April Colon v. HHS - HPV, optic neuritis, spasm of accommodation, optic atrophy, pseudmyopia, paresthesia in the bilateral lower extremities, lower leg weakness, and fatigue (2023)

On April 28, 2020, April Colon, as the parent and natural guardian of C.L., filed a petition for compensation in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The petition alleged that C.L. suffered optic neuritis, spasm of accommodation, optic atrophy, pseudomyopia, paresthesia in the bilateral lower extremities, lower leg weakness, and fatigue after receiving the HPV vaccine on April 11, 2018.

The respondent denied that the HPV vaccine caused C.L. to suffer from optic neuritis or any other injury or current condition. Despite maintaining their respective positions, the parties reached a stipulation to settle the case.

Special Master Thomas L. Gowen adopted the stipulation on December 22, 2023.

The award consisted of $42,500.00 to purchase an annuity contract from a life insurance company, representing compensation for all damages available under the Vaccine Act. Petitioner was represented by Bruce Slane of the Law Office of Bruce W.

Slane, P.C. Respondent was represented by Rachelle Bishop of the U.S.

Department of Justice. The public decision does not describe the onset of symptoms, specific clinical details, medical tests, or treatments.

The specific mechanism of causation was not detailed in the public decision.