John Lovelady v. HHS - Tdap, polymyalgia rheumatica (2016)

John Lovelady, a 68-year-old man, filed a petition on October 31, 2014, alleging that the Tdap vaccine he received on January 2, 2013, caused him to develop polymyalgia rheumatica three days later. The respondent is the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Mr. Lovelady had a history of aching, pain, and stiffness in his feet, knees, and ankles prior to the vaccination, with his personal care physician, Dr.

Bryan McClelland, noting neuropathy in May 2010, chronic pain in November 2010, and stiffness in his knees and ankles in April 2012. Following the Tdap vaccination on January 2, 2013, Mr.

Lovelady reported severe joint pain and body aches starting three days later, which improved with a prescription of Prednisone. By March 2013, his symptoms were much better, and in August 2013, a rheumatologist, Dr.

Nopporn Unnoppet, suspected polymyalgia rheumatica. The court set multiple deadlines for Mr.

Lovelady to file an expert medical report to support his claim, granting several extensions. However, Mr.

Lovelady was unable to secure the necessary evidence and ultimately filed a motion to dismiss his own petition on January 27, 2016, stating he could not obtain the required proof for entitlement to compensation. Special Master Laura D.

Millman granted this motion, dismissing the case because Mr. Lovelady failed to make a prima facie case under the Vaccine Act.

The decision noted the absence of an expert report and the pre-existing symptoms, which would have required proof of aggravation. No compensation was awarded.

The case was dismissed by Special Master Laura D. Millman.