[BUG] VSCode extension does not load @ file imports in CLAUDE.md

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

Environment Information

• Claude Code CLI version: 2.0.69 (Claude Code)
• VSCode Extension version: v2.0.62
• Operating System: Windows 11
• VSCode version: v1.106.3

Description

The @path/to/file.md import syntax in CLAUDE.md files works correctly when using the Claude Code CLI (claude command), but the same imports are not loaded when using the Claude Code VSCode extension.

Reproduction Steps

Additional Context

This creates a significant behavior difference between the two interfaces. Users who set up shared rules/instructions via @ imports (as recommended in the docs) will have inconsistent experiences depending on whether they use the CLI or VSCode extension.

Related issues:

• #8765 - Similar issue about @ imports not loading (CLI-focused, ~ path issue)
• #5914 - Feature request for @ import support in sub-agent files
• #990 - Original discussion on import syntax

What Should Happen?

Expected Behavior

Both the CLI and VSCode extension should load @ imports in CLAUDE.md files identically, pulling the referenced file contents into context.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Create a project with a CLAUDE.md file containing an @ import reference:

```markdown
@../common/.claude/rules/windows-compatibility.md

# Project Instructions
...
```

1. Ensure the referenced file exists at the relative path

1. CLI Test: Run claude from the command line in the project directory

• Ask Claude about the content of the imported file
• ✅ Claude correctly knows the content from windows-compatibility.md

1. VSCode Extension Test: Open the same project in VSCode with Claude Code extension

• Ask Claude about the content of the imported file
• ❌ Claude does NOT have the imported file content in context
• Claude only sees the literal @../common/.claude/rules/windows-compatibility.md line, not the file contents

Actual Behavior

• CLI: Correctly loads imported files into context
• VSCode Extension: Does NOT load imported files; treats the @ line as plain text

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.0.69

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

_No response_