Approval rates
Comparing a judge's record requires looking at consistent data points. Bryan Henry maintains a 42% lifetime approval rate, which sits within the 21% to 74% range observed across the Colorado Springs bench. In the most recent reporting period, he approved 48% of cases, which is 14 percentage points higher than the office-wide latest-period average of 34%. These figures are derived from thousands of hearings, providing a statistically significant view of his decision-making history. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
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 Henry'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 trend for Bryan Henry has shown notable shifts since 2017. While the rate dipped to 33% in 2021 and 2022, it rebounded significantly in recent years, reaching 53% in 2024 and remaining near that level through 2026. This pattern suggests a recent period of higher approval frequency compared to his mid-tenure data. The latest period reflects a continuation of this steady, elevated pattern compared to his earlier years on the record.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Henry'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
The Colorado Springs hearing office serves claimants across Colorado, operating as a key hub for regional disability adjudications. This office maintains a diverse bench of 10 judges on record, with a latest-period office-wide approval rate of 34%. You can expect a formal administrative process focused on medical evidence and vocational testimony. See the Colorado Springs Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning you cannot choose your judge. There are 10 judges on record at this office since 2016, 4 of whom reported in the latest period. Approval rates across this bench vary widely, spanning from 21% to 74% over their respective careers. 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
Bryan Henry's 42% lifetime approval rate is positioned within the 21% to 74% range seen among his peers at the Colorado Springs office. While he currently trends 14 percentage points above the office's latest-period average, every case is unique. An attorney can help you understand how to present your evidence to align with the standards of this specific hearing office.
Yes, the data shows a clear evolution in his decision patterns. After a period of lower approval rates between 2019 and 2022, his outcomes have trended upward, with a 48% approval rate in the most recent reporting period. An attorney can help you evaluate how these recent trends might impact your specific case strategy.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a random, workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is vital to have an attorney who can help you prepare for the specific requirements of any judge assigned to your case.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history, daily limitations, and the severity of your impairments. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical evidence is properly organized for the judge.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions, not a guarantee of your outcome. While Bryan Henry has approved 42% of cases over his 3,487 lifetime decisions, your success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you build a case that meets the specific evidentiary standards required for approval.