Court Opinion

ID: 5139254
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-12-21 18:02:27.298899+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:24:16.389464
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                             OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

******************** *
BRENDA FAULK,                   *
on behalf of B.B., a minor      *
                                *                  No. 17-295V
                    Petitioner, *                  Special Master Christian J. Moran
                                *
v.                              *                  Filed: November 29, 2021
                                *
SECRETARY OF HEALTH             *                  Stipulation; influenza (“flu”) vaccine;
AND HUMAN SERVICES,             *                  acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
                                *                  (“ADEM”); neuromyelitis optica.
                                *
                    Respondent. *
******************** *

Isaiah R. Kalinowski, Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA, Washington, DC, for
Petitioner;
Mallori B. Openchowski, United States Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for
Respondent.

                             UNPUBLISHED DECISION1

       On November 23, 2021, the parties filed a joint stipulation concerning the
petition for compensation filed by Brenda Faulk on March 3, 2017. In her petition,
petitioner alleged that the influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which is contained in the
Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a), and which B.B. received
on October 15, 2015, caused B.B. to suffer acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
(“ADEM”) and/or neuromyelitis optica. Petitioner represents that there has been
no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on B.B.’s behalf as a
result of her condition.

       1
         The E-Government Act, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and
Promotion of Electronic Government Services), requires that the Court post this decision on its
website. Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 18(b), the parties have 14 days to file a motion proposing
redaction of medical information or other information described in 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4).
Any redactions ordered by the special master will appear in the document posted on the website.
      Respondent denies that the vaccine either caused or significantly aggravated
B.B.’s alleged ADEM or neuromyelitis optica or any other injury or her current
condition.

      Nevertheless, the parties agree to the joint stipulation, attached hereto. The
undersigned finds said stipulation reasonable and adopts it as the decision of the
Court in awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.

      Damages awarded in that stipulation include:

      a. A lump sum payment of $207,058.44, which amount represents
         compensation for first year life care expenses and pain and suffering,
         in the form of a check payable to petitioner as guardian(s) /
         conservator(s) of the estate of B.B. for the benefit of B.B. No
         payments shall be made until petitioner provides respondent with
         documentation establishing that she has been appointed as
         guardian(s) / conservator(s) of B.B.’s estate.

      b. A lump sum payment of $155,153.69, which amount represents
         reimbursement of a lien for services rendered on behalf of B.B., in
         the form of a check payable jointly to petitioner and Community
         Health Choice:

                                   Other Party Liability
                                    Attn: Kelly Gourley
                                    415 Chartiers Ave.
                                    Carnegie, PA 15106
                                  Agreement #: 531275013

         Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to Community Health Choice.

      c. A lump sum payment of $42,767.31, which amount represents
         reimbursement of a lien for services rendered on behalf of B.B., in
         the form of a check payable jointly to petitioner and TEXAS
         CHILDREN’S HEALTH PLAN CASUALTY RECOVERY UNIT:

          TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEALTH PLAN CASUALTY RECOVERY
                                  UNIT
                          HMS P.O. Box 168747
                         Irving Texas, 75016-8747

                                          2
                                         Case Number: 107083

           Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to TEXAS CHILDREN’S
           HEALTH PLAN CASUALTY RECOVERY UNIT.

       d. A lump sum payment of $3,524.99, which amount represents
          reimbursement of a lien for services rendered on behalf of B.B. by
          Amerigroup-Texas-HOU, in the form of a check payable jointly to
          petitioner and Optum Subrogation Services:

                                    Optum Subrogation Services
                                              L-3994
                                     Columbus, OH 43260-3994
                                        Tax ID: XX-XXXXXXX
                                     Optum File #: SN18051665

           Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to Optum Subrogation
           Services.

       e. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in
          paragraph 10 of the stipulation, paid to the life insurance company
          from which the annuity will be purchased.

       These amounts represent compensation for all damages that would be
       available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).

       In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC, Appendix B,
the clerk is directed to enter judgment according to this decision and the attached
stipulation.2

       IT IS SO ORDERED.

                                                     s/Christian J. Moran
                                                     Christian J. Moran
                                                     Special Master

       2
          Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties can expedite entry of judgment by each
party filing a notice renouncing the right to seek review by a United States Court of Federal
Claims judge.

                                                3
                IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS

                              OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

BRENDA FAULK,                                         )
on behalf of B.B., a minor,                           )
                                                      )
                     Petitioner,                      )
v.                                                    ) No. 17-295V
                                                      ) Special Master Moran
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN                         ) ECF
SERVICES,                                             )
                                                      )
               Respondent.                            )
                                                      )

                                         STIPULATION

       The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:

       1. On behalf of her daughter, B.B., petitioner filed a petition for vaccine compensation

under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10 to 34 (the

“Vaccine Program”). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to B.B.’s

receipt of the influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table

(the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).

       2. B.B. received her immunization on October 15, 2015.

       3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.

       4. Petitioner alleges that B.B. suffered from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

(“ADEM”) and/or neuromyelitis optica as a result of receiving the vaccine.

       5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action

for damages on behalf of B.B. as a result of her condition.
         6. Respondent denies that the vaccine caused or significantly aggravated B.B.’s alleged

ADEM or neuromyelitis optica or any other injury or her current condition.

         7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the

issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the

compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.

         8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with

the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation

pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue

the following vaccine compensation payments:

         a. A lump sum of $207,058.44, which amount represents compensation for first year life
         care expenses and pain and suffering, in the form of a check payable to petitioner as
         guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of B.B. for the benefit of B.B. No payments shall
         be made until petitioner provides respondent with documentation establishing that she
         has been appointed as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of B.B.’s estate;

         b. A lump sum of $155,153.69, 1 which amount represents reimbursement of a lien for
         services rendered on behalf of B.B., in the form of a check payable jointly to petitioner
         and Community Health Choice:

                                             Other Party Liability
                                              Attn: Kelly Gourley
                                              415 Chartiers Ave.
                                              Carnegie, PA 15106
                                            Agreement #: 531275013

Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to Community Health Choice.

         c. A lump sum of $42,767.31, 2 which amount represents reimbursement of a lien for

1
 This amount represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the
State of Texas Community Health Choice may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid payments
Community Health Choice has made to or on behalf of B.B. as a result of her alleged vaccine-related injury suffered
on or about October 15, 2015, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, see 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), (h).
2
  This amount represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the
State of Texas Children’s Health Plan Casualty Recovery Unit may have against any individual as a result of any
Medicaid payments Children’s Health Plan has made to or on behalf of B.B. as a result of her alleged vaccine-
related injury suffered on or about October 15, 2015, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, see 42 U.S.C. §
300aa-15(g), (h).

                                                           2
         services rendered on behalf of B.B., in the form of a check payable jointly to petitioner
         and TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEALTH PLAN CASUALTY RECOVERY UNIT:

              TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEALTH PLAN CASUALTY RECOVERY UNIT
                                 HMS P.O. Box 168747
                               Irving Texas, 75016-8747
                                 Case Number: 107083

Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEALTH PLAN CASUALTY
RECOVERY UNIT.

         d. A lump sum of $3,524.99, 3 which amount represents reimbursement of a lien for
         services rendered on behalf of B.B. by Amerigroup-Texas-HOU, in the form of a check
         payable jointly to petitioner and Optum Subrogation Services:

                                         Optum Subrogation Services
                                                  L-3994
                                         Columbus, OH 43260-3994
                                            Tax ID: XX-XXXXXXX
                                         Optum File #: SN18051665

Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to Optum Subrogation Services.

         e. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in paragraph 10
         below, paid to the life insurance company from which the annuity will be purchased (the
         “Life Insurance Company”).

These amounts represent compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. §300aa-15(a).

         9. The Life Insurance Company must have a minimum of $250,000,000.00 capital and

surplus, exclusive of any mandatory security valuation reserve. The Life Insurance Company

must have one of the following ratings from two of the following rating organizations:

         a.       A.M. Best Company: A++, A+, A+g, A+p, A+r, or A+s;

         b.       Moody’s Investor Service Claims Paying Rating: Aa3, Aa2, Aa1, or Aaa;

         c.       Standard and Poor’s Corporation Insurer Claims-Paying Ability Rating: AA-,
                  AA, AA+, or AAA;

3
 This amount represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action
Amerigroup-Texas may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid payments Amerigroup-Texas has
made to or on behalf of B.B. as a result of her alleged vaccine-related injury suffered on or about October 15, 2015,
under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, see 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), (h).

                                                          3
       d.      Fitch Credit Rating Company, Insurance Company Claims Paying Ability Rating:
               AA-, AA, AA+, or AAA.

       10. The Secretary of Health and Human Services agrees to purchase an annuity contract

from the Life Insurance Company for the benefit of B.B., pursuant to which the Life Insurance

Company will agree to make payments periodically to petitioner, as the court-appointed

guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of B.B. for the following items of compensation:

       a. For future unreimbursable Affordable Care Act Premium expenses, beginning on the
       first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $3,334.56 to be paid up to
       the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2032, increasing at the rate of three
       percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       b. For future unreimbursable Affordable Care Act Maximum out of Pocket expenses,
       beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of
       $7,000.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2071,
       increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of
       judgment.

       c. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part B Deductible and Bactrim expenses,
       beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2071, an annual amount of
       $366.80 to be paid for the remainder of B.B.’s life, increasing at the rate of three percent
       (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       d. For future unreimbursable Medigap G expenses, beginning on the anniversary of the
       date of judgment in year 2071, an annual amount of $1,710.96 to be paid for the
       remainder of B.B.’s life, increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded
       annually from the date of judgment.

       e. For future unreimbursable Physical Therapy expenses, beginning on the first
       anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $150.00 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2025, increasing at the rate of three percent
       (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       f. For future unreimbursable Vitamin D3, Miralax, and Dulcolax Suppository expenses,
       beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $162.13
       to be paid for the remainder of B.B.’s life, increasing at the rate of three percent (3%),
       compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       g. For future unreimbursable Incontinence Pad, Diaper Brief, Wipe, Glove, Sheet
       Protector, CHUX, Neurologist Mileage, Ultrasound of Kidneys Mileage, Physical
       Therapy Evaluation Mileage, and Physical Therapy Mileage expenses, beginning on the

                                                 4
       first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $750.63 to be paid up to
       the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2025. Then, beginning on the anniversary
       of the date of judgment in year 2025, an annual amount of $654.63 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2027. Then, beginning on the anniversary of
       the date of judgment in year 2027, an annual amount of $612.63 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2032. Thereafter, beginning on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2032, an annual amount of $557.81 to be paid
       for the remainder of B.B.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%),
       compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       h. For future unreimbursable Shower Chair, Extra Wide Tennis Shoe, and Wheelchair
       Pack expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual
       amount of $106.02 to be paid for the remainder of B.B.’s life, increasing at the rate of
       three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       i. For future unreimbursable Power Wheelchair, Power Wheelchair Maintenance,
       Wheelchair Cover, and Portable Ramp expenses, on the anniversary of the date of
       judgment in year 2025, a lump sum of $2,433.00. Thereafter, beginning on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026, an annual amount of $668.03 to be paid
       for the remainder of B.B.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%),
       compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       j. For future unreimbursable Case Management expenses, beginning on the first
       anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $1,500.00 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2025. Then, beginning on the anniversary of
       the date of judgment in year 2025, an annual amount of $3,000.00 to be paid up to the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026, all amounts increasing at the rate of
       three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       k. For future unreimbursable Handicap home Modification Allowance expenses, on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2031, a lump sum of $4,500.00, increasing at
       the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.

       l. For future unreimbursable Wheelchair Lift expenses, on the anniversary of the date of
       judgment in year 2025, a lump sum of $1,880.00. Thereafter, beginning on the
       anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026, an annual amount of $376.00 to be paid
       for the remainder of B.B.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%),
       compounded annually from the date of judgment.

At the sole discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the periodic payments may

be provided to the petitioner in monthly, quarterly, annual, or other installments. The “annual

amounts” set forth above describe only the total yearly sum to be paid to the petitioner and do

not require that the payment be made in one annual installment. The petitioner will continue to

                                                5
receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance Company only so long as B.B. is alive at

the time that a particular payment is due. Written notice to the Secretary of Health and Human

Services, and the Life Insurance Company shall be provided within twenty (20) days of B.B.’s

death.

         11. The annuity contract will be owned solely and exclusively by the Secretary of Health

and Human Services and will be purchased as soon as practicable following the entry of a

judgment in conformity with this Stipulation. The parties stipulate and agree that the Secretary

of Health and Human Services and the United States of America are not responsible for the

payment of any sums other than the amounts set forth in paragraph 8 herein and the amounts

awarded pursuant to paragraph 12 herein, and that they do not guarantee or insure any of the

future annuity payments. Upon the purchase of the annuity contract, the Secretary of Health and

Human Services and the United States of America are released from any and all obligations with

respect to future annuity payments.

         12. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and

after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to

42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings

before the special master to award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in proceeding

upon this petition.

         13. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to

this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable

under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be

expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or

                                                  6
State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. §

1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.

        14. Payments made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to

paragraph 12 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i),

subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.

        15. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award

for attorneys’ fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursed expenses, the money provided

pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of B.B. as contemplated by a strict

construction of 42 U.S.C. §300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. §

300aa-15(g) and (h).

        16. Petitioner represents that she presently is, or within 90 days of the date of judgment

will become, duly authorized to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of B.B.’s estate under the

laws of the State of Texas. No payments pursuant to this Stipulation shall be made until

petitioner provides the Secretary with documentation establishing her appointment as

guardian(s)/conservator(s) of B.B.’s estate. If petitioner is not authorized by a court of

competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of B.B. at the time a

payment pursuant to this Stipulation is to be made, any such payment shall be paid to the party or

parties appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of

the estate of B.B. upon submission of written documentation of such appointment to the

Secretary.

        17. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 12, petitioner, in her

individual capacity and as legal representatives of B.B., on behalf of herself, B.B., and B.B.’s

heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever irrevocably and

                                                   7
unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and

Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments,

claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that

have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal

Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300 aa-10 et

seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or

unsuspected personal injuries to or death of B.B. resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from

the vaccination administered on October 15, 2015, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for

vaccine compensation filed on or about March 3, 2017, in the United States Court of Federal

Claims as petition No. 17-295V.

       18. If B.B. should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon

proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.

       19. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms

of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a

decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties’

settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.

       20. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and

damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except

as otherwise noted in paragraph 12 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the

parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated

and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this

Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties’ respective positions as to liability and/or

                                                  8
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the

items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.

       21. Petitioner hereby authorizes respondent to disclose documents filed by petitioner in

this case consistent with the Privacy Act and the routine uses described in the National Vaccine

Injury Compensation Program System of Records, No. 09-15-0056.

       22. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the

Secretary of Health and Human Services that the vaccine caused or significantly aggravated

B.B.’s alleged ADEM or neuromyelitis optica or any other injury or condition.

       23. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner’s

heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns as legal representatives of B.B.

                                  END OF STIPULATION

                                                 9