Richard Muto v. HHS - Influenza, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (“CIDP”) and small fiber neuropathy (“SFN”) (2025)

Richard Muto filed a petition alleging that he developed chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and small fiber neuropathy (SFN) caused by an influenza vaccination received on November 9, 2018. The respondent initially contended that entitlement should be denied.

The parties subsequently submitted expert reports and medical literature, and on June 10, 2025, agreed to submit the case for a ruling on the record. This decision addresses Richard Muto's application for interim attorneys' fees and costs.

The court found that the petitioner would suffer undue hardship without an award of interim fees and costs, that the petition was filed in good faith, and that the petitioner maintained a reasonable basis for his claim, supported by extensive medical records and expert reports. The court awarded Richard Muto a total of $39,155.42 in interim attorneys' fees and costs.