Eva S. Reed v. HHS - MMR, monofocal clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) (2019)

Eva S. Reed filed a petition alleging that she suffered monofocal clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) caused by the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines she received on March 4, 2014, and April 8, 2014.

She presented for emergency care on April 17, 2014, approximately three weeks after her second MMR vaccination, with a constellation of non-specific symptoms. Her neurologist considered the possibility of a vaccine reaction, noting it could be post-vaccination CIS or the harbinger of MS.

However, examinations at the Mayo Clinic in July 2014, including MRIs and laboratory testing, returned no evidence of neurologic dysfunction. Over the following years, no testing identified a neurological condition concordant with her symptoms.

Respondent opposed compensation, arguing insufficient proof of a compensable injury and causation. Petitioner amended her petition to identify the injury as monofocal CIS and submitted expert opinions.

Respondent submitted a responsive expert opinion concluding that MRIs were not consistent with a demyelinating disease. Subsequently, Ms.

Reed moved to dismiss her petition, stating that her experts had changed their positions and she could no longer prove entitlement. The court agreed that the evidence did not preponderate in favor of her claim and dismissed the petition for insufficient proof.