L1B -> L1A Conversion denial

[arun_tr19]

I applied for L1B to L1A Conversion, my petition got denied. I am staying now with my L1B I-94 till my 5 year limit.

1) DS160 Questions: Have you ever been refused a U.S. Visa, been refused admission to the United States, or withdrawn your application for admission at the point of entry?

Is L1A Conversion petition denial a visa refusal? Should I be saying NO or YES for this?

2)Should I wait for a year for applying my next visa or Can I apply for H1B in Apr 2013 gap ?