LM3429 Start up problem

I have a design almost identical to the BOOST eval board except for comp values for different operating conditions for driving CREE CXA3070 . It seems like the LM3429 is not starting up. I.e. no gate pulse on power up. I've triple checked all connections and can't find any issues. Quiescent DC values on all pins seem proper (6.9V on VCC, etc.) The only thing I cannot verify is if the DAP pad has re-flowed properly and  is connected to the copper beneath it. PGND and AGND are connected together via the DAP pad. Does DAP pad have to be electrically connected to AGND and PGND or is it just for thermal relief? If it's not connected, would it cause the timer from starting up? Any suggestions would be helpful.