Valisha Carrington v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome ("OBS"), acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy ("AIDP"), and/or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy ("CIDP") (2018)

Valisha Carrington filed a petition alleging that she suffered from Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), and/or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) as a result of receiving the Flumist influenza vaccine on February 23, 2016. The case initially proceeded efficiently, with medical records filed and a Rule 4(c) Report submitted by the Respondent contesting entitlement.

During status conferences, the Special Master noted inconsistencies in the medical records regarding the diagnosis and encouraged Petitioner to obtain an expert opinion. Petitioner's counsel attempted to explore alternative diagnoses such as narcolepsy, conversion disorder, or small fiber neuropathy, but was unable to secure expert support.

The Special Master expressed concerns about the claim's viability due to lack of record support for the alleged injuries and alternative diagnoses. Petitioner repeatedly failed to comply with court orders, including a show cause deadline for filing a brief in support of her claim.

Ultimately, the case was dismissed for insufficient proof and failure to prosecute, as the record lacked persuasive evidence that Petitioner's alleged injury was vaccine-caused and she did not meet her burden of proof.