VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01102 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01102 Petitioner: Alivia Zhang Filed: 2023-07-18 Decided: 2026-01-28 Vaccine: meningococcal Vaccination date: 2022-08-16 Condition: syncope with orbital injury and complete loss of vision in left eye Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 250000 AI-assisted case summary: On July 18, 2023, Alivia Zhang filed a petition alleging that she suffered a syncopal episode after receiving a meningococcal vaccine on August 16, 2022, causing an orbital injury and complete loss of vision in her left eye. Respondent conceded entitlement under the Table syncope criteria, including onset within one hour after meningococcal vaccination and no apparent alternative cause. The public rulings do not provide the full emergency-care, ophthalmology, or surgical chronology, but the injury description identifies permanent loss of vision in the left eye. On January 28, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the proffer and awarded $250,000.00 for pain and suffering. The award represented all compensation available under the proffer. Theory of causation field: Meningococcal vaccine August 16, 2022 causing Table syncope with orbital injury and complete left-eye vision loss; adult, exact age not stated; onset within one hour. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. Award $250,000 pain/suffering. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition July 18, 2023; damages January 28, 2026. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01102-0 Date issued/filed: 2024-10-25 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 09/23/2024) regarding 24 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:23-vv-01102-UNJ Document 27 Filed 10/25/24 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1102V ALIVIA ZHANG, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: September 23, 2024 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. David A. Kleczek, Kleczek Law Office, Oakland, CA, for Petitioner. Lynn Christina Schlie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On July 18, 2023, Alivia Zhang filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. (the “Vaccine 1 Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a syncopal episode upon receiving a meningococcal vaccine on August 16, 2022, which resulted in orbital injury and complete loss of vision in her left eye. Petition at 1 – 2. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On September 18, 2024, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Rule 4(c) Report at 1. Specifically, Respondent agrees that Petitioner satisfies the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), and the accompanying Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (“QAI”), which afford Petitioner a presumption of causation if the onset of vasovagal syncope occurs within one hour after a meningococcal vaccination, and there is no apparent alternative cause. Id. at 5 (citing 42 C.F.R. §§ 100.3(a), (c)(13)). Respondent also agrees that Petitioner experienced more than six months of residual 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. Case 1:23-vv-01102-UNJ Document 27 Filed 10/25/24 Page 2 of 2 effects, and that she has otherwise satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act. Id. (citing Section 11(c)(1)(D)(ii)). 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_23-vv-01102-cl-extra-10733889 Date issued/filed: 2024-10-25 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10267299 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1102V ALIVIA ZHANG, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: September 23, 2024 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. David A. Kleczek, Kleczek Law Office, Oakland, CA, for Petitioner. Lynn Christina Schlie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On July 18, 2023, Alivia Zhang filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.1 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a syncopal episode upon receiving a meningococcal vaccine on August 16, 2022, which resulted in orbital injury and complete loss of vision in her left eye. Petition at 1 – 2. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On September 18, 2024, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Rule 4(c) Report at 1. Specifically, Respondent agrees that Petitioner satisfies the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), and the accompanying Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (“QAI”), which afford Petitioner a presumption of causation if the onset of vasovagal syncope occurs within one hour after a meningococcal vaccination, and there is no apparent alternative cause. Id. at 5 (citing 42 C.F.R. §§ 100.3(a), (c)(13)). Respondent also agrees that Petitioner experienced more than six months of residual 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. effects, and that she has otherwise satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act. Id. (citing Section 11(c)(1)(D)(ii)). 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_23-vv-01102-1 Date issued/filed: 2026-03-02 Pages: 4 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 01/28/2026) regarding 42 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:23-vv-01102-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/02/26 Page 1 of 4 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1102V ALIVIA ZHANG, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: January 28, 2026 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. David A. Kleczek, Kleczek Law Office, Oakland, CA, for Petitioner. Lynn Christina Schlie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON DAMAGES1 On July 18, 2023, Alivia Zhang filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. (the “Vaccine 1 Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a syncopal episode upon receiving a meningococcal vaccine on August 16, 2022. Petition at 1 – 2. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On September 23, 2024, a Ruling on Entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation. On January 28, 2026, Respondent filed a Proffer on an award of compensation (“Proffer”). Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. at 1-2. 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. Case 1:23-vv-01102-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/02/26 Page 2 of 4 Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached proffer, Petitioner is awarded a lump sum of $250,000.00 (for pain and suffering) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. Proffer at 2. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. at 2. The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.2 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 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 1:23-vv-01102-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/02/26 Page 3 of 4 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) ALIVIA ZHANG, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 23-1102V v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN ) SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) ) PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On July 18, 2023, Alivia Zhang (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), as amended, alleging that she suffered a syncopal episode upon receiving a meningococcal vaccine on August 16, 2022. See Petition at 1-2; ECF No. 1; Amended Petition at 1; ECF No. 10. On September 18, 2024, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed his Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act. ECF No. 23. On September 23, 2024, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding that petitioner is entitled to vaccine compensation. ECF No. 24. I. Items of Compensation Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $250,000.00 in pain and suffering, which represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. Case 1:23-vv-01102-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/02/26 Page 4 of 4 II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment of $250,000.00, to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. Petitioner agrees. Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General JONATHAN D. GUYNN Acting Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division TRACI R. PATTON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ Lynn C. Schlie LYNN C. SCHLIE 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) 616-3667 Email: lynn.schlie@usdoj.gov DATED: January 28, 2026 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 4: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01102-cl-extra-11269732 Date issued/filed: 2026-03-02 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10803004 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1102V ALIVIA ZHANG, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: January 28, 2026 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. David A. Kleczek, Kleczek Law Office, Oakland, CA, for Petitioner. Lynn Christina Schlie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON DAMAGES1 On July 18, 2023, Alivia Zhang filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.1 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a syncopal episode upon receiving a meningococcal vaccine on August 16, 2022. Petition at 1 – 2. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On September 23, 2024, a Ruling on Entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation. On January 28, 2026, Respondent filed a Proffer on an award of compensation (“Proffer”). Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. at 1-2. 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. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached proffer, Petitioner is awarded a lump sum of $250,000.00 (for pain and suffering) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. Proffer at 2. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. at 2. The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.2 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 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 ) ALIVIA ZHANG, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 23-1102V v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN ) SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) ) PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On July 18, 2023, Alivia Zhang (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), as amended, alleging that she suffered a syncopal episode upon receiving a meningococcal vaccine on August 16, 2022. See Petition at 1-2; ECF No. 1; Amended Petition at 1; ECF No. 10. On September 18, 2024, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed his Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act. ECF No. 23. On September 23, 2024, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding that petitioner is entitled to vaccine compensation. ECF No. 24. I. Items of Compensation Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $250,000.00 in pain and suffering, which represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment of $250,000.00, to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. Petitioner agrees. Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General JONATHAN D. GUYNN Acting Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division TRACI R. PATTON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ Lynn C. Schlie LYNN C. SCHLIE 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) 616-3667 Email: lynn.schlie@usdoj.gov DATED: January 28, 2026 2