Matthew Ruppert v. HHS - Influenza, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (2018)

Matthew Ruppert filed a petition on November 1, 2013, and an amended petition on August 14, 2014, alleging that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis A, and influenza (flu) vaccinations caused him to develop Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He received an HPV vaccination on March 3, 2012, and received HPV, Hepatitis A, and flu vaccinations on December 8, 2012.

The respondent denied that the vaccinations caused petitioner's MS or any other injury. The parties subsequently filed a joint stipulation on August 28, 2018, agreeing to settle the case and award compensation to the petitioner.

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

The petitioner was awarded a lump sum of $205,000.00, payable to him, and an additional amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for future expenses. This award represents compensation for all damages available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

The public decision does not describe the petitioner's specific symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or the names of any medical experts. The attorneys involved were Sylvia Chin-Caplan for the petitioner and Debra A.

Filteau Begley for the respondent.