VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02243
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02243
Petitioner: Michael Burch Vessels
Filed: 2021-12-01
Decided: 2023-03-27
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2020-08-28
Condition: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 140000

AI-assisted case summary:
Michael Burch Vessels filed a petition for vaccine compensation on December 1, 2021, alleging Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) resulting from an influenza vaccine received on August 28, 2020. He also received a Shingrix vaccine on the same day. Petitioner alleged that he suffered residual effects for more than six months and that the vaccine was administered in the United States. Respondent denied that petitioner sustained a GBS Table injury or that the vaccine caused his condition, specifically denying that the vaccine caused his chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), GBS, or any other injury, and denying that his current condition was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation on February 24, 2023, agreeing to a settlement. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation as the decision of the court. The decision awarded Petitioner a lump sum of $140,000.00 as compensation for all damages, payable to Petitioner. The decision was issued on March 27, 2023. Petitioner was represented by Robert A. Young of English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP. Respondent was represented by Emily H. Manoso of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Theory of causation field:
Petitioner Michael Burch Vessels received an influenza vaccine on August 28, 2020, and alleges Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a Table injury. Respondent denies a Table injury and causation. The parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settlement. The public decision does not describe the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or detailed clinical findings. The award is a lump sum of $140,000.00 for all damages. The decision was issued by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on March 27, 2023. Petitioner's counsel was Robert A. Young, and Respondent's counsel was Emily H. Manoso.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-02243-0
Date issued/filed: 2023-03-27
Pages: 7
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 02/24/2023) regarding 27 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (kle) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:21-vv-02243-UNJ Document 31 Filed 03/27/23 Page 1 of 7
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 21-2243V
UNPUBLISHED
MICHAEL BURCH VESSELS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: February 24, 2023
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU); Joint
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Stipulation on Damages; Influenza
HUMAN SERVICES, (Flu) Vaccine; Guillain-Barre
Syndrome (GBS)
Respondent.
Robert A. Young, English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP, Bowling Green, KY, for
Petitioner.
Emily H. Manoso, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1
On December 1, 2021, Michael Burch Vessels filed a petition for compensation
under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2
(the “Vaccine Act”). On June 6, 2022, Petitioner filed an amended petition. Petitioner
alleges that he suffered Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”) resulting from an influenza
vaccine he received on August 28, 2020. Amended Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed
February 24, 2023, at ¶¶ 2-4. Petitioner further alleges the vaccine was administered in
the United States, he suffered the residual effects of his injury for more than six months,
and neither Petitioner nor any other party has ever filed any action for Petitioner’s vaccine-
related injury.Amended Petitionat¶¶ 2, 16, 17;Stipulationat ¶¶3-5.“Respondent denies
that petitioner sustained a GBS Table injury; denies that the vaccine caused petitioner’s
chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (“CIDP”), GBS, or any other injury;
1 Because this unpublished Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am
required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-
Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic
Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the
internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact
medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from
public access.
2National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa (2012).

Case 1:21-vv-02243-UNJ Document 31 Filed 03/27/23 Page 2 of 7
and denies that his current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.” Stipulation
at ¶ 6.
Nevertheless, on February 24, 2023, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation,
stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation
reasonable and adopt it as mydecision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following
compensation:
A lump sum of $140,000.00 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner.
Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages
that would be available under Section 15(a). Id.
I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of
a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to
enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice
renouncing the right to seek review.
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Case 1:21-vv-02243-UNJ Document 31 Filed 03/27/23 Page 3 of 7
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
MICHAEL BURCH VESSELS,
Petitioner, No. 21-2243V
Chief Special Master Corcoran
v. ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALT H AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
I. Michael Burch Vessels {"petitioner"), filed a petition for vaccine compensation under
the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the "Vaccine
Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt
of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the
"Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a)
2. Petitioner received a f1u vaccine on August 28, 2020.1
3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.
4. Petitioner alleges that he suffered from Guillain Barre Syndrome ("GBS") as a result
of the flu vaccine administered to him on August 28, 2020, within the time period set forth in the
Table. He further alleges that he experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than
six months.
1 On August 28, 2020, petitioner also received a Shingrix shingles vaccine, which is not
contained in the Vaccine Injury Table.

Case 1:21-vv-02243-UNJ Document 31 Filed 03/27/23 Page 4 of 7
5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on his behalf as a result of his alleged injury.
6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a OBS Table injury; denies that the
vaccine caused petitioner's chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy ("CIDP"),
OBS, or any other injury; and denies that his current condition is a. sequela of a vaccine-related
injury.
7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the
issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the
compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.
8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with
the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(I), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payment:
A lump sum of $140,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount
represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-I 5(a).
9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment on entitlement in this case, and after
petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before
the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this
petition.
I 0. Petitioner and his attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to
this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable
under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be
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Case 1:21-vv-02243-UNJ Document 31 Filed 03/27/23 Page 5 of 7
expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or
State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
§ 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.
11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to
paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U .S.C. § 300aa-I 5(i), subject
to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.
12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorney's fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided
pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a
strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-l 5(g) and (h).
13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in his
individual capacity, and on behalf of his heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns,
does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and
the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action
(including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands
of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely
brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 0 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all
known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting
from, or alleged to have resulted from, the vaccinations administered on August 28, 2020, as
identified in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about December I, 2021, in the
United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 21-2243 V.
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Case 1:21-vv-02243-UNJ Document 31 Filed 03/27/23 Page 6 of 7
14. lf petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable
upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.
I 5. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms
of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a
decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties'
settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.
16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and
damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the
parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated
and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this
Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the
items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.
17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged injury or
any other injury or his current disabilities, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained in the
Vaccine Injury Table.
18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to p~titioner's
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.
END OF STIPULATION
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Case 1:21-vv-02243-UNJ Document 31 Filed 03/27/23 Page 7 of 7
Respectfully submitted,
PETITIONER:
tnMwA~.~ ~
MICHAEL BURCH VESSELS
ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:
~~ .LI f>__
ROB HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
V
English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LP. Deputy Director
l l01 College Street; P.O. Box 770 Torts Branch
Bowling Green, KY 42102 Civil Division
270-781-6500 U.S. Department of Justice
byoung@elpolaw.com P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR
OF THE SECRET ARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT:
AND HUMAN SERVICES:
Henry p
by • Ol9ilally5t911edbyHen,y
P.M«nillan•S3 ~
Mcmillan _
53 ~~'.~023.02.1009:36'.34
CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH
Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney
Compensation Programs Torts Branch
Health Systems Bureau Civil Division
Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice
Administration P.O. Box 146
U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station
and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0)46
5600 Fishers Lane, 08N l 46B (202) 305-3912
Rockville, MD 20857 emily.h.manoso@usdoj.gov
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