William Lahera v. HHS - Hepatitis A, vasovagal syncope and resulting injuries (fractured nose and partial avulsion and lingual displacement of his number 8 and 9 central incisors) (2018)

William Lahera filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he fainted and fell after receiving Hepatitis A and Human Papillomavirus (Gardasil-9) vaccines on July 24, 2015. These events resulted in a fractured nose and damage to his front incisors.

The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit. On May 31, 2017, the respondent conceded that Mr.

Lahera was entitled to compensation, agreeing that his vasovagal syncope was caused-in-fact by the vaccinations, despite a predisposition to syncope and no history of heart or neurological disorders. The respondent also agreed that there was no alternative diagnosis for his condition.

A ruling on entitlement was issued on June 2, 2017, finding Mr. Lahera entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on September 20, 2017, the respondent filed a proffer proposing an award of $78,000.00, which Mr. Lahera accepted.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding Mr. Lahera a lump sum payment of $78,000.00 on February 7, 2018.