DS-160 Start Date Query - previous H1 denial case

[ppandya]

Hi All - Currently I am in US working on h1. I am planning to go to India for visa stamping. So would like to know what to put as correct start date in form for current employer?

Here is my h1 history: In Aug 2017, I moved to full time job from consulting. I have approved i140 from consulting company. I joined full time on receipt. Got RFE in Jan 2018 and got denial on RFE response in March 2018. H1 denial reason was job position is not speciality occupation. Luckily my old h1 was valid till May 2018 and my new company filed new h1 with different position. It hot approved in May 2018, and I resumed my work in May 2018. Between March 2018 to May 2018 I was on unpaid leave. 

As I didn't leave my firm, my employment letter shows my start date is Aug 2017. So, what should I mention in DS-160 as my start date for current employer? Aug 2017 or May 2018.

Please provide your suggestion. Appreciate your help on this matter.