Approval rates
The approval rate for Deanna L. Sokolski is based on 2,508 decisions recorded between 2016 and 2025. This figure provides a statistical baseline for understanding how cases have been decided in the past. When reviewing these numbers, consider the broader context of the hearing office's bench, where approval rates for judges with similar records range from 26% to 63%. Aggregate rates describe past decisions, not predictions for individual hearings.
Judge Sokolski 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 26, 2025. Those rows are left out rather than estimated.
Judge Sokolski 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 Sokolski'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 Deanna L. Sokolski has shown variation. After a period of lower approval rates between 2018 and 2019, the data indicates a shift toward higher approval percentages in more recent years, reaching 66% in 2024 and 63% in 2025. These 2,508 total decisions reflect the judge's activity over the past decade. This recent upward trend may reflect changes in case mix or evidence quality presented during hearings.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Sokolski'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 a significant hearing office serving the Illinois region. It maintains a bench of 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. You can expect a formal process where the quality of medical evidence is the primary factor in a decision. You can see the NHC Chicago Hearing Office page for the full ALJ roster.
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. At NHC Chicago, there are 19 judges whose most recent office on record is this one. These judges show a wide range of approval rates, spanning from 26% to 63% based on their records since 2016. 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
Deanna L. Sokolski has an approval rate of 51% based on her record since 2016. This places her 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 these local trends might impact your specific case.
Yes, the approval rate for Deanna L. Sokolski has fluctuated over time. While she saw lower approval rates in 2018 and 2019, her decisions in 2024 and 2025 showed a higher percentage of approvals. A qualified attorney can help you evaluate how these historical patterns relate to your current application.
No. The Social Security Administration assigns cases using a random workload-balancing algorithm. 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 SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where a judge reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be asked about your daily limitations and work history. Working with an attorney can help ensure your testimony is clear and your medical evidence is properly organized.
An approval rate is a probability cloud based on past decisions, not a prediction for your specific hearing. Every case is unique, and the strength of your medical evidence remains the most important factor in a successful outcome. An attorney can help you identify the specific evidence needed to meet the requirements of your case.
