Michael Bull v. HHS - Influenza, non-specific "vaccine-induced neuropathy" / brachial neuritis (2021)

Michael Bull filed a petition alleging that he suffered from brachial neuritis as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on October 5, 2016. He was born in 1959.

His medical history included osteoarthritis, COPD, and a neck mass. During a hospitalization for chest pain, he received the flu vaccine in his left arm.

He reported pain and numbness in his left arm starting immediately or within a day of the vaccination, which he described as a burning sensation radiating from his shoulder to his hand. He also reported dropping objects and difficulty using his arm.

His primary care physician noted decreased sensation and tenderness, diagnosed him with neuropathy, and prescribed gabapentin. However, medical records did not confirm a diagnosis of brachial neuritis, and there was no evidence of muscle weakness or wasting, which are considered key features of the condition.

Experts disagreed on the diagnosis and causation. Petitioner's expert opined that he had brachial neuritis caused by the vaccine, citing case reports.

Respondent's expert opined that the symptoms were inconsistent with brachial neuritis, particularly the lack of weakness and the immediate onset, which is not typical for an immune-mediated condition like brachial neuritis. The Chief Special Master denied the claim, finding that Mr.

Bull had not established by a preponderance of the evidence that he suffered from brachial neuritis or that the vaccine caused it, particularly due to the immediate onset of symptoms and the lack of supporting medical evidence. The Court of Federal Claims reviewed the decision and denied Mr.

Bull's motion for review, sustaining the Chief Special Master's denial of the claim.