{"package_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01157","decision_granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01157-1","petitioner_identifier":"Elizabeth Gruba","is_minor":0,"age_at_vaccination":69.0,"age_unit_raw":"years","vaccine_type":"influenza","vaccination_date":"2018-10-16","condition_raw":"Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)","condition_category":"GBS","autism_spectrum_adjacent":0,"outcome":"compensated","award_amount_usd":175169,"decision_date":"2021-05-13","extraction_version":"gemini-v2","extracted_at":"2026-04-30T05:15:16.956123+00:00","number_of_concurrent_vaccines":1,"dose_number":null,"time_to_onset_days":46,"theory_of_causation":"Petitioner Elizabeth Gruba, age 69, received an influenza vaccine on October 16, 2018. She alleged Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) as a vaccine injury. Respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that GBS is a Table injury. The public decision does not detail the specific mechanism of causation or name any medical experts. Petitioner's GBS onset was noted to be approximately six weeks after vaccination, though she also reported a fall due to fatigue and lack of balance earlier. Medical records showed hospitalization, IVIG treatment, and rehabilitation. Residual symptoms included numbness, weakness, and balance issues. Petitioner also had to leave her job at a day care facility due to inability to receive flu vaccinations. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarded Petitioner $175,169.13, consisting of $165,000.00 for actual pain and suffering, $6,365.77 for future pain and suffering (net present value), $3,554.51 for past lost wages, and $248.85 for past unreimbursable expenses. The decision was issued on May 13, 2021. Attorneys for Petitioner were Renee Ja Gentry and for Respondent was Terrence Kevin Mangan, Jr.","is_death":0,"date_of_death":null,"petition_filed_date":"2019-08-09","case_summary":"On August 9, 2019, Elizabeth Gruba filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on October 16, 2018. Petitioner was 69 years old at the time of vaccination. The respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding entitlement, agreeing that Petitioner's condition was a Table injury. The case proceeded to a damages determination as the parties could not informally resolve the amount. Petitioner's medical history indicated that her GBS symptoms began approximately six weeks after vaccination, leading to hospitalization on December 1, 2018. She underwent a neurology consult, a lumbar puncture, and a three-day course of IVIG treatment. She was then transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation center for nine days. Petitioner attended 17 physical therapy sessions between December 2018 and February 2019. Her neurologist, Dr. Brian Mitchell, evaluated her on January 21, 2019, noting some residual weakness and absent reflexes. A follow-up on July 22, 2019, indicated stable GBS with normal strength and sensation but absent reflexes. By May 20, 2020, Dr. Mitchell noted she had recovered well with some mild residual numbness and balance issues. Petitioner also reported memory problems. She returned to physical therapy in July 2020, where the impression was that she had mostly improved but self-reported a decrease in functional status. Affidavits from Petitioner and others described ongoing sequelae including numbness, trouble sleeping, memory problems, and reduced cognitive skills. Petitioner also stated she had to quit her job at a day care facility because she could no longer receive flu vaccinations. Petitioner's counsel was Renee Ja Gentry. Respondent's counsel was Terrence Kevin Mangan, Jr. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran presided over the case. After reviewing the parties' arguments regarding damages, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded Elizabeth Gruba a total of $175,169.13. This amount comprised $165,000.00 for actual pain and suffering, $6,365.77 for future pain and suffering (net present value of $500 per year over 15.2 years at a 1.5% discount rate), $3,554.51 for past lost wages, and $248.85 for past unreimbursable expenses. The decision was issued on May 13, 2021.","is_minor_inferred":0,"is_pediatric_broad":0,"special_master":"Brian H. Corcoran","petitioner_identifier_original":null,"caption_petitioner_name":"Elizabeth Gruba","petitioner_attorney_name":"Renee Ja Gentry","petitioner_attorney_firm":"The Law Office of Renee J. Gentry","petitioner_attorney_location":"Washington, DC","adjudicator_name":null,"caption_people_backfilled_at":"2026-05-05 23:44:59","attorney_canonical_keys":"|renee-gentry|","firm_canonical_key":"law-office-of-renee-j-gentry","package_title":"GRUBA v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","canonical_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01157","plain_text_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01157.txt","json_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01157.json","source_documents":[{"granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01157-0","title":"GRUBA v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","docket_text":"PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 05/13/2020) regarding 21 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. 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