Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at consistent timeframes to ensure accuracy. While Laura G. McHenry maintains an 82% lifetime approval rate, her latest-period performance shows an 86% approval rate, which stands 18 points above the current 68% average for the Chattanooga hearing office. These figures are derived from a docket of 2,390 lifetime decisions. 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 McHenry'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 Laura G. McHenry has shown a consistent pattern since 2017. The rate has remained strong, with the most recent data showing an 86% approval rate in the latest reporting period. This latest figure reflects a continuation of a steady, high-approval pattern observed over the last several years. The data suggests a stable approach to case evaluation, though individual outcomes always depend on the specific medical evidence presented in your case.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge McHenry'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.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Chattanooga hearing office
The Chattanooga hearing office serves claimants across the region, operating as a hub for SSDI hearings in Tennessee. The office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 68%, reflecting the broader environment in which these cases are decided. You can see the Chattanooga hearing office page for the full ALJ roster.
Other judges at this hearing office
SSA assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 16 judges on record at this office since 2016, 7 of whom reported in the SSA's latest period. Approval rates across this bench vary significantly, ranging from 42% to 82% on lifetime records. You can review the office's full roster on the Chattanooga hearing office page.
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
Laura G. McHenry's latest-period approval rate of 86% is higher than the Chattanooga office average of 68%. While this places her above the office benchmark, every case is unique and depends on your specific medical evidence. An attorney can help you prepare your case to meet the evidentiary standards required at this office.
Laura G. McHenry has maintained a steady and high approval rate over her record on file since 2017. Her yearly approval percentages have remained consistently strong, with the latest period showing an 86% rate. If you are concerned about how these trends affect your hearing, an attorney can help you understand the current landscape.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The SSA uses a random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at the Chattanooga hearing office. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to be prepared for any outcome with the help of a qualified attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You will likely be asked about your work history and how your impairments limit your daily activities. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific questions and procedures you will face during your hearing.
A judge's approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and is not a guarantee of how they will rule on your specific claim. While Laura G. McHenry's 82% lifetime rate is a useful data point, your success depends primarily on the strength of your medical evidence. An attorney can help you ensure your case is as strong as possible before your hearing.