Because they basically hacked in a solution to allow IDES to go through eBenefits tracking. Normally after you file a claim they expect the DD214 to be the first thing in so they can continue with the claim, so the date reflects that idea. After separation and them receiving the DD214 my ebenefits went crazy and listed all sorts of claims with all sorts of random dates. I think ebenefits creates more problems than it solves, but everyone is focused on timeline, so there it is, in all its broken glory.