I have been "disallowed" unemployment benefits at the first application by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.

There is an option for an appeal.

How tough are these appeals? Are the appeals fixed in favor of the employer?

Thanks for any suggestions or observations

All you can do is appeal & tell the truth. They will then make a decision. We don't know why you were denied benefits originally.

I will say that, generally speaking, "new" evidence may not be allowed. But if we don't know the details, we can't form an opinion as to your chances.