Isabella Destefano v. HHS - HPV, mast cell activation syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (2026)

On October 14, 2025, the petitioner filed for compensation on behalf of Isabella Destefano, a minor child, alleging that Isabella Destefano developed mast cell activation syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome after receiving human papillomavirus (HPV) on November 29, 2019. The petition alleged HPV vaccinations on November 29, 2019 at age 14 and October 16, 2020 at age 15.

It alleged vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, excessive sleep, asthma, dizziness, racing heart rate, rashes, hives, migraines, burning skin, and weight loss beginning in February 2020, followed by diagnoses of mast cell activation syndrome and POTS. The petition was filed more than five years after vaccination and symptom manifestation, and equitable tolling was not established.

The dismissal turned on timeliness rather than medical causation. On February 27, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran dismissed the petition, and no vaccine-injury compensation was awarded. Petitioner was represented by Bijan Esfandiari, Wisner Baum, LLP, Los Angeles, CA.