Carol Katora v. HHS - Influenza, optic neuritis (2017)

On August 31, 2016, Carol Katora filed a petition alleging that she suffered optic neuritis as a result of an influenza vaccination received on October 21, 2015. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccination caused or aggravated the petitioner's optic neuritis.

Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as the decision of the Court.

Carol Katora was awarded a lump sum of $132,537.45, payable to her, as compensation for all damages available under the law. The decision was entered on June 1, 2017.

The public decision does not describe the petitioner's counsel, respondent's counsel, specific medical details of the optic neuritis, onset, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or any expert testimony.