Duane Torkelson v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 13, 2023, Duane Torkelson filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on October 5, 2020 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report, agreeing that Mr.
Torkelson satisfied the Table requirements for GBS after seasonal influenza vaccination. The public ruling does not describe his first neurologic symptoms, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, immune treatment, rehabilitation, or residual deficits.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on August 26, 2025.
Damages remained to be determined.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine October 5, 2020 causing Table GBS; adult, exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; damages pending. Public ruling lacks neurologic onset, testing, treatment, and residual-deficit chronology. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition October 13, 2023; entitlement August 26, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_23-vv-01801