Edgar v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 14-1098V Filed: July 31, 2015 (Not to be published) **************************** JEFFREY EDGAR, * * Petitioner, * v. * Dismissal; Flu Vaccine; * Joint pain; Swelling SECRETARY OF HEALTH * AND HUMAN SERVICES, * * Respondent. * * **************************** Elaine Whitfield Sharp, Esq., Whitfield, Sharp & Sharp, Marblehead, MA for petitioner.

Gordon Shemin, Esq., U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Washington, D.C., for respondent.

DECISION1 Gowen, Special Master: On November 12, 2014, petitioner filed a petition for Vaccine Compensation in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program [“the Program”],2 alleging that the influenza vaccine he received caused his injury which included swelling and pain in his hands and joints. The information in the record, however, does not show entitlement to an award under the Program. On July 16, 2015, petitioner moved for a decision dismissing this petition.

To receive compensation under the Program, petitioner must prove either 1) that he suffered a “Table Injury” – i.e., an injury falling within the Vaccine Injury Table – corresponding to his influenza vaccination, or 2) that he suffered an injury that was actually caused by a vaccine. See §§ 13(a)(1)(A) and 11(c)(1). An examination of the Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I intend to post this decision on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, § 205, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), petitioner have 14 days to identify and move to delete medical or other information, that satisfies the criteria in § 300aa-12(d)(4)(B). Further, consistent with the rule requirement, a motion for redaction must include a proposed redacted decision. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within the requirements of that provision, I will delete such material from public access.

The Program comprises Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755, codified as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 et seq. (hereinafter “Vaccine Act” or “the Act”). Hereafter, individual section references will be to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa of the Act. record did not uncover any evidence that petitioner suffered a “Table Injury.” Further, the record does not contain persuasive evidence indicating that petitioner’s alleged injury was vaccine-caused.

Under the Act, petitioner may not be given a Program award based solely on the petitioner’s claims alone. Rather, the petition must be supported by either medical records or by the opinion of a competent physician. § 13(a)(1). In this case, because there are insufficient medical records supporting petitioner’s claim, a medical opinion must be offered in support. Petitioner, however, has offered no such opinion that supports a finding of entitlement.

Accordingly, it is clear from the record in this case that petitioner has failed to demonstrate either that petitioner suffered a “Table Injury” or that his injuries were “actually caused” by a vaccination. Thus, this case is dismissed for insufficient proof. The Clerk shall enter judgment accordingly.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

s/Thomas L. Gowen Thomas L. Gowen Special Master