In the United States Court of Federal Claims 

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

No. 16-1273V

Filed: January 5, 2021

UNPUBLISHED

STACI PUTNAM, as Personal 

Representative of the Estate of A.B., 

Deceased,

 Petitioner,

v.

SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND 

HUMAN SERVICES,

 Respondent.

Joint Stipulation on Damages; 

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Chronic 

demyelinating polyneuropathy; CIDP

Michael G. McLaren, Black McLaren Jones Ryland & Griffee, P.C., Memphis, TN, for 

petitioner.

Christine Mary Becer, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1

On October 5, 2016, petitioner filed a petition on behalf of A.B., her deceased 

child, for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 

U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that A.B. developed 

chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (“CIDP”) caused by his October 20, 

2014 flu vaccination. Stipulation, filed January 5, 2021, at ¶ 4. Petitioner further alleges 

that A.B. experienced the residual effects of his injuries for more than six months and 

that there has been no prior award or settlement for damages as a result of A.B.’s 

condition or death. Petition at 3-4; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3, 5. “Respondent denies that the 

flu vaccine caused A.B. to suffer from CIDP or any other injury or his death. ” Stipulation

at ¶ 6. 

1 Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for the special master’s action in this case, it will 

be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims’ website in accordance with the E-Government 

Act of 2002. See 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic 

Government Services). This means the decision will be available to anyone with access to the 

Internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact 

medical or other information the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. 

If the special master, upon review, agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, it will be 

redacted from public access.

2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for 

ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 

300aa (2012).
2

Nevertheless, on January 5, 2021, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, 

stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation 

reasonable and adopt it as the decision of the Court in awarding damages, on the terms 

set forth therein.

Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following 

compensation:

a. A lump sum of $100,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner, 

as legal representative of A.B.’s estate. Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount 

represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available 

under § 15(a). Id. 

b. A lump sum of $100,000.00 which amount represents reimbursement of 

a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid lien for 

services rendered on behalf of A.B., in the form of a check payable 

jointly to petitioner and Michigan Department of Health and Human 

Services, and mailed to:

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Third Party Liability Division

P.O. Box 30053

Lansing, MI 48909

Medicaid ID: 0025149844

Petitioner agrees to endorse this payment to the Michigan Department 

of Health and Human Services. Stipulation at ¶ 8. 

These amounts represent compensation for all items of damages that would be 

available under § 15(a). Id. 

In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the 

clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3

IT IS SO ORDERED.

s/Daniel T. Horner

Daniel T. Horner

Special Master

3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice 

renouncing the right to seek review.