Jack Covert v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome; death claim not proven (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 20, 2021, Sharon Diane Covert, as personal representative of the Estate of her deceased husband, Jack Covert, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered in October 2018 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome and death. Respondent conceded entitlement for a Table GBS injury after seasonal influenza vaccination, and Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found entitlement on that basis. The death portion of the case was not compensated: petitioner clarified that proof was insufficient to establish that the vaccine caused Mr.
Covert's death, and the death claim was dismissed. The public entitlement and stipulation documents do not describe the neurologic onset, hospitalization, treatment, residual deficits, or death circumstances.
The parties later resolved damages by stipulation. On October 17, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $190,000.00 as a lump sum to the estate for the compensated GBS claim.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine October 30, 2018 allegedly causing Table GBS and death; adult/deceased, exact age and date of death not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED for GBS only; death claim dismissed/not proven; COMPENSATED. Public documents lack neurologic and death chronology. Award $190,000 lump sum to estate/petitioner. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petitioner Sharon Diane Covert as personal representative; petition October 20, 2021; entitlement May 9, 2024; damages October 17, 2025.