William Starnes v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) (2021)

William Starnes filed a petition on August 13, 2019, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) as a result of his October 18, 2016 influenza vaccination. Mr.

Starnes claimed his injuries had effects lasting more than six months and that there had been no prior award or settlement. The respondent denied that the influenza vaccine caused petitioner's conditions.

Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on January 21, 2021, agreeing that compensation should be awarded. Special Master Daniel T.

Horner reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as the decision of the Court. An award of $141,554.05 was made as a lump sum payment to the petitioner for all items of damages.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, clinical details, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the mechanism of causation. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant, and respondent was represented by Mollie Danielle Gorney.