William Minner v. HHS - Influenza, brachial neuritis / Parsonage-Turner syndrome / brachial plexitis (2025)

On July 15, 2021, William Minner filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on August 31, 2020 caused brachial neuritis, also described in the record as Parsonage-Turner syndrome or brachial plexitis. Before vaccination, the record included right-arm and shoulder issues, including a long-head biceps rupture and imaging of a large lipomatous mass.

After vaccination, Mr. Minner reported arm symptoms that evolved into burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, and finger-dexterity complaints.

An October 2020 EMG showed mixed sensory motor neuropathy without satisfying demyelination criteria, and treating records at times interpreted the findings as probable post-vaccination brachial plexitis/Parsonage-Turner syndrome. He continued to report symptoms into 2021 and 2022, though a later orthopedist expressed doubt that the complaints were vaccine-associated.

The case was decided on the written record. Mr.

Minner relied on neurologist Dr. John D.

Hixson and immunologist Dr. Omid Akbari, who proposed that the flu vaccine triggered brachial neuritis through an immune-mediated process, including molecular mimicry.

Respondent opposed entitlement and challenged the timing of onset. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran held that the decisive problem was Althen prong three: Mr. Minner had not shown that the onset of brachial neuritis began within a medically acceptable timeframe after vaccination.

Entitlement was denied on September 25, 2025.