Julia Wells v. HHS - Influenza, hearing loss (2019)

Julia Wells filed a petition on March 12, 2018, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she suffered hearing loss as a result of an influenza vaccine received on September 27, 2017.

To be eligible for compensation, Ms. Wells was required to demonstrate either that her condition was a "Table Injury" listed in the Vaccine Injury Table corresponding to the vaccination, or that the vaccine actually caused her injury.

The public decision states that an examination of the record did not reveal any evidence of a "Table Injury." Furthermore, the record did not contain persuasive evidence that the influenza vaccine caused Ms. Wells' alleged hearing loss.

The decision noted that under the Act, claims must be supported by medical records or the opinion of a competent physician, and that awards cannot be based solely on the petitioner's claims. In this case, the medical records were deemed insufficient to prove the claim, and Ms.

Wells had not filed a supportive expert opinion. On July 31, 2019, Ms.

Wells filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss her petition, stating that the decision was based on independent factors outside of the respondent's position and her own knowledge after discussing the case with counsel. The Special Master, Herbrina Sanders, issued a decision on August 20, 2019, dismissing the case for insufficient proof.

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