Great post, Bronco! I recommend all claimants file appeals, not refile, as many VSO's suggest. You can also refile the claim at any time. During my 10yr claim I appealed all decisions and refiled 3-4 times, just in case, I was doing something wrong, that I was unaware of. That way I was at least assuring myself of some kind of retro award date. I also made sure that I noted in my claims/appeals that I was seeking all benefits, both "known/sought and unknown", by me, to protect any appeals I may have.
When I started my claim, I had to move to the VAMC area, to live, so I could have the manuals available to me, to work my claim. The RO in 1990, had to set me up in a room, where they rolled out the M-21 rules, in an 8'-10' cart, for me to use and then provide me w/printed copies of anything I wanted. They hated that!! In fact, when the gentleman who had to do it retired, he made sure all his 100% rated friends received an SMC "s" award. I knew 2 of them. I had to appeal mine for 31yrs but won in the end.
Claimants should watch for lines similar to this: "this decision is considered a full award of all claims/benefits being sought" or a VSO having the claimant sign anything that states that the claimant agrees with the decision. (a technique used in the late '90's), when the VSO's got a win. I had 2 vets I know do that and lost their appeal period over that. just sayin' . . .