VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01276 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01276 Petitioner: Brittany Flores Filed: 2022-09-12 Decided: 2025-10-16 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2019-09-15 Condition: Guillain-Barre syndrome Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 121145.93 AI-assisted case summary: On September 12, 2022, Brittany Flores filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 15, 2019 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. She later filed an amended petition in September 2025. Respondent initially defended the case, but later filed an amended Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Flores met the Vaccine Injury Table criteria for GBS following influenza vaccination. The public entitlement and damages documents do not describe the first neurologic symptoms, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, IVIG or plasma exchange, rehabilitation, or residual deficits. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on September 9, 2025. On October 16, 2025, he adopted respondent's damages proffer and awarded $120,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,145.93 in unreimbursed expenses, for a total lump sum of $121,145.93. Theory of causation field: Influenza vaccine September 15, 2019 causing Table GBS; competent adult, exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED after amended Rule 4(c) report; COMPENSATED. Public documents lack neurologic chronology. Award $120,000 pain/suffering + $1,145.93 expenses = $121,145.93. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition September 12, 2022; amended petition September 8, 2025; entitlement September 9, 2025; damages October 16, 2025. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01276-0 Date issued/filed: 2025-10-09 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 09/09/2025) regarding 36 Ruling on Entitlement. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (cr) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:22-vv-01276-UNJ Document 38 Filed 10/09/25 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1276V BRITTANY FLORES, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: September 9, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Nancy R. Meyers, Turning Point Litigation, Greensboro, NC, for Petitioner. Adam N. Muffett, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On September 12, 2022, Brittany Flores 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 September 8, 2025, Petitioner filed an Amended Petition. (ECF No. 35). Petitioner alleges that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccination on September 15, 2019. Petition at 1. Petitioner also filed an amended petition on December 13, 2024, alleging that as a result of her flu vaccination, she suffered Bell’s Palsy. Amended Petitioner at 1, 9 (ECF No. 28). The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. 1 Because this Ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Ruling 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. 2 National 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 (2018). Case 1:22-vv-01276-UNJ Document 38 Filed 10/09/25 Page 2 of 2 On August 29, 2025, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1. Specifically, Respondent is satisfied that Petitioner has met the criteria for a Table GBS claim as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. Id. at 9. In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01276-cl-extra-11166271 Date issued/filed: 2025-10-09 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10699683 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1276V BRITTANY FLORES, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: September 9, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Nancy R. Meyers, Turning Point Litigation, Greensboro, NC, for Petitioner. Adam N. Muffett, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On September 12, 2022, Brittany Flores 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 September 8, 2025, Petitioner filed an Amended Petition. (ECF No. 35). Petitioner alleges that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccination on September 15, 2019. Petition at 1. Petitioner also filed an amended petition on December 13, 2024, alleging that as a result of her flu vaccination, she suffered Bell’s Palsy. Amended Petitioner at 1, 9 (ECF No. 28). The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. 1 Because this Ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Ruling 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. 2 National 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 (2018). On August 29, 2025, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1. Specifically, Respondent is satisfied that Petitioner has met the criteria for a Table GBS claim as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. Id. at 9. In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01276-1 Date issued/filed: 2025-12-04 Pages: 5 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 10/16/2025) regarding 40 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (cr) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:22-vv-01276-UNJ Document 44 Filed 12/04/25 Page 1 of 5 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1276V BRITTANY FLORES, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: October 16, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Nancy R. Meyers, Turning Point Litigation, Greensboro, NC, for Petitioner. Adam N. Muffett, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On September 12, 2022,Brittany Floresfiled a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner allegesthat she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccination on September 15, 2019. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On September 9, 2025, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for her GBS. On October 16, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $121,145.93, comprised of $120,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,145.93 for past unreimbursable expenses. Proffer at 2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. 1Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (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 (2018). Case 1:22-vv-01276-UNJ Document 44 Filed 12/04/25 Page 2 of 5 Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $121,145.93, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). 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. 2 Case 1:22-vv-01276-UNJ Document 44 Filed 12/04/25 Page 3 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS BRITTANY FLORES, Petitioner, v. No. 22-1276V Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION1 On September 12, 2022, Brittany Flores (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation (“petition”) under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to - 34, as amended (“Act”). She alleged that she sustained Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table, following receipt of an influenza vaccine administered on September 15, 2019.2 See Petition at 1. On August 29, 2025, respondent filed an Amended Rule 4(c) Report (ECF No. 33), concluding that the case was appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a GBS Table injury.3 On September 9, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement, finding petitioner entitled to compensation for a GBS Table injury. ECF No. 36. 1 This Proffer does not include attorneys’ fees and costs, which the parties intend to address after the Damages Decision is issued. 2 Petitioner filed amended petitions on December 13, 2024 (ECF No. 28) and September 8, 2025 (ECF No. 35). 3 Respondent had originally defended the case and filed its original Rule 4(c) Report on May 31, 2024 (ECF No. 26). Case 1:22-vv-01276-UNJ Document 44 Filed 12/04/25 Page 4 of 5 I. Items of Compensation Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded the following: A. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $120,000.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioner documents that she incurred past unreimbursable expenses related to his vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $1,145.93. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(a)(1)(B). Petitioner agrees. These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment, as described below, and request that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following:4 A lump sum payment of $121,145.93 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner, Brittany Flores. Petitioner is a competent adult. Proof of guardianship is not required in this case. 4 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, respondent would oppose any award for future medical expenses, future lost earnings, and future pain and suffering, and the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. 2 Case 1:22-vv-01276-UNJ Document 44 Filed 12/04/25 Page 5 of 5 Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General C.SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division JULIA M. COLLISON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ Adam N. Muffett ADAM N. MUFFETT Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel: (202) 616-2895 adam.muffett@usdoj.gov Dated: (cid:50)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:85) 16, 2025 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 4: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01276-cl-extra-11214116 Date issued/filed: 2025-12-04 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10747531 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1276V BRITTANY FLORES, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: October 16, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Nancy R. Meyers, Turning Point Litigation, Greensboro, NC, for Petitioner. Adam N. Muffett, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On September 12, 2022, Brittany Flores filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccination on September 15, 2019. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On September 9, 2025, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for her GBS. On October 16, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $121,145.93, comprised of $120,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,145.93 for past unreimbursable expenses. Proffer at 2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (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. 2 National 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 (2018). Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $121,145.93, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). 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. 2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS BRITTANY FLORES, Petitioner, v. No. 22-1276V Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION 1 On September 12, 2022, Brittany Flores (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation (“petition”) under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to - 34, as amended (“Act”). She alleged that she sustained Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table, following receipt of an influenza vaccine administered on September 15, 2019. 2 See Petition at 1. On August 29, 2025, respondent filed an Amended Rule 4(c) Report (ECF No. 33), concluding that the case was appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a GBS Table injury. 3 On September 9, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement, finding petitioner entitled to compensation for a GBS Table injury. ECF No. 36. 1 This Proffer does not include attorneys’ fees and costs, which the parties intend to address after the Damages Decision is issued. 2 Petitioner filed amended petitions on December 13, 2024 (ECF No. 28) and September 8, 2025 (ECF No. 35). 3 Respondent had originally defended the case and filed its original Rule 4(c) Report on May 31, 2024 (ECF No. 26). I. Items of Compensation Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded the following: A. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $120,000.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioner documents that she incurred past unreimbursable expenses related to his vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $1,145.93. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(a)(1)(B). Petitioner agrees. These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment, as described below, and request that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following: 4 A lump sum payment of $121,145.93 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner, Brittany Flores. Petitioner is a competent adult. Proof of guardianship is not required in this case. 4 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, respondent would oppose any award for future medical expenses, future lost earnings, and future pain and suffering, and the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. 2 Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division JULIA M. COLLISON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ Adam N. Muffett ADAM N. MUFFETT Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel: (202) 616-2895 adam.muffett@usdoj.gov Dated: 2FWREHU 16, 2025 3