Approval rates
The approval rates for Henry Kramzyk reflect his decision history compared to the broader bench at the NHC Chicago office. While his lifetime approval rate stands at 29%, it is important to view this in the context of the office-wide lifetime range of 29% to 61%. These figures are derived from 3,072 lifetime decisions, providing a stable view of his record. 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 Kramzyk'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 2016, the approval rate for Henry Kramzyk has fluctuated, moving from 27% in his early record to 36% in 2024 before settling at 25% in the most recent reporting period. With 3,072 total decisions on record, the data indicates a varied approach to case outcomes over the last decade. The recent rate of 25% represents a shift from his historical average, which may reflect changes in the types of cases or evidence presented. This pattern suggests that the specific details of your medical evidence remain the most critical factor in your hearing.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Kramzyk'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 NHC Chicago hearing office
The NHC Chicago hearing office serves claimants throughout Illinois and the surrounding region. The office maintains a bench of 14 judges on record, reflecting a high volume of disability hearings. You can expect a formal process where medical documentation is the primary focus of the hearing. You can see the NHC Chicago Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
SSA assigns cases through a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning your assignment to Henry Kramzyk is essentially random. There are 14 judges on record at this office since 2016, 4 of whom reported in the latest SSA period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 29% to 61% over their respective lifetimes. 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
Henry Kramzyk has a lifetime approval rate of 29%, which sits at the lower end of the 29% to 61% range seen among the 14 judges on record at the NHC Chicago office. Because assignment is random, an attorney can help you prepare a case that meets the specific evidentiary standards of this office.
Yes, the approval rate for Henry Kramzyk has fluctuated over his 3,072 decisions since 2016, ranging from a low of 25% to a high of 36% in 2024. These variations highlight why a strong, well-documented case is essential regardless of the current trend. An attorney can help you review your evidence to ensure it is ready for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process random. An attorney can help you prepare for your hearing regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
An SSDI hearing is a formal proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony about your limitations. You may be asked questions by the judge or a vocational expert about your ability to perform work. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and organize your medical evidence.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and does not predict the outcome of your specific hearing. Your case's success depends primarily on the quality of your medical evidence and how well it aligns with SSA disability criteria. An attorney can help you identify gaps in your evidence before your hearing date.