Stacy Rodriguez v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (2025)

On April 26, 2023, Stacy Rodriguez, then 53, filed a petition alleging Guillain-Barré syndrome after an influenza vaccination on September 23, 2021. Respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that his illness met the Table criteria for GBS after seasonal flu vaccination, and Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran granted entitlement on June 11, 2024. The damages decision gives a fuller account of Mr.

Rodriguez’s course. He worked as a security guard and had preexisting iron deficiency anemia and obesity.

His GBS diagnosis was delayed through several emergency and other evaluations before a November 9, 2021 neurology assessment correctly identified GBS. His acute findings included absent deep tendon and patellar reflexes, a wide-based gait, a positive Romberg sign, and decreased sensation in his hands and feet.

He was hospitalized for three days, received a two-day course of IVIG and physical therapy, and was discharged home. He initially used a cane but later met therapy goals without assistive devices.

His residual symptoms were described as mild but persistent, including numbness and tingling in the hands and feet and balance issues. Later neurology records continued to endorse GBS residuals, and an April 2023 EMG/NCV study showed a mild non-length-dependent polyneuropathy with acquired segmental demyelination.

Mr. Rodriguez sought $160,000.00 for pain and suffering; respondent argued for less.

On July 14, 2025, the Special Master awarded $146,162.85, consisting of $145,000.00 for actual pain and suffering and $1,162.85 for unreimbursable expenses.