John Mohnal v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (2023)

John Mohnal filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 17, 2018. He claimed that he received the vaccination in the United States, suffered residual effects of GBS for more than six months, and had not filed any civil action or received other compensation for his injury.

The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit. Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) Report conceding that Mr.

Mohnal was entitled to compensation, agreeing that his condition met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. Based on this concession and the evidence, a ruling on entitlement was issued finding Mr.

Mohnal eligible for compensation. Subsequently, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, indicating that Mr.

Mohnal should be awarded $117,961.41. This amount included $115,000.00 for pain and suffering, $495.41 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $2,466.00 for past unreimbursable medical expenses for services provided by Holy Spirit/Geisinger EMS.

Respondent represented that Mr. Mohnal agreed with this proffered award.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding the total sum of $117,961.41, to be paid as a lump sum of $115,495.41 to Mr. Mohnal and a lump sum of $2,466.00 jointly to Mr.

Mohnal and National Recovery Agency.