Jack Ciunci v. HHS - HPV, optic neuritis and a significant aggravation of an underlying condition, specifically myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (“MOGAD”) (2026)

Jack Ciunci received an HPV vaccination on April 1, 2019, which he alleged caused optic neuritis and a significant aggravation of his underlying condition, MOGAD. He filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on March 23, 2022.

After a status conference, Mr. Ciunci filed a motion to dismiss his petition on January 21, 2025, which was granted on February 12, 2025.

Subsequently, on August 20, 2025, Mr. Ciunci filed a motion for attorneys' fees and costs, seeking $31,324.15.

The respondent did not contest that the statutory requirements for an award of attorneys' fees and costs were met. The Special Master found that the case possessed both good faith and reasonable basis throughout its pendency, despite the eventual dismissal, and granted the motion, awarding the full amount requested for attorneys' fees and costs.