K.R. v. HHS - DTaP, vitiligo and related skin conditions (2024)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On September 24, 2020, Kaitlyn Reece and Kristopher Reece filed a petition as parents and natural guardians of K.R., a minor. They alleged that a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccination administered on September 27, 2017 caused K.R. to suffer vitiligo and related skin conditions.
The public decision identifies K.R. as a minor but does not state the child's exact age. The case did not reach an entitlement finding.
On December 4, 2023, the petitioners reported that they were unable to file an expert report and needed time to evaluate the case. On May 24, 2024, they moved to dismiss, explaining that investigation of the facts and available science showed they would be unable to prove entitlement and that proceeding further would be unreasonable.
Special Master Herbrina D. Sanders dismissed the petition on May 29, 2024.
She found no evidence that K.R. suffered a Table injury corresponding to the vaccination, and no persuasive evidence that the DTaP vaccine caused the alleged vitiligo or related skin conditions. The public decision also noted that a Vaccine Program award cannot rest on the petitioners' claims alone; it must be supported by medical records or a competent physician's opinion.
A later July 31, 2025 decision addressed attorneys' fees and costs only.
Theory of causation
Minor child K.R.; DTaP vaccine September 27, 2017; alleged vitiligo and related skin conditions. DISMISSED for insufficient proof. Parents Kaitlyn and Kristopher Reece reported inability to file an expert report; motion to dismiss stated facts/science would not prove entitlement. No Table injury and no persuasive causation evidence; medical records/opinion support insufficient. SM Sanders May 29, 2024. Petition filed September 24, 2020. Attorney: Robert J. Krakow.