James Louis v. HHS - Hepatitis-B, brachial neuritis (2018)

James Louis filed a petition alleging he suffered from brachial neuritis as a result of his third Hepatitis-B vaccination, received on August 30, 2017. He claimed his symptoms of numbness and tingling in his shoulders and arms began approximately six months later, in mid-March 2018.

Mr. Louis also reported a low white blood cell count from February 6, 2018.

His doctor attributed his shoulder and arm pain to possible carpal tunnel syndrome and advised him to stop an exercise regime that appeared to be associated with the pain. The court noted that brachial neuritis typically has an onset within days of vaccination, and Mr.

Louis's symptoms began six months later, making a vaccine connection extremely unlikely. Furthermore, the medical records did not reflect a diagnosis of brachial neuritis, but rather unilateral shoulder and arm pain.

As Mr. Louis was unable to provide additional facts to support his claim and the evidence did not support a vaccine-related injury, the Special Master dismissed the claim sua sponte for insufficient proof.

The court also granted Mr. Louis's motion to proceed informa pauperis and directed the court to return his filing fee.