VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00609
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00609
Petitioner: Joseph Buhler
Filed: 2013-07-23
Decided: 2014-08-21
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2010-10-28
Condition: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 100000

AI-assisted case summary:
Joseph Buhler filed a petition on July 23, 2013, alleging that an influenza (flu) vaccination he received on October 28, 2010 caused him to develop chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and that he experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's CIDP or any other injury.

Nonetheless, both parties agreed to a joint stipulation filed July 16, 2014 to settle the case. Special Master Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Petitioner received a lump sum of $100,000.00, representing compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). The parties subsequently agreed to attorneys' fees and costs of $16,403.73, payable jointly to petitioner and his counsel, Kyle Taylor of Urban and Taylor S.C. Petitioner had not personally incurred any out-of-pocket litigation expenses.

Theory of causation field:
Flu Oct 28, 2010 → CIDP (residual >6 months). Joint stipulation Jul 16, 2014; SM Corcoran. Comp $100,000. Fees $16,403.73 (Taylor, Urban and Taylor SC, Milwaukee WI). All fields correct.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00609-0
Date issued/filed: 2014-08-21
Pages: 7
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 7/23/2014) regarding 21 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer (Signed by Special Master Brian H. Corcoran.)(mpj) Copy to parties.
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Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 29 Filed 08/21/14 Page 1 of 7
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 13-609V
(Not to be published)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
JOSEPH BUHLER, *
* Filed: July 23, 2014
Petitioner, *
*
v. *
* Decision by Stipulation; Damages;
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Chronic
AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Inflammatory Demyelinating
* Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Respondent. *
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Scott B. Taylor, Urban and Taylor, Miwaukee, WI, for Petitioner.
Ann D. Martin, U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On August 28, 2013, Joseph Buhler filed a petition seeking compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (“the Vaccine Program”).2 Petitioner alleges
that he suffered chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (“CIDP”) as a result of
receiving the influenza (“flu”) vaccination.
1 Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for my action in this case, it will be posted on the United
States Court of Federal Claims’ website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, §
205, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). As provided by 42 U.S.C. §
300aa-12(d)(4)(B), however, the parties may object to the decision’s inclusion of certain kinds of confidential
information. Specifically, under Vaccine Rule 18(b), each party has 14 days within which to request redaction “of
any information furnished by that party: (1) that is a trade secret or commercial or financial in substance and is
privileged or confidential; or (2) that includes medical files or similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute
a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.” Vaccine Rule 18(b). Otherwise, the whole decision will be available to
the public. (Id.)
2 The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program is set forth in Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine
Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755, codified as amended, 42 U.S.C.A. ' 300aa-10-' 300aa-34
(West 1991 & Supp. 2002). All citations in this decision to individual sections of the Vaccine Act are to 42 U.S.C.A.
' 300aa.

Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 29 Filed 08/21/14 Page 2 of 7
Respondent denies that Petitioner’s CIDP or any other injury were caused by the receipt
of the flu vaccine. Nonetheless both parties, while maintaining their above-stated positions,
agreed in a stipulation filed July 23, 2014, that the issues before them can be settled, and that a
decision should be entered awarding Petitioner compensation.
I have reviewed the file, and based upon that review, I conclude that the parties’
stipulation is reasonable. I therefore adopt it as my decision in awarding damages on the terms
set forth therein.
The stipulation awards:
a) A lump sum of $100,000.00, in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This
amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under
42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a).
Stipulation ¶ 8.
I approve a Vaccine Program award in the requested amount set forth above to be made
to Petitioners. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the
clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment herewith.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Special Master
3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by jointly (or separately) filing
notice(s) renouncing their right to seek review.

Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 29 Filed 08/21/14 Page 3 of 7
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
____________________________________
)
JOSEPH BUHLER, )
)
Petitioner, )
) No. 13-609V
v. ) Special Master Corcoran
) ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND )
HUMAN SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
____________________________________)
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
1. Petitioner, Joseph Buhler, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the “Vaccine Program”).
The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner’s receipt of the
influenza vaccine, which is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. §
100.3(a).
2. Petitioner received an influenza immunization on October 28, 2010.
3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.
4. Petitioner alleges that he suffered chronic inflammatory demyelinating
polyneuropathy (“CIDP”) as a result of this vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that he
experienced residual effects of his condition for more than six months.
5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on his behalf as a result of his injuries.

Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 29 Filed 08/21/14 Page 4 of 7
6. Respondent denies that petitioner’s influenza vaccine caused CIDP, or any other
injury.
7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the
issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the
compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.
8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with
the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payment:
A lump sum of $100,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This
amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after
petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings
before the special master to award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in proceeding
upon this petition.
10. Petitioner and his attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to
this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable
under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be
expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or
State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
§ 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.
2

Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 29 Filed 08/21/14 Page 5 of 7
11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation and any amounts awarded
pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-
15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.
12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorneys’ fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursed expenses, the money provided
pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a
strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-15(g) and (h).
13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in his
individual capacity, and on behalf of his heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns,
does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and
the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action
(including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands
of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely
brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all
known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting
from, or alleged to have resulted from, the influenza vaccination administered on October 28,
2010, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about August 26,
2013, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 13-609V.
14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable
upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.
3

Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 29 Filed 08/21/14 Page 6 of 7
15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms
of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a
decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties’
settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.
16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and
damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the
parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated
and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this
Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties’ respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the
items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.
17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner to develop
CIDP or any other injury.
18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner’s
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.
END OF STIPULATION
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
/
4

Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 29 Filed 08/21/14 Page 7 of 7

================================================================================
DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_13-vv-00609-1
Date issued/filed: 2014-08-21
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 07/25/2014) regarding 23 DECISION Fees Stipulation/Proffer (Signed by Special Master Brian H. Corcoran.)(mpj) Copy to parties.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 30 Filed 08/21/14 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 13-609V
(Not to be published)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
JOSEPH BUHLER, *
* Filed: July 25, 2014
Petitioner, *
*
v. *
* Decision by Stipulation; Attorneys’
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Fees and Costs
AND HUMAN SERVICES, *
*
Respondent. *
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Scott B. Taylor, Urban and Taylor, Miwaukee, WI, for Petitioner.
Ann D. Martin, U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS DECISION1
On August 26, 2013, Joseph Buhler filed a petition seeking compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. On July 23, 2014, the parties filed a stipulation
detailing an amount to be awarded to Petitioner. On July 23, 2014, I issued a decision finding the
parties’ stipulation to be reasonable and granting Petitioner the award outlined by the stipulation.
1 Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for my action in this case, it will be posted on the United
States Court of Federal Claims’ website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, §
205, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). As provided by 42 U.S.C §
300aa-12(d)(4)(B), however, the parties may object to the decision’s inclusion of certain kinds of confidential
information. To do so, Vaccine Rule 18(b) permit each party 14 days within which to request redaction “of any
information furnished by that party: (1) that is a trade secret or commercial or financial in substance and is
privileged or confidential; or (2) that includes medical files or similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute
a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.” Vaccine Rule 18(b). Otherwise, the decision will be available to the
public. Id.

Case 1:13-vv-00609-UNJ Document 30 Filed 08/21/14 Page 2 of 2
On July 25, 2014, counsel for both parties filed another joint stipulation, this time
regarding attorneys’ fees and costs. The parties have stipulated that Petitioner’s counsel should
receive a lump sum of $16,403.73 in the form of a check jointly payable to Petitioner and
Petitioner’s counsel. This amount represents a sum to which Respondent does not object. In
addition, in accordance with General Order #9, Petitioner filed a statement on July 25, 2014,
indicating that he had incurred no reimbursable costs in pursuit of his claim.
I approve the requested amount for attorneys’ fees and costs as reasonable. Accordingly,
an award should be made in the form of a check jointly payable to Petitioner and Petitioner’s
counsel, Scott B. Taylor, Esq., in the amount of $16,403.73. In the absence of a motion for
review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the clerk of the court SHALL ENTER
JUDGMENT in accordance with the terms of the parties’ stipulation.2
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Special Master
2 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by filing (jointly or separately) notices
renouncing their right to seek review.