VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00176 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00176 Petitioner: Tyler Steen Filed: 2016-01-29 Decided: 2016-01-29 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2013-09-17 Condition: motor axonal neuropathy Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 160000 AI-assisted case summary: Petitioner Tyler Steen filed a petition on January 29, 2016, alleging that he suffered from motor axonal neuropathy, which was either caused or significantly aggravated by an influenza vaccine he received on September 17, 2013. He further alleged that he experienced residual effects from this injury for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused the petitioner's motor axonal neuropathy or any other injury, and also denied that the vaccine caused his current disabilities. The parties reached a settlement through a stipulation, which was adopted by the court. Pursuant to the stipulation, Tyler Steen was awarded $160,000.00 as compensation for all damages. The decision was issued by Special Master Laura D. Millman on January 29, 2016. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. The specific mechanism of causation was not detailed in the public decision. Theory of causation field: Petitioner alleged that an influenza vaccine administered on September 17, 2013, caused or aggravated a motor axonal neuropathy, with residual effects lasting more than six months. Respondent denied causation. The parties resolved the matter via stipulation. The public decision does not detail the specific theory of causation, mechanism, expert testimony, or clinical findings. A lump sum award of $160,000.00 was granted. Special Master Laura D. Millman issued the decision on January 29, 2016. Petitioner's counsel was James H. Cook, and respondent's counsel was Justine E. Walters. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_15-vv-00176-0 Date issued/filed: 2016-02-19 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 01/29/2016) regarding 20 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Special Master Laura D Millman. (tlf) Copy to parties. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:15-vv-00176-UNJ Document 21 Filed 02/19/16 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 15-176V Filed: January 29, 2016 Not for Publication ************************************* TYLER STEEN, * * Petitioner, * * Damages decision based on v. * stipulation; motor axonal * neuropathy; influenza (“flu”) SECRETARY OF HEALTH * vaccine AND HUMAN SERVICES, * * Respondent. * * ************************************* James H. Cook, Waterloo, IA, for petitioner. Justine E. Walters, Washington, DC, for respondent. MILLMAN, Special Master DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On January 29, 2016, the parties filed the attached stipulation in which they agreed to settle this case and described the settlement terms. Petitioner alleges that he suffered from motor axonal neuropathy that was either caused or significantly aggravated by his receipt of influenza (“flu”) vaccine on September 17, 2013. He further alleges that he experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner to suffer motor axonal neuropathy or any other injury and further denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner’s current disabilities. Nonetheless, the parties agreed to resolve this matter informally. 1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the special master’s action in this case, the special master intends to post this unpublished decision on the United States Court of Federal Claims’ website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (Dec. 17, 2002). Vaccine Rule 18(b) states that all decisions of the special masters will be made available to the public unless they contain trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged and confidential, or medical or similar information whose disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy. When such a decision is filed, petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to delete such information prior to the document’s disclosure. If the special master, upon review, agrees that the identified material fits within the banned categories listed above, the special master shall delete such material from public access. Case 1:15-vv-00176-UNJ Document 21 Filed 02/19/16 Page 2 of 7 The undersigned finds the terms of the stipulation to be reasonable. The court hereby adopts the parties’ said stipulation, attached hereto, and awards compensation in the amount and on the terms set forth therein. Pursuant to the stipulation, the court awards a lump sum of $160,000.00, representing compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) (2006). The award shall be in the form of a check for $160,000.00 made payable to petitioner. 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.2 IT IS SO ORDERED. Dated: January 29, 2016 s/ Laura D. Millman Laura D. Millman Special Master 2 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by each party, either separately or jointly, filing a notice renouncing the right to seek review. Case 1:15-vv-00176-UNJ Document 21 Filed 02/19/16 Page 3 of 7 Case 1:15-vv-00176-UNJ Document 21 Filed 02/19/16 Page 4 of 7 Case 1:15-vv-00176-UNJ Document 21 Filed 02/19/16 Page 5 of 7 Case 1:15-vv-00176-UNJ Document 21 Filed 02/19/16 Page 6 of 7 Case 1:15-vv-00176-UNJ Document 21 Filed 02/19/16 Page 7 of 7