VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01376
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01376
Petitioner: N.L.
Filed: 2020-10-13
Decided: 2022-05-23
Vaccine: HPV
Vaccination date: 2018-09-14
Condition: vasovagal syncope
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 70700

AI-assisted case summary:
Maurice and Susan Lewis, on behalf of their minor daughter N.L., filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 13, 2020. They alleged that N.L. suffered a syncopal episode, specifically vasovagal syncope, as a result of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine administered on September 14, 2018. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on April 9, 2021, conceding that N.L. was entitled to compensation. The respondent concluded that the petitioners had satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for a vasovagal syncope injury, and that N.L. experienced more than six months of residual effects. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on April 12, 2021, finding N.L. entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on April 19, 2022, the respondent filed a proffer on an award of compensation, which the petitioner agreed to. In a decision dated May 23, 2022, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded N.L. a lump sum payment of $70,700.60. This award represented $70,000.00 for pain and suffering and $700.60 for past unreimbursable expenses. The decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests performed, or treatments received. Petitioner counsel was Miriam A. Johnson of Berman & Simmons, P.A. Respondent counsel was Emily H. Manoso of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Theory of causation field:
N.L. received an HPV vaccine on September 14, 2018. The petitioner alleged a syncopal episode, specifically vasovagal syncope, as a result of the vaccine. The respondent conceded that the injury, vasovagal syncope, was a Table injury and that N.L. experienced more than six months of residual effects. The respondent's Rule 4(c) report concluded that the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation were satisfied. No specific medical experts were named in the provided text. The case resulted in a ruling on entitlement on April 12, 2021, by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran, finding N.L. entitled to compensation. A subsequent decision on May 23, 2022, awarded N.L. $70,700.60, consisting of $70,000.00 for pain and suffering and $700.60 for past unreimbursable expenses, based on a proffer agreed to by the parties. Petitioner counsel was Miriam A. Johnson, and respondent counsel was Emily H. Manoso.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01376-0
Date issued/filed: 2021-05-13
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 04/12/2021) regarding 18 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-01376-UNJ Document 20 Filed 05/13/21 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-1376V
UNPUBLISHED
MAURICE LEWIS and SUSAN LEWIS Chief Special Master Corcoran
on behalf of N.L., a minor child,
Filed: April 12, 2021
Petitioner,
v. Special Processing Unit (SPU);
Ruling on Entitlement; Concession;
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Table Injury; Human Papillomavirus
HUMAN SERVICES, (HPV) Vaccine; Vasovagal Syncope
Respondent.
Miriam A. Johnson, Berman & Simmons, P.A., Lewiston, ME, for petitioners.
Laurie Wiesner, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On October 13, 2020, Petitioners filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioners allege that N.L., their minor daughter, suffered a syncopal
episode as a result of a human papillomavirus (“HPV”) vaccine administered on
September 14, 2018. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit
of the Office of Special Masters.
On April 9, 2021, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that
Petitioners are entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1.
Specifically, Respondent concludes that Petitioners have satisfied the criteria set forth in
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), Petitioners have 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 1:20-vv-01376-UNJ Document 20 Filed 05/13/21 Page 2 of 2
the Vaccine Injury Table (“Table”) and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for a
vasovagal syncope injury. Id. at 7-8. Respondent further agrees that N.L. experienced
more than six months of residual effects. Id. at 8.
In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that
Petitioners are 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_20-vv-01376-1
Date issued/filed: 2022-05-23
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 04/20/2022) regarding 41 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-01376-UNJ Document 44 Filed 05/23/22 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-1376V
UNPUBLISHED
N.L., Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner,
v. Filed: April 20, 2022
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Special Processing Unit (SPU);
HUMAN SERVICES, Damages Decision based on Proffer;
Human Papillomavirus (HPV);
Respondent. Vasovagal Syncope.
Miriam A. Johnson, Berman & Simmons, P.A., Lewiston, ME, for Petitioner.
Emily H. Manoso, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On October 13, 2020, N.L. (“Petitioner”) 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 alleged she suffered a syncopal episode as a result of a human
papillomavirus (“HPV”) vaccine administered on September 14, 2018. Petition at 1. The
case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
On April 12, 2021, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to
compensation. On April 19, 2022, Respondent filed a proffer on an award of
compensation (“Proffer”). In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees
with the proffered award. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled
to an award as stated in the Proffer.
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 section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

Case 1:20-vv-01376-UNJ Document 44 Filed 05/23/22 Page 2 of 5
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump
sum payment of $70,700.60 (representing $70,000.00 for pain and suffering, and
$700.60 for past unreimbursed expenses) in the form of a check payable to
Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available
under Section 15(a).
The Clerk of 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

Case 1:20-vv-01376-UNJ Document 44 Filed 05/23/22 Page 3 of 5
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
N.L.,
Petitioner, No. 20-1376V
v. Chief Special Master Corcoran
ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
On October 13, 2020, N.L. (“petitioner”) filed a Petition for Compensation (“petition”)
under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended (“the Vaccine Act” or
“the Act”). 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34. Petitioner alleges that she suffered “injuries, including
syncope,” upon receiving a human papillomavirus (“HPV”) vaccination on September 14, 2018.
See Petition at 1. On April 9, 2021, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”)
filed a Rule 4(c) Report concluding that petitioner suffered vasovagal syncope following HPV
vaccination within the timeframe set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table. ECF No. 17.
Accordingly, on April 12, 2021, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding
petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 18.
I. Items of Compensation
Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded
a lump sum of $70,700.60, for all damages, including $70,000.00 representative of pain and
suffering, and $700.60 representative of past unreimbursable expenses related to her vaccine-

Case 1:20-vv-01376-UNJ Document 44 Filed 05/23/22 Page 4 of 5
related injury. This amount represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner is
entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees.
II. Form of the Award
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.
Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a
lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and
the Court’s judgment award the following1: a lump sum payment of $70,760.60, representing
compensation for all elements of economic and noneconomic damages, in the form of a check
payable to petitioner, N.L.
III. Summary of Recommended Payments Following Judgment
Lump sum payable to petitioner, N.L.: $70,700.60
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN M. BOYNTON
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
LARA A. ENGLUND
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the
Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost
earnings and future pain and suffering.
2

Case 1:20-vv-01376-UNJ Document 44 Filed 05/23/22 Page 5 of 5
/s/ Emily H. Manoso
EMILY H. MANOSO
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146
Tel: (202) 305-3912
Email: Emily.H.Manoso@usdoj.gov
Dated: April 19, 2022
3