I have two claims in appeal status right now and I think I'm close to a decision on at least one of them.  Dare I submit another claim or should I just wait another month or so?  I'm afraid of having EVERYTHING set back by me submitting a new claim.

Talk to your service officer; your situation is unique and you need professional assistance. If you do not have a VSO representing you; call your local Vet Center/VA and get in touch with one.

You're asking a loaded question with potentially upsetting consequences; appeals are not "bad" but they are a difficult process to work through- let alone by yourself.

If you are working with a service officer and he/she is not doing right by you or you feel your needs are not being addressed- fire them and talk to someone else.

Just my opinion; good luck to you and I hope it all works out.

Randy

P.s. I understand what you are going through, and I am sure you can get some good advice here, but please talk to someone who is informed about your case/issues before you make a decision.

Disabled vet here. (got out in '11)
I thought all of my ratings were fair so I didn't appeal any of their findings. But the first reply you got is a good one. I worked with my case officer (100% over the phone) but she was on target and very nice during the whole process.
As with everything I did there was a time limit. I'd have to dig up my paperwork but I'm quite sure there is a time limit on filing an appeal. So I would call and get an answer ASAP.
Are you appealing an appeal? You can appeal every rating they give you (for each injury). But you of course have to have new info (second opinions from civilian doctors, etc...) for them to change their rating for you of course.

Hope I helped a little,   good luck

GREAT advice guys; thank you for taking the time to help.  

 I have two things on appeal but I'm looking at opening a new claim.  I'm at max percentage for migraine headaches but that's been a long ass fight to get here.  Resulted from a training accident (concussion, out for hours, seizures).  I started reading up on TBIs on a whim and realized I have a lot of the symptoms like literally seeing spots every single time I turn my head a certain way, difficulty doing complex mental tasks, and re-goddamned-diculous migraine headaches amongst several other known symptoms.  The thing is that I hadn't heard of TBIs when I started this process a few years ago.

 So, I'm afraid to open the TBI claim until two other appeals go through.  The two other appeals should have gone right through the first time; bounced for what reason, I have no idea.  It's all right there in my medical record.  Frustrating as you guys know.