Mark Thoma v. HHS - Influenza, brachial neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome) and phrenic neuritis (2022)

Mark Thoma filed a petition on December 6, 2019, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He alleged that he suffered brachial neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, and phrenic neuritis as a result of an influenza vaccine he received on January 17, 2017.

Mr. Thoma stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States and that he experienced residual effects from his condition for more than six months.

He also affirmed that he had not previously received an award or settlement for this condition and that no civil action had been filed on his behalf. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that the flu vaccine caused Mr.

Thoma's brachial neuritis, phrenic neuritis, or any other injury. Despite the respondent's denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation on July 14, 2022, agreeing to an award of compensation.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran reviewed the stipulation, found it reasonable, and adopted it as his decision.

He awarded Mark Thoma a lump sum of $110,000.00, payable to the petitioner, as compensation for all items of damages. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the mechanism of injury.

Petitioner's counsel was Andrew Donald Downing of Downing, Allison & Jorgenson, and respondent's counsel was Alexis B. Babcock of the U.S.

Department of Justice.