[BUG] /clear resets effortLevel to medium, ignoring settings.json

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?

When using /clear in the VS Code extension, the effort level resets to medium even though "effortLevel": "max" is configured in ~/.claude/settings.json.
Starting a new session via the "New Session" button correctly respects the setting, issue lies within /clear.

What Should Happen?

/clear should respect the effortLevel configured in settings.json, same as starting a new session does.

Error Messages/Logs

Steps to Reproduce

1. Set "effortLevel": "max" in ~/.claude/settings.json
2. Open Claude Code via VS Code extension
3. Start a new session via "New Session" button → effort level is max -- Correct
4. Run /clear
5. Effort level resets to medium -- Incorrect

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.81

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

Relevant section of ~/.claude/settings.json:

{
"effortLevel": "max"
}