Nikkor 80-400 f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Focusing Issue

I am using a Nikon D7200 paired with the Nikkor 80-400 f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. I am getting sharp images when shooting with the Focus Limit Switch on the lense in the Full position for subjects under 19.69 feet. If i back up to much more than 20 feet and switch the lense to ∞–6 m for over 19.69 feet the images are not in focus. Have tried this on 2 different D7200 bodies with the same results. Not sure if there is a setting or switch I may have in the wrong position. Tried using spot/centre-weighted/& Matrix. I almost always shoot in AF-C for owls; raptors and birds.

Lense switches I have verified are:

(1) Focus Mode Switch: A/m

(2) The Focus Limit Switch: ∞–6 m

(3) Vibration Reduction ON/OFF Switch: VR On

(4) Vibration Reduction Mode Switch: Active

(5) Lock: Unlocked

* Body is set to AF.

I uploaded 2 images, not the same subject but the deer was taken with lense in Full position. Bird was taken with lense switch in ∞–6 m due to distance. Images are directly from camera; unedited except for a crop so can be accepted for upload. By looking at the deer photo the camera is working fine.

It's my understanding that active mode is for use when you are shooting from a moving vehicle. Have you tried normal mode?

Usually leave it in active in case the owl or hawk etc take off, but will try using normal mode tomorrow. Looks to be sunny, want to make sure its the lense and not me before shipping it off to Nikon Service.

You might want to take a look at this link from Nikon https://www.nikonusa.com/images/Micro-sites/VR/experience/tips/normal_and_active/

*Repair Update: Nikon is covering it under warranty, no charge. Work order has it listed as a B2, no idea what that means. Nice Christmas gift for sure not having to pay.