Approval rates
The 31% approval rate for Jamie Mendelson is based on 936 decisions on record since 2016. This figure sits within the 31% to 75% range observed among the 22 judges whose most recent office on record is the Denver hearing office. These aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than predicting the outcome of your specific hearing.
SSA has not published a latest-period approval, fully favorable or denial breakdown for Judge Mendelson. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 27, 2019. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Mendelson'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 Jamie Mendelson has varied across the 936 decisions on record since 2016. The approval rate was 51% in 2017, 26% in 2018, and 30% in 2019. These fluctuations often reflect changes in the specific mix of medical evidence or case types presented to the bench.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Mendelson'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. It is staffed by a bench of 22 judges whose most recent office on record is this location. You can expect a formal administrative process where the quality of your medical evidence is the primary factor in your decision.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is Denver
The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a workload-balancing algorithm, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 22 judges whose most recent office on record is the Denver hearing office, with approval rates ranging from 31% to 75% on their since-2016 records. Preparation remains essential regardless of which judge is assigned to your case.
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
Jamie Mendelson has an approval rate of 31% across 936 decisions on record since 2016. This places the judge at the lower end of the 31% to 75% range observed among 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 judge's bench.
Yes, the approval rate has fluctuated over time. It was 51% in 2017, 26% in 2018, and 30% in 2019. These shifts are common and do not necessarily indicate a change in judicial philosophy. A qualified attorney can help you understand how to present your case effectively regardless of these trends.
No, you cannot request a specific judge. The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, making the process effectively random. Because you cannot choose your judge, it is important to focus on building a strong case with the help of an experienced attorney.
An SSDI hearing is a non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical evidence and testimony. You will likely be questioned about your work history and physical or mental limitations. An attorney can help you prepare your testimony and ensure your medical records are properly presented.
The 31% approval rate on record since 2016 is a historical statistic, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you evaluate your case and prepare for your hearing before Jamie Mendelson.
