R.D. v. HHS - MMR, acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (2025)

On January 16, 2019, Tina and Paul D’Errico filed a petition on behalf of their minor child, R.D., seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. They alleged that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines administered to R.D. on June 2, 2017, caused acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the vaccines caused R.D.'s alleged injuries. However, on June 23, 2025, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to an award of compensation.

Special Master Herbrina D.S. Young reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court.

The stipulation provided for compensation in the amount of $95,000.00, which was to be used to purchase an annuity contract. This award was intended to cover all damages available under the program.

The decision was entered on June 23, 2025. Diana Lynn Stadelnikas represented the petitioners, and Madelyn Weeks represented the respondent.

The public decision does not describe R.D.'s specific clinical story, onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or any expert witnesses. The specific mechanism of causation was not detailed in the public decision.