Joe H. Castillo v. HHS - Influenza, Transverse Myelitis (2023)

Joe H. Castillo filed a petition on January 23, 2018, alleging that he suffered from Transverse Myelitis (TM) as a result of receiving the influenza vaccine on January 23, 2015.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccine caused Mr. Castillo's TM or any other condition.

Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case and award compensation. The stipulation provided for a lump sum of $329,906.79, representing compensation for first-year life care expenses ($34,953.54) and all remaining damages ($294,953.25), payable to Mr.

Castillo. Additionally, an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract was to be paid to a life insurance company.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation and ordered judgment entered in accordance with its terms on June 27, 2023.

Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and respondent was represented by Colleen Clemons Hartley of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, or treatments.

The specific mechanism of causation was not detailed in the public decision.