VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01533
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01533
Petitioner: Russell Ahlgrim
Filed: 2020-10-20
Decided: 2021-06-14
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2019-01-21
Condition: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 162880

AI-assisted case summary:
Russell Ahlgrim filed a petition on October 2, 2019, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on January 21, 2019. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on October 7, 2020, conceding that Mr. Ahlgrim was entitled to compensation. The respondent's position was that Mr. Ahlgrim met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table (Table) and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (QAI), which provide a presumption of causation if GBS onset occurs between three and forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination and there is no apparent alternative cause. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement on October 20, 2020, finding Mr. Ahlgrim entitled to compensation based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record. Subsequently, on June 14, 2021, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Decision Awarding Damages based on a stipulation/proffer filed by the respondent. The parties agreed to a total award of $162,880.26. This amount included $150,000.00 for pain and suffering, $3,295.88 for out-of-pocket expenses, and $9,584.38 for lost wages. Mr. Ahlgrim was confirmed to be a competent adult, and the award was to be paid as a lump sum. Petitioner counsel was David John Carney of Green & Schafle LLC, and respondent counsel was Julia Marter Collison and later Lynn Christina Schlie of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Theory of causation field:
Petitioner Russell Ahlgrim alleged Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following an influenza vaccine administered on January 21, 2019. The respondent conceded entitlement, stating that the petitioner satisfied the criteria in the Vaccine Injury Table and Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation, which afford a presumption of causation if GBS onset occurs between three and forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination and there is no apparent alternative cause. The respondent's Rule 4(c) Report was filed on October 7, 2020. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement on October 20, 2020, finding entitlement based on the respondent's concession. A Decision Awarding Damages was issued on June 14, 2021, based on a proffer agreed to by the parties. The award totaled $162,880.26, comprising $150,000.00 for pain and suffering, $3,295.88 for out-of-pocket expenses, and $9,584.38 for lost wages. Petitioner was represented by David John Carney (Green & Schafle LLC), and respondent was represented by Julia Marter Collison and Lynn Christina Schlie (U.S. Department of Justice).

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01533-0
Date issued/filed: 2020-11-19
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 10/20/2020) regarding 24 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:19-vv-01533-UNJ Document 26 Filed 11/19/20 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 19-1533V
UNPUBLISHED
RUSSELL AHLGRIM, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: October 20, 2020
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Ruling on Entitlement; Concession;
HUMAN SERVICES, Table Injury; Influenza (Flu) Vaccine;
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Respondent.
David John Carney, Green & Schafle LLC, Philadelphia, PA, for petitioner.
Julia Marter Collison, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On October 2, 2019, Russell Ahlgrim filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a
result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered to him on January 21, 2019. Petition at
1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
On October 7, 2020, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes
that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at
1. Specifically, it is Respondent’s position that Petitioner “has satisfied the criteria set forth
in the Vaccine Injury Table (“Table”) and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation
(“QAI”), which afford petitioner a presumption of causation if the onset of GBS occurs
1 Because this unpublished ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am required
to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-Government Act
of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government
Services). This means the ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance
with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information,
the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that
the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa
(2012).

Case 1:19-vv-01533-UNJ Document 26 Filed 11/19/20 Page 2 of 2
between three and forty-two days after a seasonal flu vaccination and there is no apparent
alternative cause.” Id. at 3-4.
In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that
Petitioner is entitled to compensation.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
2

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_19-vv-01533-1
Date issued/filed: 2021-07-14
Pages: 4
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 06/14/2021) regarding 41 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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CCaassee 11::1199--vvvv--0011553333--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 4417 FFiilleedd 0067//1144//2211 PPaaggee 11 ooff 24
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 19-1533V
UNPUBLISHED
RUSSELL AHLGRIM, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: June 14, 2021
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Damages Decision Based on Proffer;
HUMAN SERVICES, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Guillain-
Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Respondent.
David John Carney, Green & Schafle LLC, Philadelphia, PA, for petitioner.
Lynn Christina Schlie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On October 2, 2019, Russell Ahlgrim filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a
result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered to him on January 21, 2019. Petition at
1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
On October 20, 2020, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled
to compensation for GBS. On June 14, 2021, Respondent filed a proffer on award of
compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $162,880.26. Proffer at
1. The award is comprised of the following: $150,000.00 for pain and suffering; $3,295.88
for out of pocket expenses; and $9,584.38 for lost wages. Id. In the Proffer, Respondent
1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am
required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-
Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic
Government Services). This means the decision will be available to anyone with access to the
internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact
medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from
public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa
(2012).

CCaassee 11::1199--vvvv--0011553333--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 4417 FFiilleedd 0067//1144//2211 PPaaggee 22 ooff 24
represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a
whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump
sum payment of $162,880.26 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This
amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under § 15(a).
The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this
decision.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice
renouncing the right to seek review.
2

CCaassee 1 1:1:199-v-vvv-0-011553333-U-UNNJJ D Dooccuummeennt t4 417-1 F Fileiledd 0 076/1/144/2/211 P Paaggee 3 1 o of f4 2
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
__________________________________________
)
RUSSELL AHLGRIM, )
)
Petitioner, )
) No. 19-1533V (ECF)
v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran
)
SECRETARY OF HEALTH )
AND HUMAN SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
__________________________________________)
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
On October 7, 2020, respondent conceded that entitlement to compensation was
appropriate under the terms of the Vaccine Act. ECF No. 22. Thereafter, on October 20, 2020,
Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement, finding that petitioner was
entitled to vaccine compensation for her Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration
(“SIRVA”). ECF No. 24.
I. Items of Compensation
Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded
$162,880.26. The award is comprised of the following: $150,000.00 for pain and suffering,
$3,295.88 for out of pocket expenses, and $9,584.38 for lost wages. This amount represents all
elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
Petitioner agrees.
II. Form of the Award
The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner should be made through
a lump sum payment of $162,880.26, in the form of a check payable to petitioner. Petitioner

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agrees.
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN M. BOYNTON
Acting Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Acting Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
DARRYL R. WISHARD
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
/s/ LYNN C. SCHLIE
Lynn C. Schlie
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
Tel: (202) 616-3667
Fax: (202) 616-4310
Dated: June 14, 2021