Kanijha Johnson-McFarland v. HHS - HPV, Guillain-Barre syndrome (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On December 30, 2024, Kanijha Johnson-McFarland filed a petition alleging that a human papillomavirus vaccine administered on July 2, 2024 caused Guillain-Barre syndrome. The case did not proceed to an entitlement ruling on the merits.
The public dismissal decision states that Ms. Johnson-McFarland initially filed without supporting documentation, later submitted some medical records, and indicated that additional documents would be needed to complete the record.
On July 7, 2025, she moved to dismiss her own petition, stating that investigation of the facts and science showed she could not prove entitlement. Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran explained that compensation would require either a Table injury or proof of off-Table causation under Althen. Because Ms.
Johnson-McFarland did not submit evidence, including an expert report, establishing a medical theory, a logical sequence of cause and effect, and appropriate timing, the petition was dismissed on July 11, 2025.
Theory of causation
HPV vaccine July 2, 2024 allegedly causing GBS; adult, exact age not stated. DISMISSED on petitioner's motion. Public record states petitioner filed without supporting documentation, later submitted some medical records, needed more documents, and moved to dismiss after investigation showed she could not prove entitlement. No expert proof of Althen medical theory/logical sequence/timing. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition December 30, 2024; dismissal July 11, 2025.
Source PDFs
USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-02141