Jonathan Ruiz v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2021)

Jonathan Ruiz filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on September 14, 2020, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on March 25, 2019. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

On May 10, 2021, Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Petitioner is entitled to compensation, agreeing that the claim meets the Table criteria for GBS and that the filing was timely, the vaccination occurred in the United States, and the statutory severity requirement was met. Based on Respondent's concession and the record, a ruling on entitlement was issued on May 11, 2021, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on September 20, 2021, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation. The parties stipulated to an award of $117,449.64 for pain and suffering, past unreimbursable expenses, and past lost wages, plus $3,984.66 to satisfy a State of Connecticut Medicaid lien.

The decision dated October 21, 2021, awarded Petitioner a total of $121,434.30 in two lump sum payments.