Neyton Colindres v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2025)

On June 6, 2023, Neyton Colindres filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on February 1, 2022 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. He was 48 years old at vaccination.

Mr. Colindres first sought care for body aches on February 20, 2022.

By February 23, he had arm, neck, and back pain, ataxia, dysphagia, difficulty speaking, and facial droop. Neurology documented significant facial weakness, weak eyelid closure, tongue weakness, diminished sensation, absent patellar and Achilles reflexes, weak hip flexion, and elevated CSF protein.

Infectious disease noted possible GBS secondary to the flu vaccine, and he received a five-day IVIG course. His hospitalization also involved acute hypoxic respiratory failure requiring oxygen, swallowing restrictions, therapy, catheter care, artificial tears, and discharge planning complicated by denial of inpatient rehab.

After discharge on March 6, 2022, Mr. Colindres continued to need home-health nursing, PT, OT, equipment, and family help.

By April he remained largely dependent for activities of daily living aside from eating and grooming. Over the next year he improved from walker and wheelchair use to cane use and eventually a normal gait, but he continued to report residual facial numbness, weakness, and the emotional impact of his GBS experience.

Respondent conceded entitlement to a Table GBS on November 8, 2024. On October 27, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $193,164.44: $160,000.00 for pain and suffering and $33,164.44 to satisfy a California Medicaid lien.

Respondent had argued for $100,000.00 in pain and suffering, but the Chief Special Master found a higher award appropriate given the severity of the acute course, hospitalization, home dependence, and residual effects.