Approval rates
The 40% approval rate for Elizabeth W. Koennecke reflects her entire record since 2016, which you can compare against the 40% to 86% range of other judges whose most recent office on record is Syracuse. With 2,449 decisions on record, this data provides a look at past activity. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for your individual hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Koennecke. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 29, 2023. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Koennecke'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 Elizabeth W. Koennecke has shifted over the period from 2016 to 2023. After reaching 47% in 2018, the annual approval rate reached 27% by the end of the 2023 record window. This pattern across 2,449 decisions on record highlights the importance of thorough evidence preparation. The decline in the approval rate may reflect changes in case mix or the specific nature of the evidence presented in recent years.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Koennecke'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 Syracuse hearing office
Elizabeth W. Koennecke's most recent office on record is the Syracuse hearing office, which serves the surrounding region in New York. This office is part of a larger network of hearing locations where 13 judges have their most recent record. You can expect a formal process where the quality of medical evidence is the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Syracuse
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 13 judges whose most recent office on record is Syracuse, and their approval rates on record since 2016 range from 40% to 86%. Because each judge has a unique approach to evaluating evidence, understanding the local bench is helpful for your preparation.
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
Elizabeth W. Koennecke has an approval rate of 40% since 2016. This is at the lower end of the 40% to 86% range observed among the 13 judges whose most recent office on record is Syracuse. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the specific requirements of this bench.
Yes, the approval rate for Elizabeth W. Koennecke has trended from 40% in 2016 to 27% in 2023. While past performance does not dictate future outcomes, understanding these trends can help you and your representative build a stronger case. An attorney can help you determine if you are ready for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome by working with a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history. Having an attorney present can help ensure your evidence is presented clearly to the judge.
The 40% approval rate on record for Elizabeth W. Koennecke is a statistical observation of past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence remains the most important factor in your success. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for the hearing process.
