Gregory Whitehouse v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) (2026)

Gregory Whitehouse filed his petition on September 25, 2023, alleging that an influenza vaccination administered on October 14, 2020 caused Guillain-Barre Syndrome. He alleged residual effects lasting more than six months.

Whitehouse was represented by Timothy J. Mason of the Law Office of Sylvia Chin-Caplan, LLC.

Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report filed on February 4, 2025. The report stated that Whitehouse suffered GBS following a flu vaccine within the Table time period and that there was not a preponderance of medical evidence showing that the GBS was due to a factor unrelated to the vaccination.

Respondent further agreed that compensation was appropriate and that Whitehouse satisfied the legal prerequisites under the Vaccine Act. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran found him entitled to compensation the same day. The public entitlement and damages decisions do not describe Whitehouse's first neurologic symptom, exact onset day, weakness pattern, reflex findings, hospitalization, cerebrospinal fluid results, EMG or nerve conduction testing, IVIG or plasma exchange treatment, rehabilitation, or residual functional limits.

The victim's story available in the public record is therefore limited to the Table framework: after the October 2020 flu shot, Whitehouse developed GBS within the compensable Table period, with no unrelated cause shown by the medical evidence. A later supplemental damages decision filled in the missing compensation result.

On March 25, 2026, Chief Special Master Corcoran adopted respondent's proffer and awarded $161,050.15. The award consisted of $155,000.00 for pain and suffering and $6,050.15 for past unreimbursed expenses, paid as a lump sum through counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Whitehouse.