Sterling Conley v. HHS - Influenza, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On April 18, 2024, Sterling Conley filed a petition alleging that he developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after vaccinations administered on December 1, 2022. The petition referred to an influenza vaccine and Prevnar-13, but the public ruling notes that the vaccination record documented a pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-20) rather than Prevnar-13.
Respondent filed an amended Rule 4(c) report on September 12, 2025 conceding entitlement under the Vaccine Injury Table for flu-associated GBS. Respondent agreed that Mr.
Conley satisfied the Table and QAI criteria, which presume causation when GBS begins between three and forty-two days after a seasonal influenza vaccination and there is no apparent alternative cause. Respondent did not concede that PCV-20 caused GBS.
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran granted entitlement on September 15, 2025.
The public ruling does not provide the exact onset date, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, treatment, or damages evidence. Compensation remains pending.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine plus pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate (PCV-20), December 1, 2022; petition alleged flu plus Prevnar-13, but vaccination record documented PCV-20. Alleged GBS. ENTITLEMENT GRANTED; damages pending. Respondent conceded Table/QAI criteria for flu-associated GBS (onset 3-42 days after seasonal flu vaccination and no apparent alternative cause) but did not concede PCV-20 caused GBS. Public ruling gives no onset/treatment details. Chief Special Master Corcoran September 15, 2025. Attorney Joseph Alexander Vuckovich; respondent Rochelle Ilana Gillenson.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-00610