Andrew Rodd v. HHS - Influenza, overlap syndrome consisting of polymyositis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and inflammatory arthritis (2016)

Andrew Rodd, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on September 14, 2011. He alleged that within hours, he developed numbness and tingling in his hands, which he attributed to an aggravation of pre-existing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Over the following weeks, his condition evolved into symptomatic polyarthritis, polymyositis, inflammatory arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome, diagnosed as overlap syndrome. Mr.

Rodd presented medical records and expert testimony from Dr. Vera Byers, who opined that the vaccine caused an initial inflammatory response leading to symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome, followed by an adaptive immune response that triggered the autoimmune overlap syndrome.

The respondent presented expert testimony from Dr. Chester Oddis, who believed Mr.

Rodd suffered from anti-synthetase syndrome and that the early symptoms were part of this condition, making the vaccine's causation unlikely due to the rapid onset. The Special Master found Dr.

Byers' explanation more persuasive, concluding that the vaccine caused an initial cytokine response that aggravated carpal tunnel syndrome, and a subsequent adaptive immune response that led to the autoimmune disease. The court found Mr.

Rodd entitled to compensation. On April 21, 2016, a decision on damages awarded Mr.

Rodd $871,362.80 in a lump sum, covering life care expenses for the first year, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses. An additional amount was awarded to purchase an annuity for future life care expenses.