Why does an HVAC disconnect "require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized..."
It is just a switch until a qualifed electrician takes off the cover and then it should be subject to LO/TO, just like any other circuit.
Where did I go wrong?

OSHA whom references the NFPA 70E for electrical safe work practices considers testing voltage energized work. And opening/closing a breaker and/or switch is technically work that requires PPE even at Cat 0 energy levels.

I don't agree with the NEC that working space is only needed for equipment worked on "while enrgized". I agree with you that nothing should ever be worked on while energied, period. But, energized or not, the working space should be provided anyway. IMO.

The question was raised, what is the difference between an HVAC disconnect and any other device or junction box.
I am not saying I want to put disconnects behind the condenser but I am having a hard time understanding how we get there and not require the same clearance in front of all boxes.
The handbook says "It is important to understand that the word examination, as used in 110.26(A), includes such tasks as checking for the presence of voltage using a portable voltmeter."
Wouldn't that apply to any junction box anywhere?

It's just one of those things.

Two in a row ;-) (tywraps)
Don't you love this ambiguity when we are enforcing the law.

A disconnect has parts that can be removed thereby making it possible for the person to remove the parts (pullout, breaker) while the equipment is energized. Same thing with a timeclock (adjustment). This is usually done while the equipment is left energized.

A junction box is a box with wire in it. If the wires were to be removed or replaced it is fairly safe to assume that the circuitry would be deenergized. Therefore, the clearances are not needed for a junction box.

So there may be some logic after all.

If you are pulling out a breaker that assumes a qualified person and I don't see the difference between that and any switch or receptacle in a device box. Simply flipping the breaker or switch off does not expose the user to energized parts, nor should the pullout style.