Eligibility for previous year

[pjcoomer]

After reading VA newsletter, Debbie Burak (advocate), my 86-year-old Dad applied for the previous year prior to his reward as medical conditions were the same.  Was denied " because liberalizing law does not apply if the veteran was rated as permanent and total disabled or not permanent and totally disabled since September 17, 2001."  Does anyone know what this is and were we given the proper answer for attempting to get previous year pension?

[Fit2009]

If you qualify for this, they notify you in the award letter