Christopher Van Scoy v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2020)

Christopher Van Scoy filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 30, 2020, alleging he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on March 18, 2017. He stated the vaccine was given in the United States, that he experienced residual effects for more than six months, and that he had no prior award or settlement for his condition.

Respondent denied that petitioner's alleged injury met the Table requirements for GBS, denied that the flu vaccine caused or aggravated his GBS, and denied that his current disabilities were sequelae of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on October 28, 2020, agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

Chief Special Master Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision awarding damages. Pursuant to the stipulation, Christopher Van Scoy was awarded a lump sum of $100,000.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.