Jerry Stewart v. HHS - Influenza, autoimmune encephalitis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (2025)

On April 20, 2021, Jerry Stewart filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine caused autoimmune encephalitis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused or significantly aggravated Mr.

Stewart's alleged conditions, denied that residual effects were vaccine-caused, and denied that any current condition was vaccine-related. The public stipulation and decision do not provide the vaccination date, first neurologic symptoms, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, immunotherapy, rehabilitation, expert opinions, or residual limitations.

The parties resolved the case by stipulation. On December 9, 2025, Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen adopted the stipulation and awarded Mr. Stewart $105,000.00 as a lump sum through counsel's IOLTA account.