Jeffrey Dobyns v. HHS - Influenza, Transverse Myelitis (2022)

Jeffrey Dobyns filed a petition on January 30, 2019, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He alleged that he suffered from Transverse Myelitis (TM) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on December 6, 2016.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr. Dobyns' TM or any other injury.

Despite maintaining their respective positions, both parties entered into a joint stipulation on June 1, 2022, agreeing that the issues could be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. Special Master Katherine E.

Oler reviewed the stipulation and found it to be reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the court. The stipulation awarded Mr.

Dobyns a lump sum of $70,000.00, payable to him, as compensation for all damages available under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The Special Master approved this award and directed the Clerk to enter judgment.

The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or expert witnesses. Milton C.

Ragsdale represented the petitioner, and Christine M. Becer represented the respondent.