J.C.T. v. HHS - DTaP, global developmental delay, seizure disorder, and encephalopathy, significant aggravation of pre-existing Dravet syndrome (2025)

On June 29, 2015, John and Huali Thompson, parents of J.C.T., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. They alleged that J.C.T. suffered injuries, including global developmental delay, seizure disorder, and encephalopathy, as a result of the Pentacel, PCV13, and Rotateq vaccinations he received on July 7, 2012.

The initial Ruling on Entitlement, issued on December 9, 2022, by Special Master Katherine E. Oler, found that the Pentacel vaccine caused a significant aggravation of J.C.T.'s pre-existing Dravet syndrome, entitling the family to compensation.

The medical records indicated that J.C.T. was developing normally until he received his vaccinations at six months old. Within hours, he experienced a seizure, and his development subsequently plateaued and then regressed.

Genetic testing revealed a GABRA1 gene mutation, which experts on both sides agreed was likely pathogenic and associated with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE19) and Dravet syndrome. Petitioners' expert, Dr.

Yuval Shafrir, argued that the vaccine triggered an abnormal immune response, leading to seizures and brain damage, while respondent's experts, including Dr. Michael Kohrman, Dr.

Gerald Raymond, and Dr. Andrew MacGinnitie, contended that the genetic mutation was the sole cause and the vaccine did not alter the course of the disease.

Special Master Oler found persuasive the theory that J.T. had an abnormal reaction to the vaccine due to his genetic susceptibility, leading to a febrile seizure that damaged his brain and resulted in developmental stagnation and persistent epileptic encephalopathy. Following the entitlement ruling, the parties agreed on a damages award.

On September 2, 2025, a Decision Awarding Damages was issued by Special Master Jennifer A. Shah, granting a total award of $2,220,599.30.

This amount includes a lump sum of $2,146,519.13 for life care expenses in the first year, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering. Additionally, $74,080.17 was awarded for past unreimbursable expenses, and the remainder will be paid through an annuity for future life care items.

Petitioners were represented by Renée J. Gentry, and Respondent was represented by Catherine Stolar.