VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01647 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01647 Petitioner: Gregory Whitehouse Filed: 2023-09-25 Decided: 2026-03-25 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2020-10-14 Condition: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 161050.15 AI-assisted case summary: 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. Theory of causation field: Influenza vaccine on October 14, 2020 causing Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded flu/GBS Table criteria: GBS followed the flu vaccine within the Table time period and the medical evidence did not preponderate toward a factor unrelated to vaccination; all legal prerequisites satisfied. Public decisions provide no detailed onset day, neurologic testing, treatment, rehabilitation, experts, or biologic mechanism beyond Table GBS. Entitlement: Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran, February 4, 2025. Damages: March 25, 2026. Award $161,050.15 ($155,000.00 pain and suffering + $6,050.15 past unreimbursed expenses), paid through counsel IOLTA. Petition filed September 25, 2023. Attorney: Timothy J. Mason, Law Office of Sylvia Chin-Caplan, LLC. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01647-0 Date issued/filed: 2025-03-11 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 02/04/2025) regarding 27 Ruling on Entitlement ( Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. )(mpj) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:23-vv-01647-UNJ Document 29 Filed 03/11/25 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1647V GREGORY WHITEHOUSE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: February 4, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Timothy J. Mason, Law Office of Sylvia Chin-Caplan, LLC, Boston, MA, for Petitioner. Mallori Browne Openchowski, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On September 25, 2023, Gregory Whitehouse filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome “GBS”) following an influenza vaccination she received on October 14, 2020. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that he suffered the residual effects of his vaccine-related injury for more than six months. Petition at ¶ 8. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On February 4, 2025, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 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. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Case 1:23-vv-01647-UNJ Document 29 Filed 03/11/25 Page 2 of 2 1. Specifically, Respondent states that “Petitioner suffered GBS following a flu vaccine within the Table time period, and there is not a preponderance of the medical evidence that Petitioner’s GBS was due to a factor unrelated to the vaccination.” Id. at 5. Respondent further agrees that “based on the record as it now stands, compensation is appropriate, as Petitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites under the Act.” Id. 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-01647-cl-extra-10820635 Date issued/filed: 2025-03-11 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10354047 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1647V GREGORY WHITEHOUSE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: February 4, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Timothy J. Mason, Law Office of Sylvia Chin-Caplan, LLC, Boston, MA, for Petitioner. Mallori Browne Openchowski, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT 1 On September 25, 2023, Gregory Whitehouse filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome “GBS”) following an influenza vaccination she received on October 14, 2020. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that he suffered the residual effects of his vaccine-related injury for more than six months. Petition at ¶ 8. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On February 4, 2025, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 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. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). 1. Specifically, Respondent states that “Petitioner suffered GBS following a flu vaccine within the Table time period, and there is not a preponderance of the medical evidence that Petitioner’s GBS was due to a factor unrelated to the vaccination.” Id. at 5. Respondent further agrees that “based on the record as it now stands, compensation is appropriate, as Petitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites under the Act.” Id. 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-01647-cl-extra-11319102 Date issued/filed: 2026-04-29 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10851713 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 23-1647V GREGORY WHITEHOUSE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: March 25, 2026 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Timothy J. Mason, Law Office of Sylvia Chin-Caplan, LLC, Boston, MA, for Petitioner. Mallori Browne Openchowski, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES 1 On September 25, 2023, Gregory Whitehouse filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”) following an influenza vaccination he received on October 14, 2020. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On February 4, 2025, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for his GBS. On March 24, 2026, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $161,050.15, comprised of $155,000.00 for pain and suffering and $6,050.15 for past unreimbursed expenses. Proffer at 1. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. 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. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $161,050.15, comprised of $155,000.00 for pain and suffering and $6,050.15 for past unreimbursed expenses, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision. 3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 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 GREGORY WHITEHOUSE, Petitioner, No. 23-1647V Chief Special Master Corcoran v. SPU SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On February 4, 2025, respondent filed his Vaccine Rule 4(c) report and conceded that entitlement to compensation was appropriate under the terms of the Vaccine Act. ECF No. 26. Thereafter, on February 4, 2025, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding that petitioner was entitled to vaccine compensation for his Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”). ECF No. 27. I. Compensation for Vaccine Injury-Related Items Based on the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $161,050.15, which is comprised of damages for pain and suffering ($155,000.00) and unreimbursed expenses ($6,050.15). This amount represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 1 Petitioner agrees. 1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost earnings and future pain and suffering. II. Form of the Award The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment of $161,050.15, to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. Petitioner agrees. Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. 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/ Mallori B. Openchowski MALLORI B. OPENCHOWSKI Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146, Ben Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 Tel.: (202) 305-0660 mallori.b.openchowski@usdoj.gov DATED: March 24, 2026 2 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I certify that today, March 24, 2026, a copy of the foregoing pleading was served by electronic mail to Timothy Mason at tmason@scc-law.com. s/ Mallori B. Openchowski 3