David Landis v. HHS - Tdap, osteoarthritis aggravation (2020)

David Landis, an adult, received a Tdap vaccine on May 2, 2013. He alleged that this vaccine significantly aggravated his pre-existing osteoarthritis.

Mr. Landis filed his petition on December 21, 2015, claiming the vaccine caused his condition to worsen, leading to increased disability and pain.

He presented expert testimony from Dr. Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, who opined that the vaccine aggravated his osteoarthritis.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, contested this, presenting expert testimony from Dr. Arnold I.

Levinson, who concluded the vaccine did not adversely affect Mr. Landis.

The court reviewed extensive medical records, noting inconsistencies in Mr. Landis's accounts of his health and employment status prior to vaccination.

The decision found that Mr. Landis failed to establish a persuasive medical theory causally connecting the Tdap vaccination to his osteoarthritis, nor did he establish appropriate timing for such a connection.

The court also noted the lack of support from treating physicians for his claim. Ultimately, the court denied compensation, finding that the evidence did not preponderantly support his claim.