Tawnya Montano v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (2022)

Tawnya Montano filed a petition on December 21, 2021, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on October 22, 2014. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's GBS, CIDP, or any other injury.

Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties agreed to settle the case through a joint stipulation. The court reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as its decision.

The stipulation awarded Tawnya Montano a lump sum of $164,310.70 for first-year life care expenses and pain and suffering. Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract was awarded to cover future expenses, including Medicare Part B deductible, Baclofen, crutch, shower, and ramp expenses, Medicare Supplement G and Part D premiums, and Assistance for Community Access expenses.

These annuity payments are to be made for the remainder of Petitioner's life, increasing at 3% compounded annually. In exchange for these payments, Petitioner irrevocably released the United States and the Secretary from any claims related to the flu vaccination.

The decision was entered on March 14, 2022.