{"package_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01888","decision_granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01888-1","petitioner_identifier":"Charles Presley","is_minor":0,"age_at_vaccination":59.0,"age_unit_raw":"years","vaccine_type":"influenza","vaccination_date":"2016-12-15","condition_raw":"Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)","condition_category":"GBS","autism_spectrum_adjacent":0,"outcome":"compensated","award_amount_usd":229812,"decision_date":"2020-04-17","extraction_version":"gemini-v2","extracted_at":"2026-04-30T05:04:57.746512+00:00","number_of_concurrent_vaccines":1,"dose_number":null,"time_to_onset_days":29,"theory_of_causation":"Petitioner Charles Presley, age 59, received an influenza vaccine on December 15, 2016, and subsequently developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that the condition met the criteria of the Vaccine Injury Table. The case proceeded to damages. Mr. Presley's medical records detail an onset of weakness approximately six days after vaccination, leading to falls, hospitalization, multiple failed lumbar punctures, and IVIG treatment. He experienced significant limitations, including dependence on a neighbor for care, and ongoing symptoms such as numbness and weakness. The Special Master, Nora Beth Dorsey, awarded $180,000.00 for pain and suffering and $49,812.78 for a Medicaid lien, totaling $229,812.78. The decision was issued on April 17, 2020. Attorneys for petitioner were Leah V. Durant and Robert P. Coleman for respondent.","is_death":0,"date_of_death":null,"petition_filed_date":"2017-12-06","case_summary":"Charles Presley, a 59-year-old retiree, filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on December 6, 2017. He alleged that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) caused by an influenza vaccine he received on December 15, 2016. Mr. Presley stated that he received the vaccination in the United States, suffered residual effects for more than six months, and had not filed a civil action or received other compensation for his alleged vaccine-caused injury. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on April 8, 2019, conceding that Mr. Presley was entitled to compensation. The respondent agreed that Mr. Presley satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation, and that he met all legal prerequisites for compensation arising from his GBS. A Ruling on Entitlement was issued in Mr. Presley's favor on April 12, 2019. The case then proceeded to determine damages. Mr. Presley testified about his experience, detailing a severe onset of weakness beginning approximately six days after his vaccination, leading to falls and confinement to a wheelchair. He described a prolonged hospitalization, including multiple unsuccessful attempts at lumbar puncture before a successful one via a cervical approach, followed by a four-day course of IVIG treatment. He also recounted difficulties with home health care due to his Medicaid status and lack of family support, relying heavily on a neighbor for assistance. Mr. Presley testified that his GBS resulted in ongoing numbness in his hands and feet, weakness in his arms and shoulders, erectile dysfunction, and an inability to engage in pastimes like pottery and dancing. He also noted difficulties with everyday tasks such as buttoning shirts and tying ties. His prior medical history included type 2 diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic arthropathy, and a below-the-knee amputation of his left leg in April 2015. Mr. John Rupke, Mr. Presley's neighbor and friend, also testified, corroborating Mr. Presley's account of his initial incapacitation and the neighbor's assistance. The respondent argued for a lower award, citing a less severe course of GBS compared to other cases, noting Mr. Presley's hospitalization was limited to about a week and that he was able to stand independently relatively soon after discharge, despite his prior amputation. The Special Master, Nora Beth Dorsey, reviewed the evidence, including medical records and testimony. She found that Mr. Presley had full awareness of his suffering and that his GBS, while complicated by his amputation and lack of family support, was a moderate course. She compared his case to those of Debra Johnson and Gayle Dillenbeck, noting similarities and differences in their clinical courses and outcomes. Ultimately, the Special Master awarded Mr. Presley $180,000.00 for actual pain and suffering and emotional distress, and $49,812.78 to satisfy a Medicaid lien. The total award was $229,812.78. The decision was issued on April 17, 2020.","is_minor_inferred":0,"is_pediatric_broad":0,"special_master":"Nora Beth Dorsey","petitioner_identifier_original":null,"caption_petitioner_name":null,"petitioner_attorney_name":"Leah VaSahnja Durant","petitioner_attorney_firm":"Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC","petitioner_attorney_location":"Washington, DC","adjudicator_name":null,"caption_people_backfilled_at":null,"attorney_canonical_keys":"|leah-durant|","firm_canonical_key":"law-offices-of-leah-v-durant","package_title":"PRESLEY v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","canonical_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01888","plain_text_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01888.txt","json_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01888.json","source_documents":[{"granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01888-0","title":"PRESLEY v. 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