Approval rates
Comparing approval rates requires looking at the same timeframes to ensure accuracy. While Laura G. McHenry has an 82% approval rate since 2017, her latest-period approval rate of 86% stands 18 points above the 68% office average for the same period. These figures are derived from a sample of 2,390 decisions on record, providing a view of past activity.
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 consistency since 2017. After an initial period of fluctuation, the rate has remained strong, with the latest reporting period showing an 86% approval rate. This recent performance aligns with the broader pattern observed across her 2,390 decisions on record. The data suggests a stable approach to case evaluation, with the latest period reflecting a continuation of this pattern.
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.
About the Chattanooga hearing office
Laura G. McHenry's most recent office on record is the Chattanooga hearing office, with activity recorded through July 2026. This office serves you across Tennessee and the surrounding region. The bench consists of 16 judges, and the office maintains a latest-period approval rate of 68%.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Chattanooga
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 16 judges whose most recent office on record is the Chattanooga hearing office. Approval rates among this bench range from 42% to 82% on their records since 2016.
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 82% approval rate since 2017 is at the top of the range for the 16 judges whose most recent office on record is Chattanooga, where rates vary from 42% to 82%. An attorney can help you understand how these differences might impact your specific case strategy.
The approval rate for Laura G. McHenry has remained steady, with recent data showing an 86% approval rate in the latest reporting period. This is consistent with her long-term record of 82% across 2,390 decisions. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how these trends apply to your claim.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm to ensure efficiency. You cannot choose your judge, which is why preparing a strong, evidence-based case is essential regardless of who is assigned to your hearing. An attorney can help you prepare for the specific requirements of your hearing.
An approval rate is a probability cloud based on past decisions, not a guarantee of a specific outcome for your hearing. While Laura G. McHenry's 82% rate is a helpful data point, the quality of your medical evidence remains the most important factor. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to meet the specific standards of your hearing.
