Karen L. Christner v. HHS - Influenza, pain, weakness, and limitations in her legs, and paraplegia; transverse myelitis (2020)

Karen Christner filed a petition on September 12, 2016, alleging that she received an influenza vaccine on September 13, 2013, and subsequently developed pain, weakness, and limitations in her legs, leading to paraplegia and a diagnosis of transverse myelitis (TM). Medical records indicated an abrupt onset of symptoms on May 8, 2014, eight months after vaccination, though Ms.

Christner's affidavits suggested an earlier onset within a couple of months. Despite multiple medical visits between December 2013 and May 2014, no TM-related complaints were documented.

Her treating neurologists could not establish a causal link between the vaccine and her TM. The case faced procedural challenges, including inconsistencies in the reported onset date and the eventual death of Ms.

Christner in July 2018. After a remand from the Court of Federal Claims to address the substitution of her estate administrator, Rebecca Hoffman, the case proceeded.

Ultimately, the petitioner, through her estate administrator, moved to voluntarily dismiss the claim, stating that proof of entitlement under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program could not be established due to insufficient evidence of a Table Injury or actual causation. The case was dismissed for insufficient proof.