In an H-ARQ system, when the AN is receiving packet data traffic on the RL from an AT and is generating ACKs and NAKs according to the ability of the AN to properly decode such data, the AN gates-off a DRCLock bit within in a sub-packet duration in which an ACK is transmitted on the FL MAC channel. When it receives an ACK, the AT ignores the non-transmitted DRCLock bit in a current sub-packet duration, and assumes that the DRC channel is “good”. When the AN sends a NAK to the AT, it also sends the DRCLock bit. When the AT receives a NAK in a sub-packet duration, it reads and processes whatever DRCLock bit is received during that sub-packet duration. When no data traffic is transmitted on the RL traffic channel, corresponding DRCLock bits are not gated-off by the AN and are transmitted to the AT. The AT then processes the received DRCLock bits. In an alternative embodiment, transmission of DRCLock is totally eliminated.