A.W. v. HHS - vitiligo and Grave’s Disease, or in the alternative “significantly aggravated an underling or pre-existing autoimmune issue.” (2025)

Traci Weiss filed this petition on behalf of her minor child, A.W., alleging that vaccinations received between August 9, 2021, and January 3, 2022, caused A.W. to develop vitiligo and Grave's Disease, or alternatively, significantly aggravated a pre-existing autoimmune issue. The petition was filed on April 10, 2024.

Petitioner's counsel subsequently filed a motion for an interim award of attorney's fees and costs totaling $23,122.15, due to the withdrawal of prior counsel. Respondent did not contest the legal and statutory requirements for the award but deferred to the Special Master's discretion.

Chief Special Master Corcoran found an interim award appropriate, citing counsel's withdrawal and the absence of identifiable reasonable basis issues at this stage, despite the underlying claim's uncertain success. The court awarded the requested fees and costs, totaling $23,122.15, to be paid to counsel.

The decision does not address entitlement or the merits of the vaccine injury claim itself.