Thomas Schuster v. HHS - Influenza, Transverse Myelitis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2020)

Thomas Schuster filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that the influenza vaccine he received on August 22, 2015, caused him to develop Transverse Myelitis (TM) and Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). He further alleged that he experienced residual effects from these injuries for more than six months.

The parties, including the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a stipulation for award on July 29, 2020. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused Petitioner's alleged TM, GBS, or any other injury.

Nevertheless, the parties agreed to a joint stipulation, which the court found reasonable and adopted as its decision. The stipulation awarded Petitioner a lump sum of $202,759.85, covering first-year life care expenses, pain and suffering, and past unreimbursable expenses.

An additional amount was allocated for an annuity contract, representing compensation for all damages available under the program. The court approved the compensation amount and ordered judgment to be entered in accordance with the stipulation.