Charles Stauber v. HHS - Influenza, Acute Transverse Myelitis, cervical myelopathy, residual myelomalacia, and syringomyelia (2019)

Petitioner Charles Stauber filed a petition on December 17, 2018, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He alleged that he developed acute transverse myelitis, cervical myelopathy, residual myelomalacia, and syringomyelia as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 24, 2014.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Stauber's condition.

Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to settle the case through a stipulation filed on December 14, 2018. Special Master Katherine E.

Oler reviewed the file and found the stipulation to be reasonable, adopting it as her decision. The decision awarded Mr.

Stauber compensation consisting of a lump sum of $200,000.00, payable to Petitioner, and an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract. This award is intended to cover all damages available under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

The Special Master directed that judgment be entered accordingly. Bruce Slane represented the Petitioner, and Jennifer Reynaud represented the Respondent.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.