Joshua Brooks v. HHS - DTaP, seizure disorder (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On July 27, 2023, Joshua Brooks filed a petition on behalf of minor child A.B., alleging that a DTaP vaccination administered on February 16, 2021, caused A.B. to develop seizures. The case did not reach a merits ruling supported by expert testimony.
Respondent argued that the medical record did not prove a vaccine-caused seizure disorder and pointed to a genetic evaluation by Dr. Ness suggesting that A.B.'s condition was likely explained by an NPRL2 mutation.
The Court repeatedly gave petitioner time to obtain an expert report or other support. Mr.
Brooks reported that he could not secure expert testimony or counsel and moved to proceed without an expert. On September 24, 2025, Special Master Thomas L.
Moran dismissed the petition for insufficient proof. The dismissal was not imposed as a sanction; it reflected the absence of reliable evidence establishing vaccine causation.
No compensation was awarded.
Theory of causation
DTaP vaccine, February 16, 2021, minor A.B., exact age not stated in the public decision, alleged seizure disorder. DISMISSED. Petitioner Joshua Brooks proceeded pro se and ultimately without an expert. Respondent argued the record did not establish vaccine causation and identified a genetic evaluation by Dr. Ness suggesting A.B.'s injuries were likely explained by an NPRL2 mutation. Special Master Moran dismissed for insufficient proof after petitioner stated he could not obtain expert support. Award: none.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01169