Vinod Agarwal v. HHS - Influenza, Bullous Pemphigoid (2025)

Vinod Agarwal filed a petition on May 11, 2023, alleging that she developed Bullous Pemphigoid (BP) caused by an influenza vaccination received on October 25, 2021. Respondent filed a report on May 23, 2024, contending that entitlement to compensation should be denied.

The case has involved extensive medical records and expert reports from both parties. This decision addresses Petitioner's application for interim attorneys' fees and costs.

The court found that Petitioner would suffer undue hardship without an award of interim fees and costs and that the petition was filed in good faith with a reasonable basis, supported by extensive medical records and expert reports. The court awarded interim attorneys' fees and costs totaling $87,316.00, with specific amounts allocated to former counsel Matthew Belanger and Andrew Downing, and also awarded costs for medical records, postage, printing, and expert witness fees for Dr.

Styperek and Dr. Spillers.

The decision does not determine entitlement to compensation for the alleged vaccine injury.