rightstrivinsissy

VA.gov is the only place that you can find open status. On HLR, it just doesn't update. No clue as that rationale. It's a claim just like a supplemental is. You can't get a status on ebenefits. You can call Peggy, 800-827-1000 and ask but the info you get isn't very detailed. 

I never saw my HLR in eBenefits. I would expect some movement on that soon though...mine was filed in July as well and finally got taken care of last week.

In my opinion it is a big mistake to hire a lawyer after an initial denial.  
The VA makes a lot of mistakes with initial claims, and many denials are overturned on the initial appeal, and at the BVA, still others get denied and go on to the court.. the court may be where a lawyer can help most, but again this is my opinion, based on my 33 years dealing with the VA. With that said,  for some veterans the va claims system is too complicated  and I can understand why some veterans feel the need for a lawyer or Veteran service officer.
In your case  your representative should be doing a notice of disagreement, but under the new system it called a Higher level review, if you have no new evidence, or supplemental claim if  new evidence exist.
Your " case manage" is responsible to want to see the claims file.. but the longer they wait to appeal, the less time they  have to perfect the appeal...  Example, I have been waiting for 6 months for a copy of a C/P examination before I appeal a denial on a request for increase in my knee's.  We only have a year to appeal a decision. I don't like to be rushed to do an appeal but my time is slowly running out.  And when I do an appeal I may write it 5 or 6 times before  I am comfortable with how it reads and have made sure all bases are covered.
The  decision should state why the claim was denied and what is required to prevail.  Knowing this gives you a good start on the appeal. 
One recommendation I would make is to talk to your doctor explain what you are trying to do and ask if they would write an entry into you medical records or a letter in support of you TDIU claim.  Remember, the doctor must state that they have reviewed your medical records, and they must justify their opinion based on sound medical facts. Normally if such a letter is done correctly , the veteran will win the claim regardless of what the VA C/P examiner  many think about your claim, because the tie goes to the veteran.  Also your doctor is free to fill out the (C/P exam report )  DBQ which can be submitted along with the appeal.  ( Each medical condition has a DBQ specifically designed for each medical condition, the DBQ is what the C/P examiner fills out).   DBQ's are available  on line.
Hope this helps in some way.....