Karl Steger v. HHS - MMR, aplastic anemia (2015)

Karl Steger, born July 24, 1968, filed a petition on September 22, 2015, alleging that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), Twinrix, and chickenpox (Varicella) vaccines administered on July 5, 2012, caused him to develop aplastic anemia with an onset four and one-half months later. Mr.

Steger also received other vaccines around this time, including influenza, meningococcal (Menactra), inactivated polio (IPV), tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (TdaP), typhoid, PPV23, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies vaccines. He reported symptoms including shortness of breath, joint pain, weakness, jaundice, and a change in vision with blind spots.

Medical records from December 1, 2012, indicated critical pancytopenia consistent with aplastic anemia and optic neuritis. The respondent was the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Mr. Steger did not file a medical expert opinion to support his claim of causation and stated he would not pursue a hearing with expert witness testimony.

Special Master Laura D. Millman reviewed the medical records and found they did not substantiate Mr.

Steger's allegations. The Special Master noted that the Vaccine Act does not permit a ruling for the petitioner based solely on claims unsubstantiated by medical records or medical opinion.

As Mr. Steger failed to meet his burden of proving causation by a preponderance of the evidence, the case was dismissed.

Subsequently, on February 8, 2016, the parties filed a stipulation of fact regarding attorneys' fees and costs. Special Master Millman awarded $10,450.00, representing reimbursement for attorneys' fees and costs, payable jointly to Mr.

Steger and his counsel, Maglio Christopher and Toale, P.A. Petitioner's counsel was Danielle A.

Strait, and respondent's counsel was Douglas Ross.