Hepatitis C (Chronic)

Hepatitis C: Chronic liver disease with serological evidence of infection; asymptomatic with normal or near-normal liver function tests (LFTs); no cirrhosis; no antiviral treatment side effects.

Hepatitis C with mild symptoms: Fatigue, malaise, nausea without jaundice; liver function tests mildly elevated; or during antiviral therapy with mild side effects (nausea, fatigue).

Hepatitis C with moderate symptoms: Continuous moderate fatigue, intermittent jaundice, significant elevation of liver enzymes (ALT/AST > 3x normal); or during antiviral therapy with moderate side effects impairing function.

Hepatitis C with marked symptoms: Daily fatigue severely limiting activity; significant liver function impairment; evidence of early cirrhosis (fibrosis Stage 3) on biopsy or imaging; portal hypertension without major complications.

Hepatitis C with severe symptoms: Cirrhosis (Stage 4 fibrosis) with decompensated disease including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or variceal bleeding; or with hepatocellular carcinoma; requiring liver transplant evaluation.

Hepatitis C with nearly total incapacitation: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) with multiple decompensating events; requiring liver transplantation; or with active hepatocellular carcinoma. Total disability rating.