Veronika Kassis v. HHS - MMR, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On September 8, 2023, Veronika Kassis filed a petition on behalf of her minor child, Z.L.S., alleging that measles-mumps-rubella and/or varicella vaccines administered on September 11, 2020 caused idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Respondent denied that the vaccines caused Z.L.S.'s alleged injuries, any other injury, or the child's current condition.
The public stipulation does not describe symptom onset, platelet counts, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, treatment, recovery course, or residual limitations. The parties resolved the case by joint stipulation.
On June 10, 2025, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarded $30,000.00 in total compensation: $7,521.63 payable jointly to petitioner and The Rawlings Company LLC for a WellCare-Staywell lien, and $22,478.37 to purchase an annuity for Z.L.S.
The annuity was structured for future lump-sum payments on March 12, 2037, March 12, 2040, and March 12, 2043, with the final payment adjusted to match the annuity purchase price.
Theory of causation
MMR and/or varicella vaccines September 11, 2020 allegedly causing ITP in minor Z.L.S.; exact age not stated. COMPENSATED by stipulation. Respondent denied causation and sequelae; public stipulation lacks onset/testing/treatment chronology. Award $7,521.63 WellCare-Staywell lien reimbursement payable with The Rawlings Company LLC + $22,478.37 annuity purchase for future payments = $30,000. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition September 8, 2023; decision June 10, 2025.