Ursula Rehfeld v. HHS - Tdap, anaphylactic shock, atrial fibrillation, weakness and gastrointestinal disorders (2020)

Ursula Rehfeld filed a petition alleging that she suffered anaphylactic shock, atrial fibrillation, weakness, and gastrointestinal disorders as a result of receiving a Tdap and inactivated polio vaccine on August 28, 2013. The case proceeded as an off-Table claim, meaning Ms.

Rehfeld had the burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the vaccine caused her injuries. This required demonstrating a medical theory connecting the vaccination and injury, a logical sequence of cause and effect, and a proximate temporal relationship.

The decision notes that petitioners must support their claims with medical records or expert opinions. However, Ms.

Rehfeld's medical records were deemed insufficient, and her experts did not provide opinions supporting vaccine causation. Consequently, Ms.

Rehfeld filed a motion to dismiss her own petition, stating that she would be unable to prove entitlement to compensation. Respondent did not oppose the dismissal.

The Special Master granted the motion, dismissing the case for insufficient proof and entering judgment against the petitioner.