Court Opinion

ID: 4197940
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2017-08-22 16:02:38.96645+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:40:10.179548
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                 OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                            No. 14-1112V
                                         Filed: July 28, 2017

****************************                     PUBLISHED
P.H., a minor, by and through his parent *
and natural guardian,                     *
ASHLEY PUROLL,                            *
                                          *
                     Petitioner,          *
                                          *      Re-issued Decision Awarding Damages;
v.                                        *      Pain and Suffering; Rotavirus;
                                          *      Intussusception.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                       *
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                       *
                                          *
                     Respondent.          *
                                          *
****************************
Paul R. Brazil, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for petitioner.
Jennifer L. Reynaud, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

                              DECISION 1 AWARDING DAMAGES 2

Dorsey, Chief Special Master:

     On November 14, 2014, Ashley Puroll (“petitioner”) filed a petition for
compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C.
§300aa-10, et seq., 3 (the “Vaccine Act” or “Program”) on behalf of her son, P.H.

1 The original decision issued on February 23, 2017, was withdrawn after respondent filed a motion for
reconsideration on March 15, 2017. See Order Granting Motion for Reconsideration dated March 15,
2017 (ECF No. 71).

2 Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the undersigned
intends to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, in accordance with the E-
Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. §3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of
Electronic Government Services). 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, upon review, the undersigned agrees that the identified material fits
within this definition, the undersigned will redact such material from public access.

3 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
(20012).
Petitioner alleged that P.H. suffered intussusception requiring surgical intervention
which was caused by the rotavirus vaccine he received on August 12, 2014. Petition at
1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit (“SPU”) of the Office of
Special Masters. Thereafter, pursuant to Vaccine Rule 3(d), this case was reassigned
to the undersigned’s non-SPU docket due to the number of complications suffered by
P.H. and further time needed to resolve the case. Order Reassigning Case, filed Apr.
11, 2017 (ECF No. 75).
        For the reasons discussed below, the undersigned now finds petitioner is entitled
to a total award of $293,930.96.
I.      Procedural History
       Three days after filing her petition, petitioner filed P.H.’s medical records. See
Exhibits 1-4, filed Nov. 17, 2014 (ECF No. 3); Statement of Completion, filed Dec. 5,
2014 (ECF No. 8); see also Status Report, filed Feb. 2, 2015 (indicating respondent
agreed that the medical records were complete). An initial status conference was held
with the staff attorney managing this case on December 19, 2014. Order, filed Dec. 23,
2014, at 1 (ECF No. 9).
         On February 9, 2015, respondent filed a status report indicating he believed
P.H.’s injury was caused by the rotavirus vaccine administered to him on August 12,
2014. Status Report at 1 (ECF No. 12). Respondent further indicated he had made an
offer which petitioner was considering. Id. Over the subsequent four month period, the
parties agreed upon the compensation to be awarded to petitioner, and petitioner
obtained the necessary Medicaid lien information. See Status Report, filed Mar. 27,
2015 (ECF No. 14); Order, issued May 6, 2015 (ECF No. 16). Petitioner also filed a
letter from Patricia Fink, PA, regarding P.H.’s current condition and prognosis. 4 Exhibit
5, filed June 8, 2015 (ECF No. 17). On June 10, 2015, respondent filed a joint Rule 4
report and proffer. (ECF No. 18).
       A decision awarding damages was issued on June 11, 2015. Before judgment
entered, petitioner filed a motion for reconsideration due to unexpected complications
suffered by P.H. after the decision date. Motion for Reconsideration, filed July 9, 2015
(ECF No. 21). She filed updated medical records describing these complications. See
Exhibit 6, filed July 10, 2015 (ECF No. 23). Petitioner’s motion was granted and the
decision was withdrawn. Order, issued July 13, 2015 (ECF No. 25).
       The undersigned conducted several telephonic status conferences with the
parties. See Orders, issued Apr. 22 and June 21, 2016 (ECF Nos. 48, 50) (for a
description of those discussions and the undersigned’s instructions to the parties).
Petitioner continued to file additional evidence of P.H.’s medical treatment, current

4Ms. Fink is one of the physician’s assistants at the clinic where P.H. receives his primary care,
Muskegon Family Care. See Exhibit 1.

                                                     2
condition, and prognosis. See Exhibits 7-16, filed Apr. 5, July 18, Aug. 10, Aug. 24, and
Sept. 29, 2016 (ECF Nos. 45, 51, 54-55, 57).
       A telephonic status conference was held with the staff attorney managing this
case on October 12, 2016. During the call, the staff attorney presented the different
options the undersigned was considering for this case going forward: 1) alternative
dispute resolution; 2) a determination regarding the issue of pain and suffering from the
undersigned after briefing from the parties; and 3) a damages hearing. See Damages
Order, filed Oct. 14, 2016, at 2 (ECF No. 60). The parties agreed that the undersigned
should determine the issue of entitlement so the case could officially move into the
damages phase. Ruling on Entitlement, filed Oct. 14, 2016, at 2 (ECF No. 59).
Respondent’s counsel indicated respondent still conceded the issue of entitlement and
had no objection to the undersigned finding petitioner entitled to compensation based
upon her concession set forth in the June 10, 2015 Rule 4 report. Id. The Ruling on
Entitlement was issued on October 14, 2016. Ruling on Entitlement at 2. The parties
were ordered to file a joint status report “providing their preferences regarding the next
step going forward in this case.” Damages Order at 2.
      On October 28, 2016, the parties filed a joint status report indicating they “have
decided to submit briefs on damages and request a decision.” (ECF No. 61). Briefs
were submitted by the parties and a decision awarding damages was issued on
February 23, 2017, which awarded petitioner $225,000.00 for actual pain and suffering
and $49,000.00 in projected pain and suffering. Decision Awarding Damages (ECF No.
69).
       On March 15, 2017, respondent filed a motion for reconsideration and requested
that the February 23, 2017 Decision be withdrawn because the statutory cap of
$250,000 was not applied prior to adjusting the award for future pain and suffering to
net present value. Motion for Reconsideration, filed Mar. 15, 2017 (ECF No. 70) at 2-3;
Youngblood v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 32 F.3d 552, 554-55 (Fed. Cir. 1994);
42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a)(4)(statutory limit for actual and projected pain and suffering);
42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(f)(4)(A)(requirement regarding net present value). Additionally,
respondent argued that the amount allowed for future pain and suffering should be
reduced to net present value using a net discount rate of two percent. Motion for
Reconsideration at 3. The undersigned granted respondent’s motion for
reconsideration and withdrew her February 23, 2017 Decision. Order Granting
Respondent’s Motion for Reconsideration dated March 15, 2017 (ECF No. 71).
Petitioner was ordered to file a response by April 7, 2017. Scheduling Order dated
March 16, 2017 (ECF No. 72).
       Petitioner filed a response on April 7, 2017, requesting that the undersigned
increase the award in actual pain and suffering to $250,000.00 in consideration of P.H.’s
ongoing pain and suffering since September 2016. Petitioner’s Motion for Relief from
Order and Response to Respondent’s Motion for Reconsideration, at 1, 3, and 5 (ECF
No. 73). Alternatively, petitioner requested that the undersigned deny in part

                                            3
respondent’s motion for reconsideration and reduce the net present value of the award
for future pain and suffering by one percent. Id. at 1, 4-5. Petitioner filed P.H.’s
updated medical records from January 11, 2017, which provided additional evidence of
his medical treatment, current condition, and prognosis. Exhibit 17 at 3-4; Exhibit 20 at
22-23.
       On April 11, 2017, the undersigned ordered petitioner to file updated medical
records and any additional evidence. Order at 2 (ECF No. 74). That same day, the
case was reassigned to the undersigned’s non-SPU docket due to the number of
complications P.H. suffered and further time needed to resolve the case. On May 30,
2017, petitioner filed additional updated medical records that provide further evidence of
P.H.’s medical treatment, current condition, and prognosis. See Exhibits 18-20.
       On May 31, 2017, petitioner requested additional time to obtain and file a
requested report from Dr. Peter Freswick, M.D. Motion for Extension of Time (ECF No.
78). The undersigned granted this motion. Subsequently, petitioner requested an
additional extension of June 7, 2017, to obtain and file the requested report. Second
Motion for Extension of Time (ECF No. 79). The undersigned granted this motion,
extending the due date to June 19, 2017. Petitioner filed an expert report from Dr.
Freswick on June 8, 2017, which included P.H.’s medical records from May 10, 2017.
Notice of Filing (ECF No. 80); Exhibit 21.
II.     Factual History
      P.H. was born on June 2, 2014, 10.5 inches in length and weighing eight pounds,
ten ounces. Exhibit 1 at 17. At eight days old, he was bottle feeding approximately two
ounces every three hours. Id. at 16. He was experiencing some feeding difficulties,
coughing after feedings and suffering from gas. Id.
       On June 23, 2014, P.H.’s mother took him to the Muskegon Family Care
because he had been vomiting for approximately one day. Exhibit 1 at 14. He was
diagnosed with gastroenteritis. His mother was instructed to continue fluids and to take
him to the emergency room (“ER”) if he developed a fever or became lethargic. Id.
       On July 3, 2014, P.H. belatedly attended his two week well-child check-up
(“WCC”). He was noted to be “eating and sleeping well,” and his earlier gastroenteritis
was described as mild and resolved. Exhibit 1 at 11. This record indicates that P.H.’s
older sister suffered from pyloric stenosis5 when she was three weeks old. Id. His
immunizations were described as “[u]p to date.” Id.
       Exactly one month later, on August 12, 2014, P.H. attended his two month WCC.
It was reported that he had suffered “[n]o recent illness,” and had “[n]o new health

5Pyloric stenosis is “the “obstruction of the pyloric orifice of the stomach; it may be congential . . . or
acquired due to peptic ulcers or prepyloric carcinoma.” DORLAND’S ILLUSTRATED MEDICAL
DICTIONARY (“DORLAND’S”) at 1770 (32d ed. 2012).

                                                       4
concerns.” Exhibit 1 at 7. He received several immunizations at this visit, including the
rotavirus vaccine. Id. at 10.
       On August 17, 2014, around 10:00 o’clock in the evening, P.H.’s mother called
the after-hours service for the Muskegon Family Care because P.H. had been vomiting
since 4:00 o’clock that afternoon and was refusing to eat. Exhibit 1 at 6. She was
instructed to take P.H. to the ER.
       P.H. arrived at the ER at Mercy Health Partners later that evening and was seen
at ten minutes after midnight on August 18, 2014. Exhibit 2 at 11. His sister’s pyloric
stenosis was noted under family history. Id. He was observed to be well-hydrated,
sleeping, nontoxic, and afebrile but still not interested in his bottle. Id. at 12. A chest x-
ray was reported to be unremarkable. Id. P.H. was discharged early in the morning of
August 18 with instructions to follow-up with his primary care provider if he did not take
a bottle that morning. Id.
       After P.H. failed to improve or produce a bowel movement, he was taken to the
ER at North Ottawa Community Hospital. Exhibit 3 at 8, 21. An abdominal x-ray
revealed a suspected small bowel obstruction. Id. at 22; see id. at 28 (x-ray results).
After speaking to Dr. James DeCou, M.D., a pediatric surgeon at DeVos Children’s
Hospital, the decision was made to transfer P.H. to that hospital. Exhibit 3 at 22.
       At DeVos Children’s Hospital on August 19, 2014, an upper gastrointestinal (“GI”)
study was performed, revealing “obstructive bowel gas pattern suggestion of distal
bowel obstruction.” Exhibit 4 at 9. An emergent therapeutic air enema failed to reduce
the intussusception. Id. at 8. P.H. was taken to the operating room for an exploratory
laparoscopy and possible bowel resection. Id. at 19-20. Approximately four
centimeters of bowel, including the distal part of the ileum, and P.H.’s appendix were
removed. Exhibits 1 at 65-66; 4 at 6-7 (surgical pathology report). After the surgery,
P.H. was transferred to general pediatrics. Despite some initial fussiness and vomiting
while feeding, P.H.’s bowel function returned, and he tolerated his diet well. Exhibit 1 at
66. P.H. was discharged on August 22, 2014. Id.
       In a later report, dated September 4, 2014, from P.H.’s surgeon, Dr. DeCou, to
Ms. Fink at the Muskegon Family Care, P.H. was reported to be doing well at home,
without vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. Exhibit 1 at 89. Dr. DeCou described his incision
as healing, and P.H. was gaining weight and experiencing regular bowel movements.
Id. On February 2, 2015, Ms. Fink reported P.H. had experienced recurrent
constipation since his August 19, 2014 surgery. Exhibit 5.
       On January 27, 2015, P.H. was evaluated for dysphagia 6 by Dr. Harold Conrad,
M.D. at the Gastroenterology Clinic at DeVos Children’s Hospital. See Exhibit 11 at 6.
P.H.’s diarrhea was described as varying from “firm to loose especially after [he] had

6   Dysphagia is “difficulty in swallowing.” DORLAND’S at 579.

                                                     5
surgery for intussusception with a resection in the right lower quadrant.” Id. It was
noted that P.H. was gaining weight rapidly. Id. Dr. Conrad believed the dysphagia was
resolved with a low flow nipple. Id. He prescribed the addition of four ounces of fluid
and recommended soaking P.H.’s bottom in warm water. Id. at 8.
       In mid-June 2015, P.H. “stopped passing gas and developed a distended
abdomen.” Exhibit 6 at 3. On June 21, 2015, he was admitted to DeVos Children’s
Hospital and underwent his second exploratory laparoscopy. Id. In her report, P.H.’s
surgeon, Dr. Emily Durkin, M.D., indicated he had been seen in the ER on numerous
occasions for vomiting and watery diarrhea over the last six to eight weeks. Id. Multiple
adhesions were removed but no bowel re-section was required. Id. at 4. Following this
surgery, P.H. developed a clostridium difficile (“C. difficile”) infection 7 which was treated
with metronidazole and vancomycin. Exhibit 8 at 2. He remained hospitalized on the
pediatric acute care floor until June 29, 2015. See Exhibit 7 at 2 (letter from the nurse
care manager explaining the need for P.H.’s mother to be by his side). In total, P.H.
was hospitalized for nine days, from June 21 to 29, 2015.
        On September 18, 2015, P.H. was assessed for his chronic diarrhea and
dysphagia by a pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr. Andrew Singer, M.D., at C.S. Mott
Children’s Hospital. See Exhibit 8 at 3. Dr. Singer attributed P.H.’s diarrhea to his
intussusception surgeries. Id. at 5. In particular, Dr. Singer believed the removal of
P.H.’s terminal ileum resulted in “diminished bile absorption” and diarrhea. Id. He
prescribed cholestyramine 8 for excess bile and a swallow study for P.H.’s dysphagia.
Id. at 6.
       On October 4, 2015, P.H. underwent a third exploratory laparotomy for bowel
obstruction. P.H.’s surgeon for this procedure, Dr. Marc Schlatter, M.D. resected
approximately 16 centimeters of bowel and spent 30 minutes removing adhesions.
Exhibit 9 at 1-2. Prior to the surgery, P.H. presented at the ER with two days of
complete constipation (obstipation 9) and one day of vomiting. Exhibit 9 at 2. A
nasogastric tube inserted in the ER which showed “mildly blood tinged output, but no
copious output.” Id. P.H. was hospitalized for seven days. Exhibit 15 at ¶ 10.

7 Clostridium difficile is a species of bacteria “that is part of the normal colon flora in infants and some

adults.” DORLAND’S at 374. “[I]t produces a toxin that can cause pseudomembraneous entercolitis in
patients receiving antibiotic therapy.” Id. “C. difficile infection can range from mild to life-threatening” and
“can lead to a hole in the intestines, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.”
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/clostridium-difficile-colitis#1 (last visited on Jan. 12, 2017). C.
difficile infection usually affects patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities and flourishes because
long-term antibiotic treatment has killed other intestinal bacteria which would keep it in check. Id.

8 Cholestyramine resin has an affinity for bile acids and binds with them to form an insoluble complex that
is excreted in the feces. DORLAND’S at 1626.
9   Obstipation is “intractable constipation.” DORLAND’S at 1310.

                                                       6
       On December 16, 2015, P.H. returned to the Gastroenterology Clinic at DeVos
Children’s Hospital for abdominal pain and diarrhea. Exhibit 13 at 9-10. Although the
cholestyramine prescribed by Dr. Singer in September 2015 initially improved P.H.’s
stools significantly, more recently P.H.’s mother noticed an improvement when the
medication was accidently missed, so she stopped administering it. Id. At this visit,
P.H. was seen by Dr. Freswick, who noted that he was doing well but that he still had
some looser stools and currently was experiencing “a significant diaper rash.” Id. at 10.
Dr. Freswick diagnosed “a possible yeast infection” and ordered nystatin cream. Id. at
14.
       P.H. saw Dr. Freswick again on April 11, 2016, for diarrhea. Exhibit 13 at 18.
P.H.’s diarrhea had increased over the last two months, and he was experiencing two to
six bowel movements per day. Id. at 21. Dr. Freswick restarted the cholestyramine and
ordered a stool study and culture for dysbiosis. 10 Exhibit 13 at 25.
       In a letter dated September 16, 2016, Dr. Freswick opined that the loss of bowel
experienced by P.H. would not be enough to “significantly increase his risk of
malabsorption,” adding that P.H.’s growth had been excellent. 11 Dr. Freswick indicated
that, according to reports from his mother, P.H. had suffered from intermittent diarrhea
since his first surgery in August 2014. While acknowledging that multiple surgeries like
those experienced by P.H. can increase a patient’s risk of diarrhea, Dr. Freswick opined
that “any diarrhea [P.H.] is currently experiencing could be caused by a number of
etiologies.” Exhibit 16 at 1. Dr. Freswick mentioned P.H.’s earlier C. difficile infection
but concluded that P.H.’s diarrhea was “most likely due to excessive sugar intake.” Id.
He explained that P.H. “tested positive for unabsorbed sugar on April 19, 2016.” Id.
Small bowel resection was listed as a problem in Dr. Freswick’s medical records, along
with dysphagia, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and iron deficiency anemia. Exhibit 13 at 5-6.
        In her affidavit dated September 29, 2016, petitioner indicated P.H. “never fully
recovered” from his August 2014 illness and surgery. Exhibit 15 at ¶ 7. She described
his diarrhea as occurring on a daily basis, causing frequent diaper rash. Id. When
describing P.H.’s three surgeries, his mother indicated that he had a fourth obstruction
on December 12, 2015, which was treated with a suppository. Id. at ¶ 11. Most likely,
she is referring to the December 16, 2015 visit with Dr. Freswick. At that visit, P.H. is
listed as suffering from abdominal pain. Exhibit 13 at 9. P.H.’s mother maintained that
P.H. has suffered from diarrhea one to three times per day and frequent diaper rashes
for the past two years. Id. at ¶ 13. She also addressed his surgical scarring which still
causes him pain. Id. at ¶ 14. She added that P.H. has become self-conscious about

10   Dysbiosis is a “variation from the normal composition of the microflora of the gut.” DORLAND’S at 576.

11 Exhibit 16 at 1. Dr. Freswick indicated that P.H. had lost a total of 14 centimeters of bowel, but the

records indicated approximately 4 centimeters were resected during his August 19, 2014 surgery and 16
centimeters were resected during his October 4, 2015 surgery. See Exhibits 1 at 65-66; 4 at 6-7; 9 at 1-2.
However, this total of 20 centimeters is still less than the 60 centimeters Dr. Freswick believes would have
to be lost before the risk of malabsorption is significant. Exhibit 16 at 1.

                                                      7
the scarring, preferring to keep his shirt on and refusing to let others see his stomach.
Id. She worries that P.H. may be ridiculed at school and may experience another
obstruction in the future. Id. at ¶ 15. Acknowledging that P.H. may not understand that
risk now, she believes he will in the future. Id. Petitioner has filed a picture of P.H.’s
abdominal scarring which shows a defined horizontal scar from just above his navel to
over two-thirds of the way to his right side. See Exhibit 14.
       On November 1, 2016, P.H. saw Dr. Freswick again for diarrhea. Exhibit 18 at
70, 74-75. He started P.H. on Metamucil to treat his diarrhea and ordered labs to
determine P.H.’s iron and vitamin levels. Id. at 74-75. Dr. Freswick prescribed P.H.
cream to treat his diaper dermatitis. 12 Id. Petitioner told Dr. Freswick that he had been
consuming six ounces of milk daily, little sugar and fruit, and no juice. Id. at 74.
       On December 30, 2016, P.H. visited the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Blood
Management Clinic where he was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Exhibit 20 at
13, 15. P.H. had been suffering from diarrhea and blood in his stool on and off for more
than one year. Id. at 14. His low iron levels were attributed to the removal of part of his
small bowel and diarrhea. Id. at 15. An iron challenge and iron infusion were
scheduled. Id. It was also noted that P.H. had several rashes in his groin area. Id. at
14.
         P.H. underwent an iron challenge on January 11, 2017. Exhibit 20 at 21. The
day before this visit, P.H. had six diarrhea stools. Id. at 22. The iron challenge testing
found that although P.H. absorbed iron well, the volume of his diarrhea impacted his
ability to absorb iron. Id. at 23.
       On May 10, 2017, P.H. returned to see Dr. Freswick because he was suffering
from moderate abdominal pain that was treated as gastritis. Exhibit 21 at 7-8, 13. The
report also noted that P.H. was still experiencing diarrhea. Id. at 8.
III.    Findings of Fact
      P.H. underwent three surgeries to treat his intussusception from August 2014
through early October 2015. Additionally, he suffered abdominal pain in December
2015 which resolved without surgery.
       The first of P.H.’s surgeries occurred on August 19, 2014. He was hospitalized in
the general pediatric unit for four days following intussusception surgery, and he initially
appeared to recover well. Only four centimeters of bowel were removed, but this
included his terminal ileum. As noted by Dr. Singer, the removal of P.H.’s terminal
ileum caused diminished bile reabsorption and diarrhea. Exhibit 8 at 5. Post-
operatively, P.H. had dysphagia and diarrhea. Exhibit 11 at 6.

12Dermatitis is “inflammation of the skin.” DORLAND’S at 494. Diaper dermatitis is “irritant dermatitis in
the area in contact with the diaper in infants.” Id.

                                                     8
      P.H. again suffered symptoms of intussusception in June 2015. A second
surgery was performed on June 21, 2015, and multiple adhesions were removed. The
medical records show that P.H. contracted a C. difficile infection following this surgery.
He was hospitalized for nine days and this time was housed in the acute care pediatric
wing. Post-operatively, P.H. again suffered dysphagia and chronic diarrhea.
       P.H.’s third surgery occurred approximately four months later on October 4,
2015. A significant amount of bowel was resected during this surgery. The
contemporaneously created medical records from the surgery describe the amount
removed as 16 centimeters in at least two instances. 13 Furthermore, the surgeon notes
that, during the surgery, he found “approximately 12 centimeters section of extremely
dusky bowel that did not look viable just proximal to the previous ileocolic anastomosis.”
Exhibit 9 at 1.
         In her affidavit, petitioner stated that P.H. suffers from diarrhea, and he will need
to visit the bathroom more often once he begins school. She also stated P.H.
complains that his scarring hurts and that he is self-conscious about removing his shirt.
         Since the February 23, 2017 Decision was issued, P.H. has suffered more
severe and enduring complications than Dr. Freswick’s September 16, 2016 letter
initially anticipated. P.H. continues to suffer from a significant amount of diarrhea. The
complications from the diarrhea have required P.H. to visit the doctor at least five times
since September 2016. 14 The iron challenge showed that P.H. absorbed iron well;
therefore, his anemia has been attributed to the diarrhea. Additionally, the persistent
diarrhea has caused P.H. to suffer from diaper dermatitis. At P.H.’s latest doctor visit on
May 10, 2017, P.H. was still suffering from diarrhea. The undersigned finds that P.H.’s
condition continues to persist, and that he will likely continue to suffer from this condition
in the future.
IV.     Arguments
        A.      Petitioner’s Brief
       Petitioner seeks compensation in the amount of $250,000.00 for actual pain and
suffering and $140,000.00 for projected pain and suffering. Pet. Brief at 5. Noting that
the total amount for pain and suffering awarded under the Vaccine Program cannot
exceed $250,000.00, petitioner communicated her understanding that the amount
awarded for projected pain and suffering may be reduced accordingly. Id. at 5 n.1.

13On this point, there is some disagreement within the medical records. The records from the surgery
indicate that 16 centimeters of bowel was removed, while Dr. Freswick notes only 10 centimeters were
removed. Compare Exhibit 9 with Exhibit 16. For purposes of this decision, the undersigned assumes 16
centimeters was removed.

14The five doctor’s appointments includes visits on November 1, 2016; November 18, 2016; December
30, 2016; January 11, 2017; and, May 10, 2017. See Exhibits 18 at 70; 19 at 2; 20 at 13; 20 at 21; Exhibit
21 at 7.

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Petitioner also sought $43,930.96 to satisfy her Medicaid lien. Id. at 5; 5 n.2; Status
Report, filed Jan. 18, 2017 (indicating Medicaid lien amount) (ECF No. 67).
       In support of the amounts requested, petitioner relied upon the fact that P.H.
suffered multiple obstructions and surgeries. Id. at 4. Thus, petitioner argued P.H.’s
case was “extraordinary” and unlike any other previously litigated intussusception case
in the Vaccine Program. Petitioner maintains that the unique circumstances in this case
merit a greater amount of pain and suffering than the amounts awarded in Brooks v.
Secretary of Health & Human Services. Pet. Brief at 4-5; Brooks v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., No. 14- 563V, 2016 WL 2865709 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 12, 2016).
       Petitioner argued that Brooks “is the only case which even warrants a
comparison to the present claim.” Pet. Brief at 4. In that case, the child underwent the
resection of approximately 40 centimeters of necrotic bowel. Brooks, 2016 WL
2656110, at *2. This surgery lasted for more than three hours, and the child remained
at the hospital seven days after his surgery. Id. Subsequent to the surgery, the child
suffered from severe diarrhea and resultant rashes. Id. The undersigned awarded
$144,000.00 for actual pain and suffering and $70,000.00 (reduced to net present
value) for projected pain and suffering in an unusually severe intussusception case. Id.
at *4.
      Petitioner argued that P.H. suffered everything the child in Brooks did three times
over and thus, the amount awarded for his past pain and suffering should be much
greater than the amount awarded in Brooks. Pet. Brief at 4. With regard to future pain
and suffering, petitioner lists consequences also suffered by the child in Brooks, such as
complaints of pain due to scarring, self-conscious behavior regarding his scars, and the
possibility of ridicule at school for frequent bathroom use. Id. at 5. Additionally, based
on P.H.’s clinical course of diarrhea and anemia, it is likely that he will have chronic
complications. Id.
       B.     Respondent’s Brief
        Respondent argues that petitioner should be awarded a total of $100,000.00 for
actual and projected pain and suffering, along with the amount needed to satisfy
petitioner’s Medicaid lien. Res. Response at 6.
         When comparing the facts in this case to those in Brooks, respondent stressed
the greater amount of bowel removed during the one surgery performed on the minor
child in Brooks, the fact that P.H. was doing well for approximately nine months after his
initial surgery, the more severe diarrhea experienced by the child in Brooks, and the
greater potential for continued diarrhea in that case. Res. Response at 6. As stated by
respondent, the child in Brooks suffered diarrhea and rashes thought to be related to his
intussusception surgery for more than four years and is forced to wear pull-ups to
school three to four days a week. Id.; Brooks, 2016 WL 2656110, at *2-3. Additionally,
the Brooks child’s doctors have opined that he will likely continue to suffer episodes of

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diarrhea following illness, treatment with antibiotics, and consumption of fruit and juice.
Res. Response at 6; Brooks, 2016 WL 2656110, at *3.
        Because Dr. Freswick opined that any diarrhea P.H. may suffer in the future is
most likely due to excessive sugar intake, respondent argued the amount awarded for
projected pain and suffering should be nominal in this case. Res. Response at 5; see
Exhibit 16 at 1 (Dr. Freswisk’s letter). Respondent also downplayed P.H.’s risk of
developing future adhesions, arguing that any individual who undergoes abdominal
surgery would have such a risk. Res. Response at 5. Respondent maintains that the
risk that P.H. will require future surgeries is “unclear.” Id.
       C.     Respondent’s Motion for Reconsideration
        On March 15, 2017, respondent filed a motion for reconsideration. Motion for
Reconsideration at 2. Relying on Youngblood, respondent requested that the February
23, 2017 Decision be withdrawn because the statutory cap of $250,000 was not applied
prior to adjusting the award for future pain and suffering to net present value. Id. at 2-3;
Youngblood v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 32 F.3d 552, 554-55 (Fed. Cir. 1994);
42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a)(4)(statutory limit for actual and projected pain and suffering);
42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(f)(4)(A)(requirement regarding net present value). Additionally,
respondent argued that the amount allowed for future pain and suffering should be
reduced to net present value using a net discount rate of 2%. Motion for
Reconsideration at 3.
       D.     Petitioner’s Response to Respondent’s Motion for Reconsideration
       Petitioner sought an increase of her award in actual pain and suffering to
$250,000.00 in consideration of P.H.’s ongoing pain and suffering since September
2016. Petitioner’s Motion for Relief from Order and Response to Respondent’s Motion
for Reconsideration, at 1, 3, and 5 (ECF No. 73). Petitioner stressed the award in
actual pain and suffering should reflect P.H.’s ongoing struggle with diarrhea, which
required numerous recent doctor visits and testing. Id. at 3.
       Alternatively, petitioner requested that the undersigned deny in part respondent’s
motion for reconsideration and reduce the present net value of the award for future pain
and suffering by only 1%. Petitioner’s Motion for Relief from Order and Response to
Respondent’s Motion for Reconsideration, at 1, 4-5. Because of the goal and nature of
the Vaccine Program is to be favorable to petitioners, the petitioner argues that a 1%
net discount rate is the appropriate reduction of the present net value of the award for
future pain and suffering. Id.
V.     Assessing the Appropriate Amount of Compensation
       Examined individually, P.H.’s experiences would not rise to the same level as
those suffered by the minor child in Brooks or the child in another intussusception case
decided by the undersigned, Neiman v. Secretary of Health & Human Services, No. 15-
631V, 2016 WL 6459618 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Aug. 22, 2016). In Neiman, the

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undersigned awarded an amount similar to that awarded in Brooks: $144,000.00 for
actual pain and suffering and $74,000.00 (reduced to present day value) for projected
pain and suffering. Neiman, 2016 WL 6459618, at *7. Considered in totality, however,
P.H.’s three separate surgeries, his C. difficile infection, anemia, continued diarrhea,
and scarring, all warrant a greater award for actual pain and suffering than that awarded
in Brooks and Neiman.
        In both Brooks and Neiman, the one hospitalization and surgery experienced by
each child was more complicated and severe than the first surgery P.H. underwent. In
each case, the child spent a greater amount of time in the hospital and recovered from
the surgery in the pediatric intensive care unit. See Brooks, 2016 WL 2656110, at *2;
Neiman, 2016 WL 6459618, at *2. In Brooks, approximately 40 centimeters of bowel,
stretching into the distal ileum, were removed when the child was four months old.
2016 WL 2656110, at *2. The child in Neiman was two months old at the time of his
surgery. 2016 WL 6459618, at *2. Following the surgery, he was treated for a
suspected infection, was found to be anemic, and he was sedated and intubated for two
days. Id. Although P.H.’s first surgery, when he was two months old, went well, his
second surgery, when he was almost one year old, was complicated by a C. difficile
infection. After that surgery, he spent nine days recovering in the pediatric acute care
unit. Furthermore, P.H. underwent a third surgery in the fall of 2015.
        P.H.’s claim is not the typical intussusception claim seen in the Vaccine Program.
In total, P.H. spent more time in hospitals and operating rooms than the children in
Brooks and Neiman. He was also significantly older when his later two surgeries were
performed and thus, more aware of his circumstances. Moreover, the events P.H.
experienced were spread over a much greater time period than the events the children
in Brooks and Neiman experienced. Thus, he should receive a greater amount for
actual pain and suffering than what was awarded in these other cases.
       P.H. should receive a greater amount for actual pain and suffering than what was
originally awarded in the February 23, 2017 Decision. Similar to the child in Neiman
who struggled with malabsorption and loose stools, since the original decision P.H. has
continued to suffer from diarrhea and its complications, including anemia, abdominal
pain, and dermatitis. 2016 WL 6459618, at *3-4. These complications have required
P.H. to visit the doctor numerous times and undergo additional testing. The additional
doctor visits and testing coupled with the continuous diarrhea and its complications
support the undersigned’s finding to increase petitioner’s actual pain and suffering
award.
      Due to P.H.’s three surgeries, C. difficile infection, and his ongoing struggle with
anemia, diarrhea, and its complications, the maximum award for pain and suffering
should be awarded. This decision is aligned with the purpose of the Vaccine Program

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to compensate petitioners quickly and generously. 15 Because the statutory cap has
been reached, there is no need to consider the amount of future pain and suffering.
VI.     Conclusion
       For all the reasons described above, and based on the consideration of the
record as a whole, the undersigned finds that $250,000.00 represents a fair and
appropriate amount of compensation for P.H.’s actual pain and suffering.
       Based on the record as a whole, the undersigned finds that petitioner is
entitled to a total award of $293,930.96 as follows:
        •       A lump sum payment of $250,000.00, representing compensation for
                actual pain and suffering, in the form of a check payable to petitioner as
                guardian/conservator of P.H.’s estate;

        •       A lump sum payment of $20,910.21, representing compensation for
                satisfaction of part of the State of Michigan’s Medicaid lien, in the form of a
                check payable jointly to petitioner and:
                                    First Recovery Group, LLC
                                          PO Box 771932
                                      Detroit, MI 48277-1932
                                   FRG File No.: 556181-121015
                                    Patient Name: Parker J Hill
        •       A lump sum payment of $23,020.75, representing compensation for
                satisfaction of part of the State of Michigan’s Medicaid lien, in the form of a
                check payable jointly to petitioner and
                                    First Recovery Group, LLC
                                          PO Box 771932
                                      Detroit, MI 48277-1932
                                   FRG File No.: 539896-110515
                                    Patient Name: Parker J Hill
       The undersigned approves the requested amount for petitioner’s compensation.
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. 16
        IT IS SO ORDERED.

15 See Cloer v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 654 F.3d 1322, *1326 (Cir. 2011) (explaining “the

Vaccine Program was intended to . . . ‘provide[ ] relative certainty and generosity’ of compensation
awards in order to satisfy petitioners in a fair, expeditious, and generous manner.”) (quoting Bruesewitz v.
Wyeth LLC, 131 S. Ct. 1068, 1075, 179 L. Ed. 2d 1 (2011)).

16Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice
renouncing the right to seek review.

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s/Nora Beth Dorsey
Nora Beth Dorsey
Chief Special Master

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