Dionne Edwards v. HHS - MMRV, transverse myelitis (2023)

On February 23, 2017, Dionne Edwards filed a petition on behalf of her minor son, J.M.E., alleging that he developed transverse myelitis after receiving the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), inactivated polio (IPV), and measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccines on July 29, 2016. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the immunizations caused J.M.E.'s injury.

The parties subsequently reached a settlement. The settlement terms included a lump sum of $293,303.11 for first-year life care expenses and pain and suffering, payable to petitioner as guardian/conservator of J.M.E.'s estate.

An additional lump sum of $22,578.14 was designated for past unreimbursable expenses, payable to Dionne Edwards. Furthermore, $62,361.65 was allocated for reimbursement of an Alabama Medicaid lien, payable jointly to petitioner and Alabama Medicaid.

The parties also agreed to an additional amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract. Special Master Mindy Michaels Roth adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded compensation accordingly.

The petition was filed on February 23, 2017, and the decision on the joint stipulation was issued on May 31, 2023. Petitioner was represented by Milton Ragsdale, Esq., and respondent was represented by Christine Becer, Esq.

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