Tracy Purgason v. HHS - MMR, rubella-induced chronic arthritis and Wegener’s granulomatosis (2016)

Tracy Purgason filed a petition on July 25, 2012, alleging that she received a measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine on June 27, 2011, which caused her to develop rubella-induced chronic arthritis and Wegener's granulomatosis. She further alleged that she experienced residual effects lasting more than six months.

The respondent denied that the MMR and Tdap vaccinations caused petitioner's alleged chronic arthritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, or any other injury, and denied that her current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. On March 30, 2016, the parties filed a joint stipulation to settle the case.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $225,000.00, payable to Tracy Purgason, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The decision was posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims website, with parties having 14 days to request redaction of trade secrets, commercial or financial information, or medical files that could constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.

The clerk of the court was ordered to enter judgment consistent with the stipulation.