Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes. Erin Justice maintains a 51% approval rate on record since 2016, which sits within the 31% to 75% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is the Denver hearing office. In the most recent reporting period, the 56% approval rate compares to a 61% rate for the office, a 52% rate for the state, and a 58% national average.
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 Justice'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 Erin Justice has fluctuated since 2016, showing a period of lower approval rates between 2018 and 2019 before trending upward in 2022 and 2023. With 4,076 decisions on record, the recent activity shows a 56% approval rate in the latest period. This latest figure reflects a shift from the long-term average, which may be influenced by changes in the types of cases assigned or the evidence presented in recent hearings.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Justice'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 Denver hearing office
The Denver hearing office serves you and other claimants across Colorado and the surrounding region. As of the most recent data from July 2026, this office maintains an office-wide approval rate of 61% for the latest period. You can expect a formal hearing process where your evidence and medical documentation are reviewed to determine your eligibility.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Denver
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 22 judges whose most recent office on record is the Denver hearing office. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 31% to 75% since 2016. Your preparation remains 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
Erin Justice has a 51% approval rate on record since 2016. This falls within the 31% to 75% range of the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is the Denver hearing office. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over the years. After reaching a low of 36% in 2019, the rate trended upward to 62% in 2023 before settling at 56% in the most recent reporting period. A qualified attorney can help you understand how these trends might relate to your case.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because assignment is random, it is important to be prepared for any judge by having a strong, evidence-based case. An attorney can help you prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears your testimony. You may be questioned by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and organize your medical evidence.
Approval rates are statistical summaries of past decisions and are not a prediction of your specific outcome. While the 51% rate on record since 2016 provides context, the strength of your medical evidence remains the most critical factor. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare effectively.
