Chandra Guzman v. HHS - Pneumococcal, transverse myelitis (2025)

Chandra Guzman filed a petition on August 18, 2022, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Ms.

Guzman alleged that she developed transverse myelitis as a result of receiving a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on September 19, 2019. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a report on June 14, 2024, recommending denial of compensation.

Following a status conference, the Special Master directed the petitioner to file an expert report addressing causation. However, on February 28, 2025, Ms.

Guzman filed a motion to dismiss her claim, stating she opted not to proceed. She was advised that a dismissal would result in a judgment against her, ending her rights in the Vaccine Program for this claim.

The Special Master found a dismissal with prejudice to be appropriate, as the petitioner had not offered sufficient evidence to support her claim and preferred not to proceed. The petition was dismissed with prejudice, and judgment was to be entered accordingly.

The public decision does not describe the petitioner's counsel, respondent's counsel, specific clinical details of the alleged injury, or any expert testimony.