Welder v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

In the United States Court of Federal Claims

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

Filed: December 2, 2025 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ELIZA WELDER, * No. 22-764V *

Petitioner, * Special Master Young * v. * *

SECRETARY OF HEALTH *

AND HUMAN SERVICES, * *

Respondent. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mark Theodore Sadaka, Law Offices of Sadaka Associates, LLC, Englewood, NJ, for Petitioner. Julianna Rose Kober, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

DISMISSAL DECISION1

On July 14, 2022, Eliza Welder (“Petitioner”) filed a petition pursuant to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.2 Pet., ECF No. 1. Petitioner alleged that the administration of a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccine she received on July 17, 2019, caused her to suffer “vaccine-induced collagenous colitis.” Id. at Preamble. Alternatively, she alleged the vaccine significantly aggravated her condition. Id.

On December 1, 2025, Petitioner filed an unopposed motion for a decision dismissing her petition. ECF No. 38. Petitioner acknowledged judgment will result against her and will end her rights in the Vaccine Program. Id. at 1. She intends to elect to reject judgment and file a civil action. Id. at 1–2. Petitioner understood she may file for attorneys’ fees and costs once her case is dismissed, and Respondent expressly reserved the right to question good faith and reasonable basis. Id. at 1. Respondent otherwise had no objection to Petitioner’s motion for a decision dismissing her petition. Id.

To receive compensation under the Program, Petitioner must prove either (1) that she suffered a “Table Injury”—i.e., an injury falling within the Vaccine Injury Table—corresponding to the vaccination, or (2) that she suffered an injury that was caused by a vaccine. See §§ 13(a)(1)(A), 11(c)(1). An examination of the record did not uncover any evidence that Petitioner suffered a “Table Injury.” Further, the record does not contain persuasive evidence that Petitioner’s alleged injury was caused by the Tdap vaccine or significantly aggravated.

Under the Act, petitioners may not be given a Program award based solely on their claims alone. Rather, the petition must be supported by medical records or the opinion of a competent physician. § 13(a)(1). In this case, the medical records are insufficient to prove Petitioner’s claim, and Petitioner has not filed a supportive opinion from an expert witness. Therefore, this case must be dismissed for insufficient proof. The Clerk shall enter judgment accordingly.3 IT IS SO ORDERED.

/s/ Herbrina D. S. Young Herbrina D. S. Young Special Master