Approval rates
The approval rate for Beverly S. Parkhurst is based on 1,349 decisions issued between 2016 and 2020. This record provides a statistical view of how cases were handled during that period. When evaluating this data, compare it against the broader bench at the same office, where approval rates since 2016 have ranged from 26% to 63%.
Judge Parkhurst is not in SSA's latest disposition file, so there is no 12-month figure. The most recent period with decisions on record is September 25, 2020. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Judge Parkhurst isn't in SSA's latest disposition file, so the judge comparison tool, which compares active judges over the same 12 months, leaves them out.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Parkhurst'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, Beverly S. Parkhurst has issued 1,349 decisions. The yearly approval rate was 51% in 2016, 61% in 2017, 67% in 2018, 66% in 2019, and 58% in 2020. These figures show how approval patterns shifted over time based on the specific mix of cases and evidence presented.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Parkhurst'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
NHC Chicago is the most recent office on record for Beverly S. Parkhurst, with the last recorded decision there in September 2020. This office maintains a bench of 19 judges whose most recent records are tied to this location. You can expect a standard hearing process focused on the medical and vocational evidence of your claim.
Other judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Chicago
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you are assigned is essentially random. There are 19 judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Chicago. Among these, approval rates since 2016 vary significantly, ranging from 26% to 63%.
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
Beverly S. Parkhurst has a 61% approval rate on record since 2016. This places the judge within the range of 26% to 63% observed among the 19 judges whose most recent office on record is NHC Chicago. An attorney can help you understand how to prepare your case for this specific office.
Yes, the approval rate for Beverly S. Parkhurst fluctuated during the time on record. It was 51% in 2016, 61% in 2017, 67% in 2018, 66% in 2019, and 58% in 2020. An attorney can help you evaluate how these historical patterns might relate to your current claim.
No, you cannot choose your judge. The Social Security Administration uses an automated workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to judges at NHC Chicago and other offices. Because assignment is random, it is vital to have your evidence organized regardless of who hears your case. An attorney can help you prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be questioned about your daily activities, pain levels, and work history. Having an attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.
An approval rate is a reflection of past decisions and is not a guarantee of how Beverly S. Parkhurst will rule on your specific case. Every claim is unique, and the quality of your medical evidence is the most important factor in a favorable outcome. An attorney can help you build the strongest possible case for your hearing.
