Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial after 11 years as a forklift operator

I got a denial letter last week saying I left my job voluntarily, but I was let go as a forklift operator. It has been a long 11 weeks. My employer's version of events does not match mine, and I have emails that show it. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

File the appeal before the deadline, even if you are unsure. You can gather documents afterwards. That is the one part I would not wait on.