Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. The 47% approval rate for Henry DeWoskin covers his entire record since 2016, while his latest-period rate of 56% provides a snapshot of more recent activity. These figures are best understood when compared to the 30% to 78% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the St Louis office.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge DeWoskin'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 April 2016, Henry DeWoskin has issued 3,184 decisions. His yearly approval trend shows fluctuations, with rates ranging from a low of 38% in 2016 to 56% in 2026. While his latest-period approval rate of 56% sits above the office average of 51%, these patterns shift based on the specific evidence and case mix you present.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge DeWoskin'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 St Louis hearing office
Henry DeWoskin's most recent office on record is the St Louis hearing office, with decisions there through July 2026. This office maintains a bench of 20 judges who handle a high volume of disability hearings. The office-wide latest-period approval rate is 51%, which provides context for the local hearing environment.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is St Louis
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Louis office. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 30% to 78% on their since-2016 records.
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
Henry DeWoskin has a 47% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the 30% to 78% range observed among the 20 judges whose most recent office on record is the St Louis office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this hearing office.
Yes, the approval rate for Henry DeWoskin has varied over time, starting at 38% in 2016 and reaching 56% in the most recent 2026 fiscal year-to-date data. These shifts are common and may reflect changes in the types of cases or evidence presented. An attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process random. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical evidence and testimony to determine if you meet disability criteria. It is your opportunity to explain how your condition prevents you from working. An attorney can help you organize your medical records and prepare your testimony.
The approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions and is not a prediction of your specific outcome. While Henry DeWoskin has a 47% approval rate on record since 2016, your case will be decided based on the unique medical evidence and documentation you provide. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible.
