James G. Strouse v. HHS - Hepatitis B, Guillain-Barré syndrome (2026)

James G. Strouse, a 43-year-old man, filed a petition alleging that the hepatitis B vaccine he received on August 9, 2018, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

He received his second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine on that date. Within two to three days, he began experiencing symptoms including weakness, tingling in his extremities, and elevated blood pressure.

His condition progressed, and he was diagnosed with GBS by his treating neurologist, Dr. Pandya, who initiated IVIG treatment.

Diagnostic tests, including an EMG/NCS, were consistent with GBS. Dr.

Lawrence Steinman, petitioner's expert, opined that the hepatitis B vaccine caused GBS through molecular mimicry, a theory supported by medical literature and previous Vaccine Program cases. Respondent argued that petitioner did not have GBS and that the hepatitis B vaccine cannot cause GBS, citing expert opinions and epidemiological studies.

The Special Master found that petitioner had established by a preponderance of the evidence that he suffered from GBS and that the hepatitis B vaccine was the cause-in-fact of his GBS, satisfying the Althen prongs for causation. The Special Master found the theory of molecular mimicry to be sound and reliable, the temporal relationship of two to three days post-vaccination to be medically acceptable, and a logical sequence of cause and effect supported by the medical records and treating physicians' opinions.

The case is entitled to compensation, and a separate damages order will be issued.