.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform past work or other jobs. Having an attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is clearly presented.
