Joseph J. Pass v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”) (2018)

Joseph J. Pass filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on June 2, 2017, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 17, 2014.

Mr. Pass asserted that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that he experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that there had been no prior award or settlement for his condition.

The respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused or significantly aggravated his alleged injury or any other injury, and denied that petitioner's current disabilities were the result of a vaccine-related injury. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on June 2, 2017, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Mr.

Pass was awarded a lump sum of $200,000.00, payable to him, as compensation for all damages. The decision was issued on May 8, 2018.

Petitioner's counsel was Edward H. Walter of Jubelirer Pass & Intrieri, P.C., and respondent's counsel was Darryl R.

Wishard of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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