Terra Rhea Varner v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2019)

Terra Rhea Varner filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on August 4, 2017, alleging she suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on September 10, 2016. She further alleged that her injury persisted for more than six months.

Respondent denied that petitioner sustained a Table GBS injury and denied that she suffered any injury as a result of the vaccine. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on September 5, 2019, agreeing to settle the case and award compensation.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Ms.

Varner was awarded a lump sum of $215,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. This award was made pursuant to a stipulation, which is not an admission by the United States that the vaccine caused the alleged injury.