Antonio Illiano v. HHS - Tdap, optic neuritis (2023)

Antonio Illiano filed a petition on June 17, 2019, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He alleged that he suffered from optic neuritis and its residual effects as a result of a Tdap vaccination he received on April 20, 2017.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the Tdap vaccine caused Mr. Illiano's optic neuritis or any other injury.

Despite this denial, both parties agreed to settle the case through a joint stipulation filed on May 23, 2023. The stipulation stated that the issues could be resolved and that Mr.

Illiano should be awarded compensation. Special Master Katherine E.

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

Illiano a lump sum of $25,000.00, payable by check to the petitioner, as compensation for all damages. The court approved this award and directed the Clerk to enter judgment accordingly.

Ronald Homer represented the petitioner, and Julia Collison represented the respondent. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific medical tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation.