Stephen Hickner v. HHS - Influenza, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 20, 2021, Stephen Hickner filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 26, 2018 caused chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. The case turned on timing.
In a June 10, 2025 fact ruling, Special Master Herbrina D. Sanders Young found that Mr.
Hickner's neuropathy symptoms began no earlier than about five months after vaccination. Mr.
Hickner argued that hip steroid injections may have masked CIDP symptoms and that delayed diagnosis could explain the record, but the special master found the medical records did not support onset in the medically accepted post-vaccination window. No expert report was filed for petitioner.
On July 29, 2025, Mr. Hickner asked for dismissal with prejudice, and respondent did not object.
The dismissal decision, filed July 30, 2025, explained that the record did not establish a Table injury or persuasive off-Table causation, and the case was dismissed for insufficient proof.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine October 26, 2018 allegedly causing CIDP; adult, exact age not stated. DISMISSED with prejudice. Key ruling: neuropathy symptoms began no earlier than about five months post-vaccination; petitioner's masking/delayed-diagnosis arguments were rejected; no expert opinion was filed; medical records were insufficient for Table or off-Table causation. SM Herbrina D. Sanders Young; petition October 20, 2021; fact ruling June 10, 2025; dismissal July 30, 2025.