Court Opinion

ID: 4676439
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-04-12 16:02:00.92964+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:03:32.496089
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                 OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                           No. 14-869V
                                     Filed: February 19, 2020

    ************************* *
                                *
    DIANE SOLAK,                *
                                *
                                *                          TO BE PUBLISHED
                    Petitioner, *
                                *
    v.                          *
                                *                          Influenza Vaccine; Food Allergies
                                *
    SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND     *
    HUMAN SERVICES,             *
                                *
                                *
                    Respondent. *
                                *
    ************************* *

Andrew D. Downing, Van Cott & Talamante, PLLC, for Petitioner
Colleen C. Hartley, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent

                                  DECISION ON ENTITLEMENT1

Oler, Special Master:

       On September 18, 2014, Diane Solak (“Petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under
the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine
Act” or “Program”). The petition alleges that Petitioner developed multiple allergic reactions as a

1
  This Decision will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims’ website, in accordance with
the E-Government Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 (2012). This means the Decision will be available to
anyone with access to the internet. As provided in 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4)(B), however, the parties
may object to the Decision’s inclusion of certain kinds of confidential information. To do so, each party
may, within 14 days, request redaction “of any information furnished by that party: (1) that is a trade secret
or commercial or financial in substance and is privileged or confidential; or (2) that includes medical files
or similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.”
Vaccine Rule 18(b). Otherwise, this Decision will be available to the public in its present form. Id.
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).

                                                                                                            1
result of the inactivated influenza (“flu”) vaccine she received on September 30, 2011.3 Pet. at 2,
ECF No. 1.

        Upon review of the evidence in this case, I find that Petitioner has failed to show that the
influenza vaccine she received on September 29, 2011 caused her to develop food allergies or
other allergic reactions. The petition is accordingly dismissed.

    I.      Procedural History

       Petitioner filed her Petition on September 18, 2014.4 Petitioner filed her statement of
completion of January 8, 2016 (ECF No. 31) and an amended statement of completion on February
24, 2016 (ECF No. 35).

        On April 21, 2016, Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) Report, presenting his analysis of
Petitioner’s claims and concluding this case is not appropriate for compensation under the terms
of the Vaccine Act. ECF No. 38.

         Petitioner filed an expert report from Dr. David Axelrod, along with supporting medical
literature on September 20, 2016. ECF Nos. 48, 49. Petitioner also filed her Social Security
Disability file on September 27, 2016. ECF No. 50.

       On December 12, 2016, Respondent filed a responsive expert report from Dr. Emil J.
Bardana. ECF No. 53. Respondent filed the medical literature associated with this report on
January 13, 2017. ECF No. 56.

        This case was assigned to my docket on November 29, 2017 (ECF No. 61). On January
25, 2018, Petitioner filed a supplemental expert report from Dr. Axelrod. ECF No. 63. Petitioner
filed the medical literature associated with this report on February 1, 2018 and March 13, 2018.
ECF Nos. 64-65.

         Respondent filed a supplemental responsive expert report along with supporting medical
literature from Dr. Bardana on May 2, 2018. ECF No. 67. On July 27, 2018, I held a status
conference where I posed specific questions to both experts. See Scheduling Order of July 27,
2018, ECF No. 68.

       On September 14, 2018, Petitioner filed a third expert report from Dr. Axelrod addressing
my questions. ECF No. 69. Petitioner filed the medical literature associated with this report on
the same day. ECF Nos. 69, 70.

3
 This appears to be an error in the Petition. Petitioner received her influenza vaccination on September 29,
2011. Ex. 5 at 1.
4
 At the time of filing, Petitioner was rapidly approaching the statute of limitations of September 30, 2014.
Pet. at 1. Petitioner indicated that she would file an amended Petition at some point in the future; no
amended Petition was ever filed. Pet. at 2.

                                                                                                          2
        On October 21, 2018, Respondent filed an expert report from Dr. Bardana addressing my
questions, along with the associated medical literature. ECF Nos. 71, 72. On August 21, 2019,
the parties filed a joint status report indicating that they were prepared for a ruling on the record.

         Petitioner filed her memorandum in support of a decision on the record on October 22,
2019. ECF No. 75. Respondent filed his response on March 26, 2020. ECF No. 79. Petitioner
filed a reply brief on April 27, 2020. ECF No. 81.

         This matter is now ripe for adjudication.

   II.      Medical Records

         A. Relevant Pre-Vaccination History

        Petitioner was born in 1970. Ex. 6 at 125. Prior to her vaccination, Petitioner’s medical
history was significant for allergies to penicillin and codeine. Ex. 6 at 125, 129.

        Petitioner received seasonal flu vaccinations on three occasions prior to September 29,
2011. See Ex. 5 at 1 (seasonal flu vaccine given on October 14, 2008, November 12, 2009, and
October 18, 2010). Petitioner also received an H1N1 vaccine on November 10, 2009. Id. There
is no documentation in the pre-vaccination history that Petitioner suffered any ill effects from these
previous vaccines.

         On December 21, 2009, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Marie Mateo for a sore throat and ear
discomfort. Ex. 3 at 29. The notes at this visit indicate that Petitioner received the H1N1
vaccination in November 2009. Id. Petitioner was noted to be allergic to codeine and penicillins.
Id. at 30. Dr. Mateo diagnosed Petitioner with possible acute pharyngitis, “probably secondary to
viral infection.” Id. at 33. The medical records do not indicate any follow-up visits for this illness.

        On June 20, 2010, Petitioner was admitted to the emergency room with “throat pain [made]
worse with swallowing, aching all over, headache and fever.” Ex. 6 at 123. Petitioner was
diagnosed with possible strep throat and treated with antibiotics. Id. at 122. Petitioner’s medical
history noted allergies to penicillin, codeine, and nuts. Id. at 133. No reactions to these substances
were documented in Petitioner’s medical history.

       Petitioner was seen on August 11, 2010 by Dr. Amy Wright. Ex. 6 at 115. At this time,
she was diagnosed with fibroids. Id. at 111.

         On September 10, 2010, Petitioner was seen by Dr. William Murdoch for soreness and
irritation in her right eye. Ex. 3 at 24. Dr. Murdoch diagnosed Petitioner with possible pink eye
and prescribed Tobradex. Id. at 25.

        On November 2, 2010, Petitioner underwent a hysterectomy. Ex. 6 at 1. When allergies
were noted at this surgery, “penicillin, codeine, and nuts” were listed. Id. at 47. Additional records
created on the same day noted Petitioner’s allergies to include “penicillin and codeine.” Id. at 152.
Nuts were not included as an allergy on this record.

                                                                                                     3
       On February 17, 2011, Petitioner presented with an earache, runny nose, itchy and watery
eyes, and post-nasal drainage that began on February 15, 2011. Ex. 3 at 20. Petitioner was
diagnosed with seasonal allergies and prescribed Claritin. Id. at 22.

        On June 6, 2011, Petitioner presented with burning in her eyes, itchy eyes, itchy throat,
sneezing, watery eyes, ear pain, and dry cough, which began on June 4, 2011. Ex. 3 at 17.
Petitioner was diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and prescribed Flonase, with instruction to continue
taking Claritin. Id. at 19.

        On June 27, 2011, Petitioner presented with a cough, “production of yellowish sputum”,
fatigue and malaise. Ex. 3 at 16. Petitioner was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection,
and was told to take Tylenol, gargle with warm water, and inhale steam. Id. The next day,
Petitioner presented again at the doctor’s office, this time with a “dry hacking cough” and “stuck”
mucus. Id. at 10. Petitioner’s other symptoms included chills, cough, fatigue, hoarseness, nasal
congestion, post-nasal drainage, shortness of breath, sore throat, weight loss, and wheezing. Id.
Petitioner’s history of allergies was noted; the attending physician also noted that Petitioner “did
not have a history of asthma.” Id. Petitioner was specifically diagnosed with acute
laryngopharyngitis, “likely viral in nature.” Id. at 11.

       On September 29, 2011, Petitioner received her flu shot. Ex. 5 at 1

       B. Post-Vaccination History

        On October 4, 2011, Petitioner presented to St John Medical Center Urgent Care with
“fever, achey [sic] all over, scra[t]c[h]y throat, highest [fever] 103, cough x 2-3 day.” Ex. 2 at 1.
She was prescribed Motrin, Tessalon5, and Tamiflu. Id. Petitioner was diagnosed with the flu.
Id.

         On October 10, 2011, Petitioner was seen in the emergency room, this time by Dr. Kranthi
Raynell. Ex. 3 at 5. Petitioner’s symptoms included cough, chills, fatigue, fever, and nasal
congestion. Id. Her respiratory effort was described as “shallow”, and her cough was
“unproductive.” Id. at 7. Dr. Raynell noted that Petitioner had been experiencing a “cough and
URI symptoms x 10 days.” Id. at 20. Petitioner was noted to have a history of allergies at this
visit, including specifically penicillin and codeine. Id. at 5, 16. Petitioner also had a rash on her
abdomen, arms, and back at this visit. The onset of this rash was described as “sudden.” Id. The
rash was diagnosed as a “maculo papular eruption with a fairly wide distribution.” Id. at 9.
Possible reasons for the rash included a “drug eruption, hives, or atypical pityriasis rosea.” Id. It
was noted at this visit that Petitioner had previously been taking Albuterol, Motrin, Tamiflu,
Mucinex and Claritin. Id. at 6. Petitioner also received a chest x-ray. Ex. 4 at 20.

       On October 17, 2011, Petitioner was seen for a follow up for flu and bronchitis. Ex. 3 at

5
   Tessalon is a medication used to treat cough. See Tessalon package insert, available at
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event= BasicSearch.process (last visited Feb.
18, 2021).

                                                                                                     4
1. Petitioner’s remaining symptoms included a dry cough, which had improved. Id. Symptoms
of tiredness, fatigue, and rash had resolved completely; she had only one day of her course of
steroids left at this visit. Id.

        On November 10, 2011, Petitioner was seen at the at the Michigan Asthma and Allergy
center. In her intake questionnaire, Petitioner noted that she was there for “hives, stomach
problems, vomiting after digested [sic] dairy products, hives/severe reaction after receiving flu
shot.” Ex. 7 at 56. Petitioner described her reaction to penicillin as “hives/swelling of face, lips,
tongue/throat tight.” Id. Petitioner’s reaction to codeine was described as “hives/lip & tongue
swelling.” Id. Petitioner did not list a nut allergy at this visit. Dr. Dhillon conducted a skin test
which detected a mild positive reaction to almonds, apples, string beans, Brazil nut, cashews,
celery, clam, corn, egg white, egg yolk, milk, peach, pecan, chocolate, broccoli, blueberry, and
onion.6 Ex. 7 at 62. Petitioner did not test positive to the peanut allergen. Id.

        Within three minutes of this allergy testing, Petitioner started having the sensation of an
itchy throat. Ex. 7 at 61. Dr. Dhillon had her lie down and administered an EpiPen. Id. According
to the record, “P[atien]t was much better within 2 min.” Id.

        On November 11, 2011, Petitioner visited the emergency room for an allergic reaction.
She was seen by Dr. Nirmal Nandukumar. Ex. 4 at 16, 128. The medical records did not indicate
a specific reaction (“allergic reaction, unspecified”). Id. at 124. Dr. Nandakumar described
Petitioner’s condition as follows:

        The patient presents with allergic reaction and throat swelling. The onset was just
        prior to arrival. The course/duration of symptoms is worsening. Location: throat.
        The character of symptoms is swelling. The degree at onset was moderate. The
        degree at present is moderate, Potential allergen(s) to food(s). Risk factors consist
        of food allergies. patient states she had recent ALLERGY testing done yesterday
        per Dr. Gillen [sic] had received an epinephrine injection yesterday. This morning.
        States she ate something she thinks she might be ALLERGIC to developed
        difficulty breathing, throat swelling upon the [sic] arrival. Patient appears quite
        anxious, but in no acute distress. No evidence [of] airway compromise. Oxygen
        saturations on her [sic] percent on room air. No stridor. No rash. No angioedema
        noted on exam.

Id. at 128. Petitioner’s blood pressure was slightly elevated, at 137/94. Id. at 129. Petitioner’s
physical exam was normal. Id. at 128. Petitioner’s respiratory exam showed no abnormalities,
but her breathing was described as “shallow” pre-treatment. Id. at 152, 153. A review of all
systems was normal. Id. at 130. A skin inspection revealed no acute rashes, lesions, or induration.
Id. at 129.

        While in the hospital, Petitioner was also seen by Dr. Dhillon. Dr. Dhillon described
Petitioner’s symptoms as “flushed” and that she felt like there was a “glob” in the throat. Ex. 4 at

6
 Even though it is not marked, it appears that Petitioner also should have “filbert/hazelnut” listed as a
positive response. See Ex. 7 at 62.

                                                                                                       5
132. According to Petitioner she, noticed her throat closing when she was eating oatmeal with
friends. Id. Dr. Dhillon’s impression was that Petitioner had 1) “an acute allergic reaction to
oatmeal”; 2) an “angioedema”; and 3) “multiple food allergies”. Id. at 134. He noted that
Petitioner’s past medical history included a history of hives. Id. When Dr. Dhillon conducted a
physical examination of Petitioner, he found no abnormalities. Id. at 133.

        On November 13, 2011, at 2:49 PM, Petitioner presented to Dr. Catherine Loniewski at the
emergency room. Ex. 4 at 104. Petitioner’s chief complaint was “allergic to multiple foods, today
feel [sic] like lips swollen, tingly, dizzy”, no rash, “feel [sic] flushed,” “it’s coming and going”.
Dr. Loniewski noted that Petitioner was “Seen here on Friday [November 11, 2011] for same
thing.” Ex. 4 at 108, 110. Dr. Loniewski described Petitioner’s symptoms as follows:

        The patient is a 41-year-old female. The patient was in our emergency department
        Friday due to an allergic reaction associated with allergy testing she had the day
        before. She is currently taking a Medrol Dosepak and she took some Benadryl just
        prior to coming in. The patient works at Crittenton Hospital. When she came here
        Friday she left her car in the parking lot. Today is Sunday. She had a family member
        drive her to the hospital today to pick up her car and while they were driving here
        she felt the above symptoms which is tingling in her lips, dizziness and flushing to
        her head and chest. She states she can still breathe and she can still drink water. She
        took a Benadryl, but she feels like it is stuck a little bit in her throat. Now her
        symptoms are easing up. She was not certain what to do so she came to the
        emergency department. She does have an Epi Pen but did not use it. She has been
        following the list of foods that were given to her that are permissible to eat, but
        today she had a nondairy creamer in her coffee and she is not certain if there was
        something in the nondairy creamer that she reacted to. This whole experience is
        also making her feel anxious, worried and upset. Currently she just feels a little bit
        flushed, but has no other symptoms. She never broke out in hives. She never felt
        like her throat was closing, it just felt a little tight.

Id. at 104-05. Petitioner’s allergies listed included penicillin, codeine, and nuts. The medical
record did not indicate any documented reaction to any of these substances. Id. at 111. Dr.
Loniewski noted that Petitioner had “very mild flushing to her front of her chest and face, no
obvious swelling to lips or tongue.” Id. at 105. She noted in the record, “I do not see any
significant signs of an allergic reaction.” Id. There were no signs of her airway closing, and no
rashes or hives. Id. By 4:00 PM that day, or approximately one hour after Petitioner arrived at the
emergency room, Petitioner denied feeling any symptoms and was discharged. Id. at 112.

        On December 22, 2011, Petitioner was again seen for an allergic reaction at the emergency
room by Dr. Loniewski. Ex. 4 at 59. At this visit, a medical history was obtained from Petitioner.
Petitioner noted penicillin, codeine, and nut allergies in her history. Id. at 79. Under the “health
status” section of the medical records, Petitioner’s file notes that no reactions to penicillin, codeine,
or nuts were documented in Petitioner’s medical history. Id. at 67.

        During this visit, Petitioner’s chief complaint was “peanut allergy, tight throat, no rash.”
Ex. 4 at 78. Dr. Loniewski described Petitioner’s symptoms as follows:

                                                                                                       6
       [P]atient arrives complaining of a tightness in her throat. And slight trouble
       breathing. Patient was recently diagnosed with multiple food allergies. She does
       work at Crittenden Hospital. There was a package of food that arrived and
       apparently had peanuts in it. She did not eat it or touch it she was just in the same
       room and started to feel dizzy. She has an epinephrine pen but did not use it. Her
       coworkers brought her to the emergency department. She was given breathing
       treatments with DuoNeb before I saw her but the respiratory therapist said she did
       not hear any wheezing. No hives. No rash. No syncope. No vomiting. No diarrhea.

Id. at 67. An examination of all systems returned normal results. Id. at 68, 82. Petitioner’s oxygen
saturation was 99%. Id. at 84. Petitioner’s physical examination was normal. Id. at 68. An
examination of Petitioner’s ear, nose and throat revealed “no acute abnormality. Hearing grossly
normal. Pharynx clear and non-erythematous.” Petitioner additionally had normal results on her
cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological exams. Id. Petitioner was
discharged with instructions to follow up with Dr. Dhillon within three to five days. Id. at 84.

        On January 6, 2012, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon. Ex. 7 at 59. Petitioner told Dr.
Dhillon she felt “weird” after someone brought a nut basket into the office. Id. He diagnosed her
with a food allergy and instructed her to return in three to five days. Id.

        On January 29, 2012, Petitioner presented to the emergency room at St. John Medical
Center with an allergic reaction. Ex. 9 at 1. Petitioner was noted to be allergic to “peanuts” and
that she would experience “throat swelling” and become “flushy” after eating seafood. Id. at 4.
Upon examination, Petitioner had no allergic swelling, no rash, no pruritis, no associated signs or
symptoms, and a review of systems revealed no abnormality. Id. at 4. A general examination
revealed no symptoms. Id. at 5. Dr. Bascom noted that “there was no evidence of anaphylaxis. Pt
treated empirically for throat tightness. Possible anxiety.” Id. at 7. Petitioner stayed overnight at
the hospital. Id. On January 30, 2012, Dr. Bascom further noted that Petitioner experienced
“subjective throat tightening symptoms yesterday.” Id.

        Petitioner also gave a medical history to Dr. Jennifer Rau, in which she stated that she “is
allergic [to] corn and accidentally ate some vegetable oil, pt states that she is having trouble
breathing, pt gave herself an epipen and Benadryl.” Ex. 9 at 29. Petitioner’s medical history stated
that she was allergic to codeine, corn, peanuts and penicillin. Id. at 37. Each allergy had an
unspecified onset date. Id.

        On February 2, 2012, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon for a follow up appointment. Ex.
7 at 55. Dr. Dhillon’s impression was that Petitioner suffered from acute food anaphylaxis. Id.
Dr. Dhillon instructed Petitioner to keep a food diary and an Epipen. Id.

       On April 2, 2012, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon and prescribed Xanax. Ex. 7 at 56.

        On April 12, 2012, Petitioner presented to the emergency room at 10:44 AM with an “acute
allergic reaction”, with dizziness and throat closing. Ex. 4 at 3, 47. Petitioner was described as

                                                                                                   7
having a “known allergy of [sic] nut allergy.” Id. Petitioner’s symptoms when she arrived at the
emergency room were described as follows by Dr. Loniewski:

       Patient arrives complaining of an allergic reaction. Patient states she is allergies
       [sic] to every type of nut. Including dust from the nuts. She denies allergies to
       environmental substances. She’s been under the care of an allergist and had a full
       workup. today she states she walked into her office at work. All the [sic] sudden
       she felt dizzy and lightheaded and nauseated and tingling to her lips. A tightness
       in her throat but not closing of her throat. She states every day she normally takes
       Claritin and Tagamet. She took a couple of days off of these medications. This
       initially started having her symptoms she went ahead and took a Claritin and
       Tagamet. A coworker brought her to the emergency department. At this point she
       states her symptoms are pretty much resolved. She feels a little tingling in her lips.
       She did not feel short of breath. She did not break out in a rash. She has no idea
       what caused her reaction today. Patient is offered steroids but declines them.

Ex. 4 at 35. Upon arrival to the emergency room, a medical history was taken from Petitioner.
Petitioner claimed allergies to nuts, codeine, and penicillin. Ex. 4 at 35; Ex. 7 at 42. Petitioner’s
medical history did not indicate any documented allergic reactions to these substances. Ex. 4 at
35. Dr Loniewski also included a second summary after Petitioner had been admitted, writing:

       The patient is a 42-year-old female who was at work today since 8:00 this morning.
       The patient, around 10:30, noticed that she had flushing of her face, feeling dizzy
       and also fluttering of her right eyelid. The patient felt that her throat was closing a
       little bit, although she did not take any nuts. The patient was surrounded by her
       coworkers. The patient asked the question if she had any nuts or any nut products
       that same morning. The patient did not get any positive history from any of the
       coworkers regarding nut intake or having nuts in the office. The patient felt better
       after she took the Claritin. Since she was flushed had some rash on her left arm, she
       was advised to come to the emergency room for further evaluation. Since the patient
       got to the emergency room, she did not have any worsening of her shortness of
       breath symptoms. The patient's blood pressure was 135/76 in the emergency room.
       The patient is feeling much better. She states that she has been not [sic] taking her
       Claritin or Tagamet on a daily basis, only when she feels like she is going out on
       the weekends does she take her medication. The patient states her last reaction was
       January 30, when she had to [take] the epinephrine and was seen at St. John's
       emergency room. The patient did not have any reactions since then. She states that
       she has been avoiding nuts and other foods which she is allergic to on outpatient
       testing.

Ex. 4 at 38. Petitioner’s physical examination was normal with “no swelling to lips, airway patent
no stridor in the neck.” Id. at 36. Petitioner’s skin examination revealed no rash, welts, or hives.
Id. An examination of Petitioner’s respiration was also normal; Petitioner’s breathing was
“unlabored” and her breathing pattern was “regular.” Id. Petitioner’s heart rate was measured at
70 beats per minute, and her blood pressure was 135/76. Id. at 43, 50. Following admittance,

                                                                                                   8
Petitioner’s complaints of swallowing difficulty also appear to have resolved approximately thirty
minutes after her arrival. Id. (“felt difficultyin [sic] swallowing PTA – resolved now”).

       Dr. Dhillon was also consulted at this visit. He noted that Petitioner was “flushed and had
some rash on her left arm” and that was why she came to the emergency room. Ex. 4 at 37. Upon
his examination, he found no rash, but that her “left arm was slightly itchy.” Id. at 38. His notes,
however, say “slight petechial rash on her upper left arm.” Id. In contrast with previous medical
records stating that Petitioner consumed three drinks daily, Dr. Dhillon noted that Petitioner does
not smoke or drink. Id.

       Nurse Christine Macklin performed a reassessment of Petitioner at 12:30 that day and
noticed “rash redness to upper arms and feels itchy.” Ex. 4 at 48. Prior to discharge, Dr. Dhillon
assessed Petitioner once more, stating that:

          The patient had resolution of her symptoms 2 hours post intake of the Claritin. The
          patient will be monitored at home. She has EpiPen at her bedside. The patient
          knows how to use epinephrine. She feels comfortable going home. I do not think at
          this time, the patient will need to be given any steroid taper because the symptoms
          are completely resolved. The patient was given teaching that sometimes a delayed
          reaction can occur and she should not feel afraid to use epinephrine if she has
          recurrent lip and tongue swelling. The patient is supposed to see me next week as
          an outpatient in the office for checkup.

Id. at 39. Petitioner’s symptoms eventually resolved approximately two hours after taking Claritin.
Ex. 7 at 34. Petitioner was discharged following a diagnosis by Dr. Dhillon of “Acute allergic
reaction”, “Acute of urticaria” and a “History of allergic rhinitis.” Id.

       On April 26, 2012, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon for a follow up. Ex. 7 at 54. Dr.
Dhillon diagnosed her with food allergies and noted she was taking Claritin every day. Id. On
June 28, 2012, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon, who refilled her Xanax prescription. Id.

        On October 25, 2012, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon who wrote that Petitioner had a
reaction to the flu shot. Ex. 7 at 52. Dr. Dhillon noted that Petitioner should not have any more
flu shots. He also noted that Petitioner had a food and egg allergy. Id.

         On November 8, 2012, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon. Ex. 7 at 53. This page is largely
indecipherable, but it appears that Petitioner has come to Dr. Dhillon because she believes that she
had a reaction to the flu shot. Id. Dr. Dhillon wrote that he believed Petitioner suffered an adverse
reaction to the flu shot secondary to an egg allergy. Id. Dr. Dhillon also wrote a letter on this
date, stating that Petitioner “has documented allergy to eggs and also last 4 years she had reactions
to the flu shot soon after administration.”7 Ex. 13 at 1.

       On February 20, 2013, Petitioner was seen for knee pain. Ex. 6 at 181. She was noted to
be taking Claritin for allergies at this visit. Id. at 195. On March 1, 2013, Petitioner was seen

7
    Petitioner’s previous medical records do not indicate any reaction to the flu shot.

                                                                                                   9
again for knee pain and noted to be allergic to penicillin and codeine. Id. at 184, 198.

       On February 17, 2014, Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon for a follow-up appointment.
Ex. 7 at 52.8 Dr. Dhillon described Petitioner as having a peanut allergy. Petitioner was told to
avoid peanut exposure. Id.

        On March 12, 2014, Petitioner presented to the Detroit Medical Center ER where she was
seen by Dr. Jeanise Butterfield. Ex. 8 at 1. Petitioner was noted to have allergies to codeine, egg,
nuts, and penicillin. Id. at 2. Petitioner stated that she had an “airborne allergy” to nuts and
“someone was eating t[h]em around her.” Id. at 7. Petitioner was noted to have given herself an
EpiPen injection and that her airway was clear. Id. Blood pressure was measured as 148/84. Id.
at 14. A review of Petitioner’s systems was found to be normal. Id. at 10. Petitioner’s heart rate
was 79 and she was found to be in “no apparent distress.” Id. at 14.

          At this visit, Petitioner was also seen by Dr. Jessica Ruffino. Dr. Ruffino stated that:

          Patient is a 44-year-old female who presents to the emergency department with the
          above complaint. Patient states that she has a severe allergies [sic] to nuts. She
          states that she was at work when some [sic] eat a candy bar in front of her that
          contained nuts. She states that she felt her throat began to close. She felt weak and
          dizzy and had some difficulty breathing. She also felt that her tongue was swelling.
          An EpiPen was used. She is brought to the emergency department by EMS. She
          states that she has had anaphylactic reaction to nuts in the past. She was given
          Benadryl by EMS prior to arrival. She states that her symptoms feel like they are
          now improving. Denies any change in her voice.

Id. at 13. Dr. Ruffino’s exam showed Petitioner’ systems to be largely normal:

          Patient presents to the emergency department complaining of an allergic reaction.
          She is afebrile and hemodynamically stable. Physical exam findings as described
          above. She does appear to have minimal edema of the tongue but no edema of the
          posterior oropharynx. Patient does have an extensive history of allergies and
          anaphylaxis in the past.

Id. at 14.

       On April 16, 2014, Dr. Dhillon noted that Petitioner had a reaction on March 12, 2014.
Upon his examination, Petitioner presented with normal countenance. Ex. 7 at 52. Dr. Dhillon’s
impression was that Petitioner suffered from “anaphylaxis to peanut.” Id.

        On June 6, 2014, Dr. Dhillon noted that Petitioner would like paperwork for disability. Ex.
7 at 51. Dr. Dhillon noted a peanut allergy for Petitioner at this visit but “didn’t have a reaction
so far. Had no [sic] to any nuts.” Ex. 10 at 3.

8
    I note that many of Dr. Dhillon’s handwritten notes are indecipherable as they are illegibly handwritten.

                                                                                                           10
        On August 19, 2015, Petitioner presented to Dr. Dhillon to get a form filled out for
disability assistance. Ex. 10 at 1. Dr. Dhillon explained to Petitioner “in detail [that he] doubt[s]
food allergy can qualify as disability.” Id.

          On September 25, 2015, Petitioner brought a disability form to Dr. Dhillon pre-filled out
for his signature. Ex. 10 at 2. Dr. Dhillon explained to Petitioner that “I have to fill the form, what
I feel as a medical doctor should go on the disability form.” Dr. Dhillon wrote “pt gets mad, states,
so you are saying that my peanut allergy is not airborne?” I explained that pea nut [sic] allergy is
food borne and its very difficult to get anaphylaxis to peanuts – if somebody opens a bag in the
room without her touching it or eating eat and also I said her skin testing is > 3 years old. Pt. was
getting mad that I’m not filling out the form [with] what she needs. I put on the form that I refuse
to fill the form – pt left.” Id.

   III.      Expert Opinions

          A. Petitioner’s Expert’s Qualifications

                 1. Dr. David Axelrod

        Dr. Axelrod received both his bachelor’s degree and his medical degree from the
University of Michigan. Ex. 34 at 1 (hereinafter “Alexrod CV”). He completed two residencies in
internal medicine, one at the University of Toronto and one at William Beaumont Hospital,
followed by additional fellowships in allergy, immunology, and rheumatology at McGill
University. Id. He then served as a fellow for the National Institutes of Health in the Clinical
Immunology Laboratory. Id. Dr. Axelrod served in the United States Army in both an active duty
and a reserve capacity for seven years. Id. Dr. Axelrod holds board certifications in allergy and
immunology, adult rheumatology, and medical laboratory immunology. Id. He currently works
in private practice at Allergy & Asthma Consultants, Inc. in York, Pennsylvania. Id. at 2. Dr.
Axelrod holds numerous publications to his name, dating between 1985 and 2012. Id. at 2-3.

          B. Respondent’s Expert’s Qualifications

                 1. Dr. Emil Bardana

       Dr. Bardana received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in
Washington D.C. Ex. B at 1 (hereinafter “Bardana CV”). He completed his medical degree at
McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Id. Dr. Bardana completed his residency at
Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon in internal medicine. Id. He served as
Chief Resident from 1967-1968. Id. at 2. Dr. Bardana also completed a fellowship and a research
program in immunology, allergy, and rheumatology at Oregon Health Sciences University. Id. at
2.

       Following his training, Dr. Bardana spent three years in the military before returning as a
professor at Oregon Health & Science University. Id. at 3. He has spent most of his career as a
professor in the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Oregon Health and Science
University, while also maintaining a clinical practice. Id. at 3. He holds board certifications in

                                                                                                    11
allergy and immunology and holds several professional society and board memberships. Id. at 3-
11. He has served on multiple national organizations as an expert in allergy and immunology and
has published numerous articles. Id. at 5-41.

           C. Expert Reports

                   1. Dr. Axelrod’s First Report

        Petitioner filed an expert report from Dr. Axelrod on September 20, 2016. (filed as Ex. 17)
(hereinafter “First Axelrod Rep.”). Dr. Axelrod began his first report with an overview of
Petitioner’s medical history. Id. at 1. Dr. Axelrod noted that on October 4, 2011, approximately
five days after her influenza vaccination, Petitioner presented with a cough, shortness of breath, a
103 degree fever, swollen glands, headache, myalgia, ear ache, red eyes, chest and abdominal pain,
as well as a skin rash.9 Id. He also noted her symptoms on October 10, 2011, included dry cough,
fatigue, fever chills, nasal congestion, and “a pruritic rash about her face, neck, arm, [and] trunk[,]
described as urticaria.”10 Id. Dr. Axelrod noted that by October 17, 2011, Petitioner’s rash had
resolved.

         Dr. Axelrod then described Petitioner’s symptoms on November 10, 2011, noting that she
“presented with hives”11 and gastrointestinal symptoms after eating dairy products. First Axelrod
Rep. at 2. He noted that skin testing revealed several food allergies and Petitioner was diagnosed
with an allergic reaction. Id. The next day, Petitioner experienced throat swelling after eating
oatmeal. Id. Dr. Axelrod noted that Petitioner’s examination was normal, and she had “no
evidence” of airway compromise. Id. Nevertheless, Petitioner received a diagnosis of acute
allergic reaction and acute urticaria. Id. Dr. Axelrod then noted doctor’s visits on November 13,
2011, December 22, 2011, January 6, 2012, January 29, 2012, April 12, 2012, November 8, 2012,
February 17, 2014, March 12, 2014 and March 1, 2015 where Petitioner suffered allergic reactions
or was given a diagnosis of a new allergy. Finally, Dr. Axelrod noted that on June 6, 2011, prior
to her vaccination, Petitioner had been diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis.
Id. at 3.

        Dr. Axelrod opined that Petitioner’s symptoms on October 4, 2011, were not the result of
an influenza infection, as diagnosed by her treating physicians, but rather were symptoms
consistent with a systemic adaptive immune reaction. First Axelrod Rep. at 3. He believes that
these symptoms continued into mid-October. Id.

9
 In his second report, Dr. Axelrod acknowledged that Petitioner did not have a rash at her October 4, 2011
visit. See Second Axelrod Rep. at 3.
10
  Urticaria is defined as a vascular reaction in the upper dermis, usually transient, consisting of localized
edema caused by dilation and increased capillary permeability with wheals. Urticaria, DORLAND’S
ILLUSTRATED MEDICAL DICTIONARY (33rd ed. 2020) at 1856 (hereinafter “Dorland’s).
11
     This appears to be inaccurate, as is discussed later in this Decision.

                                                                                                          12
        In further discussing this opinion, Dr. Axelrod suggested that the Th2 cells caused the
allergies from which Petitioner suffered. First Axelrod Rep. at 6. According to Dr. Axelrod,
“immunization with the inactivated influenza vaccine…results in an immune system more prone
to allergy.” Id. Specifically, the Th2 cells combined with CD4 cells result in the production of
Interleukin-4, which amplifies the generation of the Th2 phenotype. According to Dr. Axelrod,
the Th2 phenotype results in allergy. Id. Dr. Axelrod noted that the function of Th2 cells and
Interleukin-4 are similar in murine models and in humans. Id.; see also E. Maggi, The TH1/TH2
Paradigm in Allergy, 3 IMMUNOTECHNOLOGY 4, 233-44 (1998) (filed as Ex. 29) (hereinafter
“Maggi”).

       Dr. Axelrod supported his theory with two studies. First Axelrod Rep. at 6. In the mouse
model, Dr. Axelrod claims that the authors showed that the inactivated flu vaccine led to Th2
phenotypic responses, but live-attenuated flu vaccines led to Th1 phenotypic responses. Id.; see
also Moran et al., Th2 Responses to Inactivated Influenza Virus Can Be Converted to Th1
Responses and Facilitate Recovery from Heterosubtypic Virus Infection, 180 JOURNAL OF
INFECTIOUS DISEASES, 579-85 (1999) (filed as Ex. 30) (hereinafter “Moran”).

               2. Dr. Bardana’s First Report

       In response to Dr. Axelrod, Respondent filed an expert report from Dr. Emil Bardana. (filed
as Ex. A) (hereinafter “First Bardana Rep.”).

        Dr. Bardana began his report by noting several instances in Dr. Axelrod’s report where Dr.
Axelrod had omitted what Dr. Bardana believed to be “pertinent data” from Petitioner’s medical
records. First Bardana Rep. at 16. In particular, Dr. Bardana noted that Petitioner was diagnosed
with “nut allergy” on June 20, 2010, allergic rhinitis on February 17, 2011, and a “history of
allergies” on June 28, 2011. Id. Dr. Bardana also disagreed with Dr. Axelrod’s characterization
of Petitioner’s symptoms on October 4, 2011, five days after her flu vaccination, writing that he
interpreted her symptoms as “fever, generalized aches, scratchy throat, and cough for two or three
days.” Id. Dr. Bardana noted there is no documentation of any rash during this appointment. Id.

        Dr. Bardana’s interpretation of Petitioner’s October 4, 2011 appointment differed greatly
from that of Dr. Axelrod. While Dr. Axelrod believed that the October 4, 2011 illness was not an
infectious process, and persisted to mid-October, Dr. Bardana stated that there is no support for
this assertion. First Bardana Rep. at 19. While Dr. Axelrod asserted that Petitioner suffered
symptoms on October 4 as a result of a systemic adaptive immune reaction, Dr. Bardana suggested
that Petitioner’s treating physicians were correct on October 4, 2011, when they diagnosed her
with the flu. Id.

        Dr. Bardana also disputed Dr. Axelrod’s version of events on October 10, 2011. First
Bardana Rep. at 16. He noted that rather than being given steroids, as Dr. Axelrod asserted,
Petitioner was given Albuterol. Id. He also noted that Petitioner’s fever had dissipated and that
her rash, which Dr. Axelrod described as urticaria, had “come on suddenly that morning over the
abdomen, arms and back” and that “itching was not intense.” Id. Dr. Bardana described
Petitioner’s rash as a “pruritic maculopapular” rash and postulated it could have been either a drug
eruption or urticaria. Id. He noted that such rashes were a known side effect of Tamiflu. Id.

                                                                                                 13
Finally, Dr. Bardana noted that Petitioner’s rash had cleared up by her October 17, 2011 visit.
Therefore, her maculopapular rash lasted fewer than seven days. Id.

        Dr. Bardana also disagreed with Dr. Axelrod’s interpretation of Petitioner’s symptoms at
her November 10, 2011 visit. First Bardana Rep. at 16. According to Dr. Bardana, Dr. Axelrod
indicated that Petitioner presented with hives and GI symptoms after eating dairy products; Dr.
Bardana noted that Petitioner did not have any hives but “was observed to have food intolerance
and nut allergy.” Id. During allergy testing, Petitioner developed an “itchy throat,” but no other
symptoms or physical findings were recorded. Id. at 16-17.

        Dr. Bardana also believed that Dr. Axelrod omitted key details from Petitioner’s November
11, 2011 visit, and Petitioner’s November 13, 2011 visit. Dr. Bardana noted that on November
11, 2013, while the treating physician’s final diagnosis was “allergic reaction and urticaria”, she
probably had neither. First Bardana Rep. at 17. As support for his opinion, Dr. Bardana pointed
to Dr. Dhillon’s (Petitioner’s allergist) consultation note which “excludes any urticaria.” And, on
November 13, 2011, Dr. Bardana believed it to be significant that Petitioner was “anxious, worried,
and upset.” Id. at 17.

        Regarding Petitioner’s December 22, 2011, appointment, Dr. Bardana found it significant
that Dr. Axelrod did not mention that Petitioner “reacted” to a basket of nuts in her office without
“proximity, touching, or tasting.” First Bardana Rep. at 17. Dr. Bardana noted that at her exam,
Petitioner was concerned about peanuts in the basket; however, her peanut allergy test was
negative. Id. at 17.

        Dr. Bardana also noted several instances where Dr. Axelrod left out other possible
diagnoses besides allergy from the medical records. First Bardana Rep. at 17. On January 6, 2012,
Petitioner was seen by Dr. Dhillon and diagnosed with food allergy; Dr. Axelrod left out that she
was also diagnosed with “palpitations.” Id. at 17. On January 29, 2012, Dr. Axelrod similarly
noted Petitioner’s emergency room visit was for “possible allergic reaction to peanut,” but left out
the diagnosis of “possible anxiety” and treatment with Xanax. Id. Dr. Axelrod left out similar
alternative diagnoses from appointments on February 2, 2012, April 3, 2012, and April 12, 2012.

        Dr. Bardana also noted that Dr. Axelrod did not discuss Petitioner’s February 17, 2014,
April 16, 2014, and June 6, 2014 appointments with Dr. Dhillon. First Bardana Rep. at 18. Dr.
Bardana noted that these visits related to “peanut allergy and Petitioner’s desire to obtain total
disability.” Id. On April 16, 2014, when Dr. Dhillon stated that Petitioner has “anaphylaxis to
peanuts,” Dr. Bardana believed this statement to be “unfounded”, as skin testing conducted on
November 10, 2011 was negative for peanut allergy. Id. at 18.

        Dr. Bardana also stated that Dr. Axelrod failed to mention Petitioner’s August 19, 2015
and September 25, 2015 visits with Dr. Dhillon. First Bardana Rep. at 18. Dr. Bardana noted that
Dr. Dhillon explained to Petitioner that “remote passive exposure to nuts [was] unlikely to trigger
reactions.” First Bardana Rep. at 19.

                                                                                                 14
        Dr. Bardana did note that on October 25, 2012, Petitioner’s allergist gave Petitioner a
prescription certifying she should not have further influenza vaccinations because of a previous
reaction and an egg allergy. First Bardana Rep. at 18.

       Following his clarifications of the medical record, Dr. Bardana next turned to Dr. Axelrod’s
diagnosis of Petitioner’s injury. First Bardana Rep. at 19-20. Dr. Bardana summarized Dr.
Axelrod’s theory of the case as follows:

        [Petitioner] developed immune complex disease secondary to idiotypic networks.
        Her immune status shifted to a Th2 phenotype, which worsened her allergic
        diathesis and resulted in life-threatening food allergies diagnosed by her physicians.
        Dr. Axelrod felt that this displayed a causal relation between vaccination and the
        development of immune complex disease with worsening of allergies.

Id. at 21.

         Dr. Bardana then discussed his own opinions regarding Petitioner’s injury. As an initial
matter, Dr. Bardana believes that Petitioner suffers from undocumented asthma. First Bardana
Rep. at 22. Dr. Bardana opined that Petitioner may have some mild allergy to some selected food
allergens, but “there is no credible scientific evidence linking these allergies to her September 29,
2011 vaccination.” Id. at 23. As support for his theory, Dr. Bardana noted that the majority of
Petitioner’s forty-five allergy skin test reactions were entirely negative, while sixteen were
“minimally positive.” Id. Dr. Bardana noted that no test result reached the level of “strongly
positive.” Id. As further support for his theory, Dr. Bardana noted that Petitioner’s November 13,
2011, January 29, 2012, April 12, 2012, March 12, 2014, and March 1, 2015 emergency room
visits resulted in “negative” examinations, with the exception of one occasion when an examiner
noted “minimal swelling of the tongue.” Id. at 22. Dr. Bardana concluded this section of his report
with the opinion that the most likely scenario is that Petitioner experienced “anticipatory anxiety
in association with her established food hypervigilance…” Id. at 23-24.

        Dr. Bardana also opined that the medical literature Dr. Axelrod cited in his report with
respect to serum sickness was not relevant to Petitioner’s case. See First Bardana Rep. at 24 (“the
literature cited by Dr. Axelrod relies upon situations where doses of the foreign protein are many
orders of magnitude greater than in the vaccination scenario”). And, although Dr. Axelrod
postulates that the development of idiotypic networks led to the development of an autoimmune
disorder in Petitioner, Dr. Bardana noted that Petitioner had no symptoms, physical findings, or
laboratory biomarkers which would indicate she had an autoimmune disorder. Id. at 24-25. Dr.
Bardana also noted that Dr. Axelrod’s assertion that the influenza vaccination shifted Petitioner’s
immune balance from Th1 to Th2 was highly speculative and he had only cited mouse/murine
models to support this theory. Id.

        Dr. Bardana concluded his report by opining that Petitioner developed recurrent panic-
induced anxiety attacks related to a belief that she was “sensitized” to airborne food allergens.
First Bardana Rep. at 25.

               3. Dr. Axelrod’s Second Report

                                                                                                  15
        On January 25, 2018, Petitioner filed an expert report from Dr. Axelrod responding to Dr.
Bardana’s first expert report. (filed as Ex. 39) (hereinafter “Second Axelrod Rep.”). Dr. Axelrod
began his report by summarizing Dr. Bardana’s corrections to the medical record. Dr. Axelrod
largely agreed with Dr. Bardana’s corrections pre-October 2011, including the fact that Petitioner
likely did not suffer a rash on October 4, 2011. Id. at 3. However, he maintained that Petitioner’s
rash was caused by her influenza vaccination, asserting that nine days is an appropriate time frame
within which onset of a rash would develop following vaccination. Id.; see also Lawley et al., A
Prospective Clinical and Immunologic Analysis of Patients with Serum Sickness, 311 N. ENG. J.
MED. 22, 1407-13 (1984) (filed as Ex. 22) (hereinafter “Lawley”); Miller, et al., The Speed of the
Secondary Immune Response to Tetanus Toxoid with a Review of War Reports and Observations
on Simultaneous Injection of Toxoid and Antitoxin, 3 PEDIATRICS 49, 64-76 1948) (filed as Ex.
20). Dr. Axelrod also disagreed with Dr. Bardana that Petitioner’s rash disappeared within seven
days; rather, he believes that Petitioner’s Prednisone treatment suppressed expression of the rash.
Id.

        Dr. Axelrod continued to assert that Petitioner developed hives prior to her November 10,
2011 appointment with Dr. Dhillon. Second Axelrod Rep. at 4. He noted that Petitioner’s skin
allergy testing read as positive to tree nuts, apple, peach, blueberry, celery, corn, broccoli, egg
white, egg yolk, and onion. Id. Dr. Axelrod also disagreed with Dr. Bardana that low tryptase
levels would rule out a significant allergic reaction. Id. at 5. To support his point, Dr. Axelrod
cited a study in which the authors showed that tryptase levels, drawn shortly after the onset of fatal
or near-fatal anaphylaxis related to food, were not elevated. Id.; Hugh A. Sampson, Update on
Food Allergy, 113 J ALLERGY CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY, 805-19 (2004) (filed as Ex. 41) (hereinafter
“Sampson”).

        Dr. Axelrod clarified that he believed Petitioner suffered an angioedema/anaphylaxis that
recurred for more than six months following her September 29, 2011 vaccination. He believes
that the onset of nine days is “consistent” with an immune reaction to the vaccine, and the initial
manifestation of a rash is consistent with an immune complex reaction. Second Axelrod Rep. at
11. Further he believes that the angioedema lasted for at least three months. Id. at 5.

       Dr. Axelrod also addressed Dr. Bardana’s concerns regarding the theory of causation.
Second Axelrod Rep. at 9. Dr. Axelrod clarified that he believes that Petitioner’s October 4, 2011
symptoms could have been related to a cytokine response, rather than an influenza infection. Id.
Dr. Axelrod also dismissed Petitioner’s nut allergy listed prior to September 29, 2011, as “listed
by a non-physician, and not mentioned again until after the September 29, 2011 influenza
vaccination.” Second Axelrod Rep. at 10.

        Dr. Axelrod also disagreed with Dr. Bardana’s assertion that the influenza vaccine is
“unlikely” to initiate a serum sickness-like process. Dr. Axelrod cited a study which found that
fourteen subjects developed a serum sickness-like reaction following inactivated influenza
vaccination to support the theory that Petitioner developed such a reaction. Second Axelrod Rep.
at 11; see also Apisarnthanarak, et al., Serum Sickness-Like Reaction Associated with Inactivated
Influenza Vaccination among Thai Health Care Personnel: Risk Factors and Outcomes, 49
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES, 18-22 (2009) (filed as Ex. 46) (hereinafter “Apisarnthanarak”).

                                                                                                   16
         Dr. Axelrod conceded that Petitioner may have suffered from anxiety, but maintained that
if Petitioner did, she suffered from anxiety as a result of her allergies, and that the two conditions
existed together, rather than Dr. Bardana’s suggestion that Petitioner suffered from anxiety instead
of food allergies. Second Axelrod Rep. at 5, 11. To support his point, Dr. Axelrod cited a study
which found that subjects who experienced anaphylaxis to food allergy felt that their symptoms
were more severe than subjects with allergy without anaphylaxis. Id. at 5. Dr. Axelrod further
opined that Petitioner did suffer hives, swelling, and the closing of her throat on several occasions
and that these symptoms were consistent with a diagnosis of angioedema/anaphylaxis. Id. at 11.

               4. Dr. Bardana’s Second Report

       Respondent filed a second expert report from Dr. Bardana responding to Dr. Axelrod’s
second report. (filed as Ex. C) (hereinafter “Second Bardana Rep.”).

        Dr. Bardana began his report by again summarizing the points in the medical record where
he disagrees with Dr. Axelrod. Regarding Petitioner’s rash, Dr. Bardana noted that, while Dr.
Axelrod opined that Petitioner’s rash was consistent with a primary immune response to the
influenza vaccine, her most recent vaccination was less than a year prior and likely would have
been associated with lingering immunogenicity. Second Bardana Rep. at 2. Dr. Bardana noted
that, regardless of whether Prednisone suppressed the rash or it resolved on its own, the rash did
not recur after October 17, 2011. Id.

         Dr. Bardana continued to disagree with Dr. Axelrod that Petitioner’s November 10, 2011
visit did not describe the presence of hives. Second Bardana Rep. at 2. Dr. Bardana indicated that
the confusion may stem from the fact that Petitioner filled out a questionnaire in which she listed
general historical issues which included “hives/severe reaction after receiving a flu shot.” Id. Dr.
Bardana also noted that Dr. Axelrod’s reference to part of Petitioner’s physical examination
actually appears to be historical diagnoses based on Petitioner’s questionnaire. Id. Dr. Bardana
reiterated that the physical examination conducted by Dr. Dhillon found Petitioner to be “alert, in
no distress, no oropharyngeal findings, no lip swelling, no tongue swelling, chest clear to
auscultation, etc.” Id. Dr. Bardana also reiterated that none of Petitioner’s skin test results returned
as strongly positive. Id. at 3. Dr. Bardana agreed with Dr. Axelrod that tryptase is not generally
elevated with food allergic reactions. Id. at 3.

        Dr. Bardana also reiterated that Petitioner’s November 13, 2011 trip to the emergency room
resulted in a normal examination. Second Bardana Rep. at 3. He stated that Petitioner’s symptoms
were “strikingly consistent” with anxiety-induced acute hyperventilation syndrome. Id. Dr.
Bardana did not disagree with the Herbert article, but believes it does not apply in this case because
there is no documentation that Petitioner ever had anaphylaxis. Id. Similarly, Dr. Bardana opined
that the records created (saying that Petitioner suffered an “allergic reaction which was
improving”) following the December 22, 2011 visit were based entirely on Petitioner’s history.
The examination at this visit was normal and her symptoms were consistent “with an anxiety-
induced panic attack”. Id. Dr. Bardana noted that Petitioner’s examination at her January 6, 2012
emergency room visit was also normal, and she presented with no hives or angioedema. Id. at 4.

                                                                                                     17
       On January 29, 2012, Petitioner presented to the emergency room again and gave a history
of peanut allergy. Although Petitioner was treated “aggressively,” Dr. Bardana opined that there
were no objective physical findings confirming allergy at this exam, and that the Xanax she
received was “clearly the most effective therapy for her symptom complex.” Second Bardana Rep.
at 4. Similarly, although Petitioner’s allergist, Dr. Dhillon, diagnosed her with a tuna allergy on
February 2, 2012, Dr. Bardana opined that at this visit her examination was “completely normal”
and therefore anaphylaxis is essentially “excluded” as a diagnosis. Id.

        Dr. Bardana also stated that Dr. Dhillon’s diagnosis of “allergic rhinitis and acute urticaria”
on April 12, 2012 is incorrect, as neither diagnosis is supportable based on “objective findings.”
Second Bardana Rep. at 4. Dr. Bardana did concede that Petitioner may have experienced a mild
allergy or intolerance to food on April 12, 2012. Id. at 4.

         Dr. Bardana noted that, although Petitioner was advised to avoid future influenza
vaccination based on her minimally positive skin test reaction to egg white/yolk, a) the validity of
this observation was not confirmed by a more rigorous test, and b) LAIV appears to be safe for
use in children who have a bona fide egg allergy. Second Bardana Rep. at 5; see also Turner et
al., Safety of live attenuated influenza vaccine in atopic children with egg allergy, 136 J ALLERGY
CLIN IMMUNOL. 376-81 (2015) (filed as Ex. C, Tab 8).

       Dr. Bardana then summarized Petitioner’s doctor’s visits and emergency room visits on
February 17, 2014, March 12, 2014, April 16, 2014, and March 1, 2015, noting that at each of
these visits, Petitioner claimed an allergy upon arriving to the emergency room, but the
examinations conducted were largely normal. Second Bardana Rep. at 5-6.

         Following his summation of the medical records, Dr. Bardana outlined his disagreement
with Dr. Axelrod’s theory of causation. At this point, Dr. Bardana expressed his understanding of
Dr. Axelrod’s theory to be that Petitioner “reacted to an inactivated influenza vaccination on
September 29, 2011 by developing a serum sickness-like reaction on October 1, or 2, 2011.”
Second Bardana Rep. at 6. Dr. Bardana continued to disagree with Dr. Axelrod that Petitioner’s
October 4, 2011 symptoms were anything other than an acute influenza infection. Id. He
maintained his position that her October 10, 2011 rash was likely caused by a drug reaction which
disappeared after seven days and did not recur. Id. He also continued to suggest that Dr. Axelrod’s
theory of the case was largely theoretical in nature and Dr. Axelrod had provided no support for
it. Id. at 6-7.

        Dr. Bardana concluded his report by stating that there is no instance in the available records
which would support a finding of anaphylaxis in Petitioner. Second Bardana Rep. at 7. Dr.
Bardana noted that on five occasions, the examining physician observed no objective physical
findings which would support a finding of allergy. Id. at 8. Finally, Dr. Bardana postulated that
the Apisarthanarak article cited by Dr. Axelrod was not relevant to Petitioner’s case because 1) the
vaccine in question was manufactured in Thailand; 2) the authors of the article made no claim of
causality of the vaccine to the serum sickness-like reaction; and 3) the authors were not able to
determine the overall incidence of serum sickness-like reaction. Id. at 9.

               5. Dr. Axelrod’s Third Report

                                                                                                    18
        On July 27, 2018, I entered a scheduling order asking the experts from each side eight
questions. See Scheduling Order of July 27, 2018, ECF No. 68. Petitioner filed a third expert
report from Dr. Axelrod addressing these questions on September 12, 2018. (filed as Ex. 49)
(hereinafter “Third Axelrod Rep.”).

        Dr. Axelrod began his report by stating that the reaction of someone exposed to allergens,
whether mildly positive or minimally positive, is unique to the person who experiences the
reaction. Third Axelrod Rep. at 1-2; see also Pettersson et al., Prediction of the Severity of Allergic
Reactions to Foods, 73 EUR. J. ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 1532-40 (2018) (filed as
Ex. 50). Dr. Axelrod stated that the type of a reaction is “ultimately perceived by the individual
suffering the reaction. The perception relates to prior reaction and the knowledge (or lack of
knowledge) of the individual to the experienced symptoms and the psychiatric make-up of the
individual.” Id. at 2.

         Dr. Axelrod also opined that it was possible to suffer an allergic reaction from inhalation
of an allergen. Third Axelrod Rep. at 2. To support his point, Dr. Axelrod cited a study in which
the authors reported anaphylaxis following the ipratropium bromide solution in a subject with a
preexisting soybean and peanut allergy. Id.; see also Ramire & Bahna, Food Hypersensitivity by
Inhalation, 7 CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR ALLERGY 4-10 (2009) (filed as Ex. 51). While an
unrelated point, Dr. Axelrod also noted that individuals with a peanut allergy “might anticipate
life-threatening reactions to inhalation of peanut particles.” Id.

        I also asked Dr. Axelrod what type of O2 saturation levels he would expect to see in
someone suffering an acute allergic reaction. Dr. Axelrod cited two studies in which patients with
asthma were largely found to have normal oxygen saturation and oxygen saturation levels did not
relate to clinical findings. Third Axelrod Rep. at 2; see also Richard Hardern, Oxygen Saturation
in Adults with Acute Asthma, 13 J. ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY MED. 28-30 (1996) (filed as Ex. 52);
Melbye et al., Drop in Lung Function During Asthma and COPD Exacerbations – Can it be
Assessed without Spirometry?, 11 Int’l J. COPD 3145-3152 (2016) (filed as Ex. 53).

        Dr. Axelrod stated that food challenges are considered the “standard criterion” to determine
the presence or absence of food allergies. Third Axelrod Rep. at 3. He also noted that skin prick
tests are “not perfect” predictors of true food allergy. Id.; see also MacGinnitie & Young, The
Role of Food Challenges in Clinical Practice, 6 J. ALLERGY CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY PRACTICE
353-60 (2018) (filed as Ex. 56). Dr. Axelrod also noted that the benefit of all allergy testing is
dependent upon the pre-test probability of a given food allergy. Third Axelrod Rep. at 3; see also
Kim, et al., Diagnostic Accuracy, Risk Assessment, and Cost-Effectiveness of Component-
Resolved Diagnostics for Food Allergy: A systematic Review, 73 ALLERGY 1609-21 (2017) (filed
as Ex. 57).

        I asked Dr. Axelrod to explain whether Petitioner met the criteria for anaphylaxis. Dr.
Axelrod listed the eleven signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and postulated that “following the
influenza vaccination, following a period of 4-5 days (sufficient to build a memory response),
[Petitioner] developed allergy symptoms that could represent anaphylaxis. Third Axelrod Rep. at

                                                                                                    19
4; see also Lieberman et al., Anaphylaxis – A Practice Parameter Update 2015, 115 AM.
ACADEMY OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND IMMUNOLOGY 341-84 (2015) (filed as Ex. 58).

        Dr. Axelrod stated that there was support in the medical records which showed that
Petitioner developed an angioedema. Third Axelrod Rep. at 4. At one point, Petitioner’s physical
examination stated her “lips were swollen”. Id. Dr. Axelrod believes that this was most likely an
“angioedema that responded to epinephrine.” Id. Similarly, Dr. Axelrod indicated that Petitioner
had an angioedema when she presented to the emergency room with throat swelling after eating
oatmeal. Id.

         Finally, Dr. Axelrod addressed the issue of Petitioner’s possible acute hyperventilation
syndrome. Third Axelrod Rep. at 5. He noted that hyperventilation is defined as “either fast or
deeper breathing, or a combination of both, resulting in hypocapnia.” Id.; see also Meuret & Ritz,
Hyperventilation in Panic Disorder and Asthma: Empirical Evidence and Clinical Strategies, 78
INT’L J. PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY 68-79 (2010) (filed as Ex. 61). This study suggested that “sudden
decreases” of carbon dioxide in the blood preceded naturally occurring panic attacks. Id. As
Petitioner did not have carbon dioxide tests, Dr. Axelrod opined that it is not possible to know
whether she suffered from hypocapnia. Id. However, Dr. Axelrod concluded his report by
reiterating his point that it would not be surprising if Petitioner suffered anxiety as a result of her
“potentially lethal” allergies. Id.

               6. Dr. Bardana’s Third Report

       Respondent filed a third report from Dr. Bardana on October 21, 2018, addressing my
questions, and providing comment on Dr. Axelrod’s answers to my questions. (filed as Ex. D)
(hereinafter “Third Bardana Rep.”).

        Dr. Bardana began his report by noting that a food allergy is defined as “an adverse health
effect arising from a specific immune response that occurs reproducibly upon exposure to a given
food.” Third Bardana Rep. at 2; see also Boyce et al., Guidelines for the Diagnosis and
Management of Food Allergy in the United States: Report of the NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel,
126 J. ALLERGY CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY S1-S58 (2010) (filed as Ex. D, Tab 10). After listing
several factors which may affect the degree to which a person experiences an allergic reaction, Dr.
Bardana stated that a “minimal reaction” to a Skin Puncture (Prick) Test or an Antigen-Specific
Serum IgE test would be “indicative of an equivocal (probably clinically irrelevant) response and
would not be expected to produce objective signs or symptoms in the patient.” Third Bardana
Rep. at 3. He further stated that a “mild reaction” might induce “transient abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting or diarrhea in a small percent of individuals or the development of urticaria with or
without angioedema in a small percentage of individuals.” He indicated that he would not expect
any generalized anaphylaxis or respiratory reactions in the case of a mild reaction. Id. at 3-4.

       Dr. Bardana next addressed whether it is possible to have an allergic reaction to breathing
fumes from peanuts. He noted that peanut dust “does not aerosolize” nor does peanut butter vapor
contain any protein. Third Bardana Rep. at 5. And, even if a person touched peanut dust, Dr.
Bardana noted that “skin contact might cause local irritation, but not systemic reactions.” Id.; see
also Matthew Greenhawt, Environmental Exposure to Peanut and the Risk of an Allergic Reaction,

                                                                                                    20
120 AM. ACADEMY OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND IMMUNOLOGY 476-81 (2018) (filed as Ex. D, Tab
4) (hereinafter “Greenhawt”). Similarly, Dr. Bardana noted that there is “little risk posed from
non-oral exposure to peanut in the environment from casual contact, proximity, or inhalation.” Id.
He also dismissed the Ramirez paper cited by Dr. Axelrod, saying it failed to incorporate recent
research related to casual exposures. Id.

        In response to my question regarding expected O2 saturation levels following an acute
allergic reaction, Dr. Bardana stated that a reduction in oxygen saturation would be expected in
two settings: acute allergic asthma, and acute allergic anaphylaxis. Third Bardana Rep. at 5. Dr.
Bardana cited a study from Thailand, which showed that patients with status asthmaticus (a form
of acute severe asthma) had oxygen saturation levels of 94%, a two percent drop when compared
to other asthmatic patients. Id; see also Amnuaypattanapon et al., Characteristics and Outcomes
of Treatment in Status Asthmaticus Patients at Emergency Department, 37 ASIAN PACIFIC J.
ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY 2, 87-93 (2019) (filed as Ex. D, Tab 6).

        Dr. Bardana defined anaphylaxis as the “most severe form of an allergic reaction usually
presenting as a generalized systemic reaction with a variety of clinical signs and symptoms.” Third
Bardana Rep. at 5. Dr. Bardana cited a study by Brown which showed that patients experiencing
anaphylaxis generally had SpO2 equal to or less than 92% and a systolic blood pressure of less
than 99 mm/Hg. Id.; see also Simon Brown, Clinical Features and Severity Grading of
Anaphylaxis, 114 AM. ACADEMY OF ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND IMMUNOLOGY 2 (204) (filed as Ex.
D, Tab 7). Dr. Bardana noted that hypoxia was generally defined as an SpO2 saturation level of
92% or less. Third Bardana Rep. at 5. He also asserted that the “only IgE-mediated acute allergic
reactions that would induce a change in oxygen saturation are acute severe asthma (status
asthmaticus) and anaphylaxis.” Id. Dr. Bardana disagreed with Dr. Axelrod’s interpretation of
the Hardern paper, noting that although Dr. Axelrod indicated that most of the subjects had normal
oxygen saturation levels, Table 2 indicated that the mean SpO2 level upon arrival to the emergency
room was 92.5%, with a range of 89.2% to 95.8% Id. at 6. O2 levels only increased after treatment.
Id.

        Dr Bardana reiterated that the most important test for diagnosing food allergy is the
patient’s clinical history. Third Bardana Rep. at 7. He noted that “a diagnosis of food allergy is
not generally based on a single test. A stepped approach is usually preferred in which the history
leads to test selection, and the result of that test…can be used to determine whether oral food
challenge…is warranted.” Id. Dr. Bardana also noted that studies have shown “wide
discrepancies” in wheal sizes, although the same dose of histamine was administered. Id. Dr.
Bardana reiterated that positive or negative tests do not necessarily indicate the presence or absence
of an allergy; testing must be contextualized alongside a patient’s clinical history. Id. at 7-8.

       Dr. Bardana next addressed the criteria for anaphylaxis. Third Bardana Rep. at 8. Listing
the common symptoms, Dr. Bardana stated that “Urticaria and angioedema occur in 88% of cases,
dyspnea and wheeze in 42%, dizziness, syncope and hypotension in 33%, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea crampy abdominal pain in 30%. Flushing occurs in 40%, and upper airway edema in
56%.” Id at 9; see also Phillip Lieberman, Recognition and First-Line Treatment of Anaphylaxis,
127 AM. J. MED. 1A (2014) (filed as Ex. D, Tab 9).

                                                                                                   21
         Dr. Bardana then stated that Petitioner “never met the published criteria for anaphylaxis.”
Third Bardana Rep. at 9. It is his opinion that Petitioner “never had a presentation that met the
criteria of an anaphylaxis and on most subsequent emergency room visits there were no objective
physical findings.” Id. Dr. Bardana “totally disagrees” with Dr. Axelrod’s conclusion that
Petitioner’s symptoms on October 4, 2011 were a presentation of allergic reaction. Id.

        Dr. Bardana next discussed the criteria for angioedema. Dr. Bardana did not directly
discuss the criteria for angioedema, but rather discussed the criteria for idiopathic histamine
acquired angioedema (IH-AAE), which is a cause of recurrent angioedema without wheals. Id. at
9; see also Faisant et al., Idiopathic Histaminergic Angioedema Without Wheals: A case Series of
31 Patients, 185 CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY 81-85 (2016) (filed as Ex. D, Tab
10). In this case series, the authors noted that “the face was the most frequent location of
angioedema episodes (80.6% of cases). Fifty-four percent had at least one attack in the upper
respiratory tract including the oral mucosa (17 patients), the tongue in 29% of cases and the larynx
in one patient. The mean duration of attacks was 28 hours.” Third Bardana Rep. at 10. Dr. Bardana
is of the opinion that Petitioner never suffered a bout of angioedema. Id. In response to Dr.
Axelrod, Dr. Bardana noted that the references to angioedema in Petitioner’s medical records rely
upon oral medical histories provided by Petitioner, unverified by actual examination, and therefore
can be discounted as “unsubstantiated and unconvincing.” Id. at 10-11.

        Lastly, Dr. Bardana addressed the criteria for acute hyperventilation syndrome. Third
Bardana Rep. at 11. Although Dr. Bardana is not aware of any formal criteria for the diagnosis of
acute hyperventilation, he noted that the diagnosis was based on the “character of presenting
symptoms.” Id. at 12. These symptoms most often include dyspnea, fatigue, paranesthesia,
palpitations, myalgias, cramps, anxiety, and irritability. Id. at 11; see also Gregory Magarian,
Hyperventilation Syndromes: Infrequently Recognized Common Expressions of Anxiety and
Stress, 61 MED. 4 (1982) (filed as Ex. D, Tab 11). Dr. Bardana noted that Petitioner had many
instances suggestive of anxiety-induced hyperventilation, although she was never formally
diagnosed with the condition. Id. at 11-12. Dr. Bardana asserted that Dr. Axelrod’s findings on
the issue were irrelevant because he discussed hyperventilation in the setting of panic disorder and
asthma, and Petitioner did not have established asthma or anaphylaxis. Id. at 12.

   IV.      Applicable Law

         A. Petitioner’s Overall Burden in Vaccine Program Cases

        Under the Vaccine Act, a petitioner may prevail in one of two ways. First, a petitioner may
demonstrate that she suffered a “Table” injury—i.e., an injury listed on the Vaccine Injury Table
that occurred within the time period provided in the Table. § 11(c)(1)(C)(i). “In such a case,
causation is presumed.” Capizzano v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 440 F.3d 1317, 1320 (Fed.
Cir. 2006); see § 13(a)(1)(B). Second, where the alleged injury is not listed in the Vaccine Injury
Table, a petitioner may demonstrate that he suffered an “off-Table” injury. § 11(c)(1)(C)(ii).

         For both Table and non-Table claims, Vaccine Program petitioners bear a “preponderance
of the evidence” burden of proof. § 13(1)(a). That is, a petitioner must offer evidence that leads
the “trier of fact to believe that the existence of a fact is more probable than its nonexistence before

                                                                                                     22
[she] may find in favor of the party who has the burden to persuade the judge of the fact’s
existence.” Moberly v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 592 F.3d 1315, 1324 (Fed. Cir. 2010); see
also Snowbank Enter. v. United States, 6 Cl. Ct. 476, 486 (1984) (mere conjecture or speculation
is insufficient under a preponderance standard). Proof of medical certainty is not required.
Bunting v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 931 F.2d 867, 873 (Fed. Cir. 1991). In particular, a
petitioner must demonstrate that the vaccine was “not only [the] but-for cause of the injury but
also a substantial factor in bringing about the injury.” Moberly, 592 F.3d at 1321 (quoting Shyface
v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 165 F.3d 1344, 1352 (Fed. Cir. 1999)); Pafford v. Sec’y of Health
& Hum. Servs., 451 F.3d 1352, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2006). A petitioner may not receive a Vaccine
Program award based solely on her assertions; rather, the petition must be supported by either
medical records or by the opinion of a competent physician. Section 13(a)(1).

        In attempting to establish entitlement to a Vaccine Program award of compensation for a
non-Table claim, a petitioner must satisfy all three of the elements established by the Federal
Circuit in Althen v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 418 F.3d 1274 (Fed. Cir. 2005). Althen requires
that petitioner establish by preponderant evidence that the vaccination he received caused his
injury “by providing: (1) a medical theory causally connecting the vaccination and the injury; (2)
a logical sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury;
and (3) a showing of a proximate temporal relationship between vaccination and injury.” Id. at
1278.

        Under Althen prong one, a petitioner must provide a “reputable medical theory,”
demonstrating that the vaccine received can cause the type of injury alleged. Pafford, 451 F.3d at
1355-56 (citations omitted). To satisfy this prong, a petitioner’s theory must be based on a “sound
and reliable medical or scientific explanation.” Knudsen v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 35
F.3d 543, 548 (Fed. Cir. 1994). Proof that the proffered medical theory is reasonable, plausible,
or possible does not satisfy a petitioner’s burden. Boatmon v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 941
F.3d 1351, 1359-60 (Fed. Cir. Nov. 7, 2019).

        A petitioner may satisfy the first Althen prong without resort to medical literature,
epidemiological studies, demonstration of a specific mechanism, or a generally accepted medical
theory. Andreu v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 569 F.3d 1367, 1378-79 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (citing
Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1325-26). However, special masters are “entitled to require some indicia
of reliability to support the assertion of the expert witness.” Boatmon, 941 F.3d at 1360, quoting
Moberly, 592 F.3d at 1324. Special Masters, despite their expertise, are not empowered by statute
to conclusively resolve what are complex scientific and medical questions, and thus scientific
evidence offered to establish Althen prong one is viewed “not through the lens of the laboratorian,
but instead from the vantage point of the Vaccine Act’s preponderant evidence standard.” Id. at
1380. Accordingly, special masters must take care not to increase the burden placed on a petitioner
in offering a scientific theory linking vaccine to injury. Contreras v. Sec’y of Health & Hum.
Servs., 121 Fed. Cl. 230, 245 (2015), vacated on other grounds, 844 F.3d 1363 (Fed. Cir. 2017);
see also Hock v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 17-168V, 2020 U.S. Claims LEXIS 2202 at
*52 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Sept. 30, 2020).

       The second Althen prong requires proof of a logical sequence of cause and effect, usually
supported by facts derived from a petitioner’s medical records. Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278; Andreu,

                                                                                                23
569 F.3d at 1375-77; Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1326 (“medical records and medical opinion
testimony are favored in vaccine cases, as treating physicians are likely to be in the best position
to determine whether a ‘logical sequence of cause and effect show[s] that the vaccination was the
reason for the injury’”) (quoting Althen, 418 F.3d at 1280). Medical records are generally viewed
as particularly trustworthy evidence, since they are created contemporaneously with the treatment
of the patient. Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993).

        However, medical records and/or statements of a treating physician’s views do not per se
bind the special master to adopt the conclusions of such an individual, even if they must be
considered and carefully evaluated. Section 13(b)(1) (providing that “[a]ny such diagnosis,
conclusion, judgment, test result, report, or summary shall not be binding on the special master or
court”); Snyder v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 88 Fed. Cl. 706, 746 n.67 (2009) (“there is
nothing … that mandates that the testimony of a treating physician is sacrosanct -- that it must be
accepted in its entirety and cannot be rebutted”). As with expert testimony offered to establish a
theory of causation, the opinions or diagnoses of treating physicians are only as trustworthy as the
reasonableness of their suppositions or bases. The views of treating physicians should also be
weighed against other, contrary evidence also present in the record -- including conflicting
opinions among such individuals. Hibbard v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 100 Fed. Cl. 742,
749 (2011) (not arbitrary or capricious for special master to weigh competing treating physicians’
conclusions against each other), aff’d, 698 F.3d 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2012); Caves v. Sec’y of Health &
Hum. Servs., No. 06-522V, 2011 WL 1935813, at *17 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Apr. 29, 2011), mot.
for review den’d, 100 Fed. Cl. 344, 356 (2011), aff’d without opinion, 475 Fed. App’x 765 (Fed.
Cir. 2012).

       The third Althen prong requires establishing a “proximate temporal relationship” between
the vaccination and the injury alleged. Althen, 418 F.3d at 1281. That term has been equated to
the phrase “medically-acceptable temporal relationship.” Id. A petitioner must offer
“preponderant proof that the onset of symptoms occurred within a timeframe which, given the
medical understanding of the disorder’s etiology, it is medically acceptable to infer causation.” de
Bazan v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 539 F.3d 1347, 1352 (Fed. Cir. 2008). The explanation
for what is a medically acceptable timeframe must also coincide with the theory of how the relevant
vaccine can cause an injury (Althen prong one’s requirement). Id. at 1352; Shapiro v. Sec’y of
Health & Hum. Servs., 101 Fed. Cl. 532, 542 (2011), recons. den’d after remand, 105 Fed. Cl. 353
(2012), aff’d mem., 503 F. App’x 952 (Fed. Cir. 2013); Koehn v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs.,
No. 11-355V, 2013 WL 3214877 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 30, 2013), mot. for review den’d (Fed.
Cl. Dec. 3, 2013), aff’d, 773 F.3d 1239 (Fed. Cir. 2014).

        B. Law Governing Analysis of Fact Evidence

        The process for making factual determinations in Vaccine Program cases begins with
analyzing the medical records, which are required to be filed with the petition. Section 11(c)(2).
The special master is required to consider “all [] relevant medical and scientific evidence contained
in the record,” including “any diagnosis, conclusion, medical judgment, or autopsy or coroner’s
report which is contained in the record regarding the nature, causation, and aggravation of the
petitioner’s illness, disability, injury, condition, or death,” as well as the “results of any diagnostic
or evaluative test which are contained in the record and the summaries and conclusions.” Section

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13(b)(1)(A). The special master is then required to weigh the evidence presented, including
contemporaneous medical records and testimony. See Burns v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 3
F.3d 413, 417 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (it is within the special master’s discretion to determine whether to
afford greater weight to contemporaneous medical records than to other evidence, such as oral
testimony surrounding the events in question that was given at a later date, provided that such
determination is evidenced by a rational determination).

        Medical records created contemporaneously with the events they describe are presumed to
be accurate and “complete” such that they present all relevant information on a patient’s health
problems. Cucuras, 993 F.2d at 1528; Doe/70 v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 95 Fed. Cl. 598,
608 (2010) (“[g]iven the inconsistencies between petitioner’s testimony and his contemporaneous
medical records, the special master’s decision to rely on petitioner’s medical records was rational
and consistent with applicable law”), aff’d, Rickett v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 468 F. App’x
952 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (non-precedential opinion). This presumption is based on the linked
proposition that (i) sick people visit medical professionals; (ii) sick people honestly report their
health problems to those professionals; and (iii) medical professionals record what they are told or
observe when examining their patients in as accurate a manner as possible, so that they are aware
of enough relevant facts to make appropriate treatment decisions. Sanchez v. Sec’y of Health &
Hum. Servs., No. 11-685V, 2013 WL 1880825, at *2 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Apr. 10, 2013), mot.
for review den’d (Fed. Cl. Feb. 11, 2019), vacated on other grounds, 809 Fed. Appx. 843 (Fed.
Cir. 2020); Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 26 Cl. Ct. 537, 543 (1992), aff’d, 993 F.2d
at 1525 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (“[i]t strains reason to conclude that petitioners would fail to accurately
report the onset of their daughter’s symptoms.”).

        Accordingly, if the medical records are clear, consistent, and complete, then they should
be afforded substantial weight. Lowrie v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 03-1585V, 2005
WL 6117475, at *20 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 12, 2005). Indeed, contemporaneous medical
records are generally found to be deserving of greater evidentiary weight than oral testimony --
especially where such testimony conflicts with the record evidence. Cucuras, 993 F.2d at 1528;
see also Murphy v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 23 Cl. Ct. 726, 733 (1991), aff’d per curiam,
968 F.2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1992), (citing United States v. U.S. Gypsum Co., 333 U.S. 364, 396
(1947) (“[i]t has generally been held that oral testimony which is in conflict with contemporaneous
documents is entitled to little evidentiary weight.”)).

        However, there are situations in which compelling oral testimony may be more persuasive
than written records, such as where records are deemed to be incomplete or inaccurate. Campbell
v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 69 Fed. Cl. 775, 779 (2006) (“like any norm based upon common
sense and experience, this rule should not be treated as an absolute and must yield where the factual
predicates for its application are weak or lacking”); Lowrie, 2005 WL 6117475, at *19 (“[w]ritten
records which are, themselves, inconsistent, should be accorded less deference than those which
are internally consistent”) (quoting Murphy, 23 Cl. Ct. at 733)). Ultimately, a determination
regarding a witness’s credibility is needed when determining the weight that such testimony should
be afforded. Andreu, 569 F.3d at 1379; Bradley v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 991 F.2d 1570,
1575 (Fed. Cir. 1993).

                                                                                                  25
         When witness testimony is offered to overcome the presumption of accuracy afforded to
contemporaneous medical records, such testimony must be “consistent, clear, cogent and
compelling.” Sanchez, 2013 WL 1880825, at *3 (citing Blutstein v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs.,
No. 90-2808V, 1998 WL 408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998)). In determining the
accuracy and completeness of medical records, the Court of Federal Claims has listed four possible
explanations for inconsistencies between contemporaneously created medical records and later
testimony: (1) a person’s failure to recount to the medical professional everything that happened
during the relevant time period; (2) the medical professional’s failure to document everything
reported to her or him; (3) a person’s faulty recollection of the events when presenting testimony;
or (4) a person’s purposeful recounting of symptoms that did not exist. LaLonde v. Sec’y of Health
& Hum. Servs., 110 Fed. Cl. 184, 203-04 (2013), aff’d, 746 F.3d 1334 (Fed. Cir. 2014). In making
a determination regarding whether to afford greater weight to contemporaneous medical records
or other evidence, such as testimony at hearing, there must be evidence that this decision was the
result of a rational determination. Burns, 3 F.3d at 417.

       C. Analysis of Expert Testimony

        Establishing a sound and reliable medical theory connecting the vaccine to the injury often
requires a petitioner to present expert testimony in support of her claim. Lampe v. Sec’y of Health
& Hum. Servs., 219 F.3d 1357, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2000). Vaccine Program expert testimony is
usually evaluated according to the factors for analyzing scientific reliability set forth in Daubert
v. Merrell Dow Pharm., Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 594-96 (1993). See Cedillo v. Sec’y of Health & Hum.
Servs., 617 F.3d 1328, 1339 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (citing Terran v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 195
F.3d 1302, 1316 (Fed. Cir. 1999). “The Daubert factors for analyzing the reliability of testimony
are: (1) whether a theory or technique can be (and has been) tested; (2) whether the theory or
technique has been subjected to peer review and publication; (3) whether there is a known or
potential rate of error and whether there are standards for controlling the error; and (4) whether the
theory or technique enjoys general acceptance within a relevant scientific community.” Terran,
195 F.3d at 1316 n.2 (citing Daubert, 509 U.S. at 592-95).

        The Daubert factors play a slightly different role in Vaccine Program cases than they do
when applied in other federal judicial fora. Daubert factors are employed by judges to exclude
evidence that is unreliable and potentially confusing to a jury. In Vaccine Program cases, these
factors are used in the weighing of the reliability of scientific evidence. Davis v. Sec’y of Health
& Hum. Servs., 94 Fed. Cl. 53, 66-67 (2010) (“uniquely in this Circuit, the Daubert factors have
been employed also as an acceptable evidentiary-gauging tool with respect to persuasiveness of
expert testimony already admitted”). The flexible use of the Daubert factors to evaluate
persuasiveness and reliability of expert testimony has routinely been upheld. See, e.g., Snyder, 88
Fed. Cl. at 743. In this matter, (as in numerous other Vaccine Program cases), Daubert has not
been employed at the threshold to determine what evidence should be admitted, but instead to
determine whether expert testimony offered is reliable and/or persuasive.

        Respondent frequently offers one or more experts of his own in order to rebut a petitioner’s
case. Where both sides offer expert testimony, a special master’s decision may be “based on the
credibility of the experts and the relative persuasiveness of their competing theories.”
Broekelschen v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 618 F.3d 1339, 1347 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (citing

                                                                                                   26
Lampe, 219 F.3d at 1362). However, nothing requires the acceptance of an expert’s conclusion
“connected to existing data only by the ipse dixit of the expert,” especially if “there is simply too
great an analytical gap between the data and the opinion proffered.” Snyder, 88 Fed. Cl. at 743
(quoting Gen. Elec. Co. v. Joiner, 522 U.S. 136, 146 (1997)). A “special master is entitled to
require some indicia of reliability to support the assertion of the expert witness.” Moberly, 592
F.3d at 1324. Weighing the relative persuasiveness of competing expert testimony, based on a
particular expert’s credibility, is part of the overall reliability analysis to which special masters
must subject expert testimony in Vaccine Program cases. Id. at 1325-26 (“[a]ssessments as to the
reliability of expert testimony often turn on credibility determinations”); see also Porter v. Sec’y
of Health & Hum. Servs., 663 F.3d 1242, 1250 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (“this court has unambiguously
explained that special masters are expected to consider the credibility of expert witnesses in
evaluating petitions for compensation under the Vaccine Act”).

        D. Consideration of Medical Literature

        Although this decision discusses some but not all of the medical literature in detail, I
reviewed and considered all of the medical records and literature submitted in this matter. See
Moriarty v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 844 F.3d 1322, 1328 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (“We generally
presume that a special master considered the relevant record evidence even though [s]he does not
explicitly reference such evidence in h[er] decision.”); Simanski v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs.,
115 Fed. Cl. 407, 436 (2014) (“[A] Special Master is ‘not required to discuss every piece of
evidence or testimony in her decision.’” (citation omitted)), aff’d, 601 F. App’x 982 (Fed. Cir.
2015).

   V.      Analysis

        Because Petitioner does not allege an injury listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, her claim
is classified as “off-Table.” As noted above, to prevail on an “off-Table” claim, Petitioner must
prove by preponderant evidence that she suffered an injury and that this injury was caused by the
vaccination at issue. See Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1320.

        A. Petitioner Has Not Carried Her Burden of Proof

           1. Althen Prong 1

        In the context of the Program, “to establish causation, the standard of proof is
preponderance of evidence, not scientific certainty.” Langland v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Serv.,
109 Fed. Cl. 421, 441 (2013). Petitioner’s burden under Althen’s first prong is to provide a medical
theory causally connecting the vaccination and the injury. Id. This theory must be sound and
reliable. Boatmon, 941 F.3d at 1359.

        At the outset, I will note that Petitioner seemingly presented several discrete theories with
respect to how the flu vaccine caused her injuries. I do not find these theories were connected in
a persuasive manner.

                                                                                                  27
        According to Petitioner, “Dr. Axelrod’s theory can be broken into two parts—1) The
development of an immune complex disease and 2) the progression into a chronic, Th2-driven
allergic state.” Pet’r’s Brief at 12. More specifically, Petitioner’s expert indicates that Petitioner’s
flu vaccination caused her to develop an immune complex disease or a systemic adaptive immune
response. The systemic adaptive immune reaction led to chronic autoimmune disease. Petitioner’s
immune response shifted to a Th2 phenotype. Petitioner’s autoimmune disease then persisted
based on the development of idiotypic networks.

         Dr. Axelrod opined that Petitioner experienced symptoms consistent with a systemic
adaptive immune reaction. He cited the Lawley article for this proposition. This paper discusses
the evaluation of 12 patients with bone marrow failure who were treated with “daily infusions of
horse antithymocyte globulin.” Lawley at 1408. Clinical signs of serum sickness developed in 11
of the 12 patients between 8 and 13 days after the initiation of therapy. Id. Dr. Bardana disputed
that flu vaccine can cause serum sickness based on the articles cited by Dr. Axelrod. He noted that
the large quantity of anti-thymocyte globulin administered in the Lawley study was “vastly
different” than that administered in a vaccine dose. See First Bardana Rep. at 19.

        Petitioner also cited to the Apisarnthanarak article, which reported that 14 of 495 healthcare
personnel developed a serum sickness-like reaction within 3-28 days after receipt of the influenza
vaccination. Apisarnthanarak at 2. Specifically, they developed fever, myalgia, centrifugal
arthralgias, and injection cite erythema with a median duration of symptoms of six days. Id. at 2,
4. Dr. Bardana disputed the relevance of this article, noting that the vaccine was manufactured in
Thailand, thus it is unclear whether the rigorous standards the U.S. uses in vaccine manufacture
were applied in this context. Second Bardana Rep. at 9. Dr. Bardana further noted that the article
makes no claim of vaccine causality. Id. Considering the above positions, I find that Petitioner
has presented preponderant evidence that the flu vaccine can cause serum sickness, although as
discussed later in this decision, I do not find that it did so in this case.12

        Dr. Axelrod opined that after she developed an immune response to the flu vaccine,
Petitioner’s immune response shifted to a Th2 phenotype, causing her to develop severe food
allergies and urticaria. Dr. Axelrod generally described the Th2 response as follows:

        Both CD8+ T-cells and CD4+ T-cells are able to clear influenza virus. CD4+ T-
        cell stimulation results in at least 2 subtypes of CD4+ T-cells. These cells are
        labeled Th1 and Th2 cells, identified by the chemicals that these 2 subtypes release.
        CD4+ Th1 cells release high levels of γ-interferon that helps clear virus infected
        cells. CD4+ Th2 cells release high levels of Interleukin-4. Interleukin-4 further
        amplifies the generation of the Th2 phenotype. The Th2 phenotype suppresses the
        generation of Cytotoxic Lymphocytes, reducing the ability to clear virus infected
        cells. The Th2 phenotype results in allergy, noted by the release of a number of
        cytokines, including IL-4.

12
  I note that I have found flu vaccination can cause serum sickness in a prior case. See Bryan v. Sec’y of
Health & Hum. Servs., No. 14-898V, 2020 WL 7089841 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Oct. 9, 2020). The evidence
presented in Bryan was different than the case at bar. Specifically, in that case, Petitioner’s treating doctors
diagnosed him with serum sickness that they attributed to his flu vaccine.

                                                                                                             28
First Axelrod Rep. at 6.

       Petitioner cited to the Moran article to support her theory that influenza vaccination
generates a Th2 response. Moran observed that “the inactivated virus immunization primed for a
Th2 type response, whereas live virus elicited a Th1 response.” Moran at 581.

         Petitioner also cited to the Sun article to support the theory that the influenza vaccination
causes an increase in Th2 cytokines, specifically IL-4. See Sun et al., Altered influenza virus
haemagglutinin (HA)-derived peptide is potent therapy for CIA by inducing Th1 to Th2 shift, 8
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY, 348-58 (2011) (filed as Ex. 31) (hereinafter “Sun”). In
this article, Sun described a study whereby collagen induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in mice
by immunization with type II collagen. Sun studied the mice after injecting an altered influenza
virus haemagglutinin (HA)-derived peptide (altered HA308–317), a wild-type HA308–317
peptide, and an irrelevant peptide. Id. at 349. The study concluded that the altered peptide
ameliorated CIA. Id. at 352. The article noted that “Wild-type HA peptide also decreased the
levels of Th1 cells … and increased the levels of Th2 cells … [h]owever, the effect was much
milder than altered HA peptide.” Id. Specifically the study found “The wild-type HA peptide
treatment resulted in no significant change in the serum levels of IL-10 and MCP-1, a mild
reduction in the serum levels of IL-6 and a mild increase of IL-4 as compared with the levels in
irrelevant peptide-treated mice.” Id. at 353. Because there has been no further discussion or
analysis of his article, it is unclear what a “much milder” effect or a “mild increase of IL-4”
signifies. Further, it is also unclear whether and to what extent a wild-type haemagglutinin-derived
peptide is relevant to demonstrate that similar results would exist with an inactivated flu vaccine.

         Petitioner cited to the Dourado article for the proposition that increased IL-4 production
has been demonstrated in atopic disease. Dourado et al., Role of IL-4 in aversion induced by food
allergy in mice, 262 CELLULAR IMMUNITY, 62-68 (2010) (filed as Ex. 33). Petitioner also cited
Maggi to link Th2 cells to allergy. At the outset, it is important to note that the Maggi article
stated, “The mechanisms responsible for the preferential development of allergen-reactive Th2
cells in atopic subjects have not yet been completely clarified.” Maggi at 4. However, Maggi does
provide some connection between Th2 and allergy. “Recent evidence has been accumulated to
suggest that allergen-reactive type 2 helper T cells (Th2) play a triggering role in the activation
and/or recruitment of IgE antibody-producing B cells, mast cells and eosinophils, i.e. the cellular
triad involved in the allergic inflammation.” Id. at 1. Maggi further wrote that “Strong evidence
has been accumulated to support this concept that Th2 cells play a central role in atopy.” Id. at 3.
Maggi concluded by stating, “Th2 cells are generated from precursor naive Th cells when they
encounter the specific antigen in an IL-4-containing microenvironment. However, the source of
IL-4 required at the initiation of response for the development of naive Th cells into Th2 effectors
is still unknown.” Id. at 10. This point seems to be significant. Specifically, Maggi appears to
state that the source of the IL-4 in initiating a Th2 phenotype is important with respect to whether
an allergic response ensues.

        Petitioner’s theory is that this shift to a Th2 phenotype results in allergy. Dr. Axelrod
stated, “This suggests that inactivated influenza vaccination (that includes hemagglutinin) can shift
an already active Th1 phenotype response to an active Th2 phenotype response, sufficient to

                                                                                                   29
change the function of the immune response to an allergy phenotype (Th2 phenotype).” First
Axelrod Rep. at 6. While the articles cited by Petitioner do support the point that flu vaccine may
cause the upregulation of Th2 cytokines, there has been no discussion of how the upregulation of
these cytokines is anything other than transient. Further, it is not clear how upregulation of Th2
cytokines is “sufficient to change the function of the immune response to an allergy phenotype”
(emphasis added).

        Dr. Axelrod’s theory then moves from serum sickness and Th2 immunity to the
development of idiotypic networks. Specifically, he opined that “[t]he development and
persistence of an autoimmune disease following vaccination is possible based upon the
development idiotypic networks”. First Axelrod Rep. at 5. Dr. Axelrod described idiotypic
networks as follows:

       The immune response mounts an adaptive immune response to the immunogen
       (vaccine). The immune response to the vaccine produces antibodies and cell
       receptors that have unique structures that interact with the vaccine. These unique
       structures then induce immune responses to these unique structures that are
       structurally similar to the vaccine structures to which the initial anti-body or cell
       receptor interacted.

First Axelrod Rep. at 5.

        Dr. Axelrod cited to Jerne in support of his theory that Petitioner’s autoimmune condition
persisted due to the development of idiotypic networks. See N.K. Jerne, Towards a Network
Theory of the Immune System, ANN. IMMUNOL., 373‐89 (1974) (filed as Ex. 24) (hereinafter
“Jerne”).

         Dr. Bardana noted that the Jerne paper was a “theoretical forecast” that “expresses the
authors opinion that the precise immunopathogenesis remains to be determined.” First Bardana
Rep. at 20. I find Dr. Bardana’s summary is accurate. Below is the first sentence of the Jerne
article:

       While listening to this week's colloquium on the genetics of immunoglobulins and
       of the immune response, I have given some thought to the long road along which
       immunology has travelled since the days of Louis Pasteur. I should like to place
       my concluding remarks in this perspective, by briefly looking at the past, and at our
       present situation, and by attempting to predict in what direction immunological
       theory will develop in the next years.

Jerne at 1. I also note that the paper was written in 1974. A theoretical paper that discusses
predictions for immunological theory, when considered in the context of this case is not
sufficiently reliable to pass muster under Althen prong one.

       In sum, the pieces of Petitioner’s theory appear somewhat disjointed. For example, it is
unclear how Petitioner’s systemic adaptive immune response connects to the shift to a Th2 profile.

                                                                                                30
Also unclear is how the shift to a Th2 profile has anything to do with the development of idiotypic
networks. These almost appear to be separate, stand-alone theories.

        I will also note that Petitioner has provided no medical literature which supports a
connection between the flu vaccine and the development of food allergies. While this type of
evidence is not required in order for Petitioner to establish a reputable prong one theory, the
absence of such evidence does not serve to advance Petitioner’s case. “[A] scientific theory that
lacks any empirical support will have limited persuasive force.” Caves v. Sec’y of Health & Hum.
Servs., 100 Fed. Cl. 119, 134 (2011), aff’d without opinion, 463 F. App’x 932 (Fed. Cir. 2012).

       Ultimately, for the reasons discussed above, I find that Petitioner has not presented
preponderant evidence in the form of a reputable medical theory which demonstrates that the flu
vaccine can cause food allergies.

           2. Althen Prong 2

        Under Althen’s second prong, a petitioner must “prove a logical sequence of cause and
effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury.” Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278. The
sequence of cause and effect must be “'logical' and legally probable, not medically or scientifically
certain.” Id. A petitioner is not required to show “epidemiologic studies, rechallenge, the presence
of pathological markers or genetic disposition, or general acceptance in the scientific or medical
communities to establish a logical sequence of cause and effect.” Id. (omitting internal citations).
Capizzano v. Sec'y of Health & Hum. Servs., 440 F.3d 1317, 1325 (Fed. Cir. 2006). Instead,
circumstantial evidence and reliable medical opinions may be sufficient to satisfy the second
Althen prong. Isaac v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 08-601V, 2012 U.S. Claims LEXIS
1023 at *75 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 30, 2012), aff’d 108 Fed. Cl. 743 (Fed. Cl. 2013).

       Petitioner’s theory in this case is that her flu vaccination led to a systemic adaptive immune
response which in turn caused her chronic autoimmune disease in the form of severe allergies and
chronic urticaria. For the reasons discussed below, I find that Petitioner has not demonstrated she
developed a systemic adaptive immune response, or that she suffered from chronic urticaria or
severe allergies; further, Petitioner did not present evidence that she experienced an autoimmune
process.

                   a. Petitioner did not Experience a Systemic Adaptive Immune Reaction in
                      early October 2011, but instead had a Viral Infection

        Petitioner’s theory is that her vaccination led to a systemic adaptive immune reaction which
in turn caused her chronic autoimmune disease in the form of severe allergies. On October 4,
2011, Petitioner presented to St. John’s Urgent Care with a fever, body aches, scratchy throat,
congestion, dizziness, shortness of breath, muscle pain, swollen glands, headache, and a cough
that she had been experiencing for two to three days. Ex. 2 at 1. Dr. Michael Kurzawa assessed
her with “influenza/viral syndrome”. Id. He prescribed Motrin, fluids, Tessalon, and Tamiflu. Id.

       Fundamental to Petitioner’s theory is that this initial reaction constituted a systemic
adaptive immune response to vaccination. Dr. Axelrod opined that “[a]lthough infection with the

                                                                                                  31
influenza virus can cause the symptoms with which she presented, those symptoms can also be
produced by vaccination.” Second Axelrod Rep. at 9. Dr. Axelrod pointed to the increased
cytokine production after vaccination as an explanation for Petitioner’s signs and symptoms on
October 4, 2011. Id. According to Petitioner, “it is logical to conclude that Mrs. Solak felt flu-
like after administration of the influenza vaccination and did not actually have an infection.”
Pet’r’s Brief at 14. However, it is unclear how a cytokine response could have caused some of
Petitioner’s symptoms. In fact, Dr. Bardana called this theory “scientifically untenable”. First
Bardana Rep. at 24. Specifically, he stated “Ms. Solak’s scratchy throat, nasal congestion, and
shortness of breath are clearly not features that are seen in immune complex disease.” Id.

        I find the evidence preponderantly establishes that Petitioner had a viral infection on
October 4, 2011. Dr. Kurzawa’s opinion on this matter is especially probative, as he examined
and treated Petitioner on this date. After his examination, Dr. Kurzawa treated Petitioner with
Motrin, fluids, Tessalon, and Tamiflu. Dr. Bardana’s analysis that Petitioner would not have
experienced scratchy throat, nasal congestion, or shortness of breath as a result of immune complex
disease further supports the fact that Petitioner had a viral infection. Because the first step in
Petitioner’s theory, that her vaccination led to a systemic adaptive immune reaction, has not been
established, Petitioner has failed to meet her burden of preponderant proof under Althen prong
two. Although the analysis could end here, I find additional evidence in Petitioner’s medical
records merits discussion.

                    b. Petitioner did not Experience Chronic Autoimmune Disease in the Form of
                       Severe Allergies or Chronic Urticaria

        An additional step in Petitioner’s theory is that her systemic adaptive immune reaction led
to autoimmune disease in the form of chronic urticaria and severe allergies. In short, the evidence
presented in this case does not establish that Petitioner had chronic urticaria or severe allergies or
that she experienced an autoimmune process.

                             i. Petitioner’s Urticaria

        On October 10, 2011, Petitioner visited Dr. Ragireddy at Wayne State University Family
Medicine for an upper respiratory infection and a rash. Ex. 3 at 5. During this visit, the medical
records note that Petitioner experienced fatigue, fever, chills, cough, and nasal congestion. Id.
The record further indicates that Petitioner developed a maculopapular rash13 on her arms, face,
neck, chest, and trunk, that morning. Id. at 5, 7. Urticaria is noted as an associated factor. Id. at
5. Petitioner was assessed with “Bronchitis, acute, with bronchospasm” and “Maculopapular rash
generalized”, “D/D [differential diagnosis] drug eruption Vs urticaria.” Id. at 8. Dr. Ragireddy
prescribed Zithromax and Prednisone. Id. According to Dr. Axelrod, Petitioner “was given

13
  A maculopapular rash is defined “as a rash characterized by both macules and papules.” Maculopapular,
Dorland’s at 1079. A macule is defined as “a stain, spot, or thickening; an area distinguishable from its
surroundings by color or other characteristic.” Id. A papule is defined as “a small circumscribed,
superficial, solid elevation of the skin less than 1 cm (0.5 cm according to some authorities) in diameter.”
Dorland’s Online, https://www.dorlandsonline.com/dorland/definition?id=36692 (last visited Feb. 19,
2021).

                                                                                                         32
Azithromycin and Prednisone with a taper, for a presumed drug eruption.” First Axelrod Rep. at
1. This statement acknowledges that Petitioner’s treating doctor believed Petitioner’s
rash/urticaria was caused by a drug eruption. Further, Dr. Bardana stated that Tamiflu has been
associated with “a variety of dermatologic side effects including urticaria…” First Bardana Rep.
at 16. Petitioner’s rash resolved by October 17, 2011. Id. at 1.

         Although Dr. Axelrod contends that Petitioner experienced urticaria on other occasions,
the basis for this assertion is unsupported in the record. For example, Dr. Axelrod stated that on
November 10, 2011, Petitioner presented “with hives and gastrointestinal symptoms after eating
dairy products.” First Axelrod Rep. at 2. However, in examining that record, Petitioner completed
a questionnaire for her allergist, Dr. Dhillon, wherein she wrote that the main reason for her visit
was “[h]ives, stomach problems, vomiting after digested [sic] dairy products, hives/severe reaction
after receiving flu shot”. Ex. 7 at 56. Dr. Axelrod further stated that “it is likely that the cause of
the hives (be they allergic or idiopathic) persisted” based on notes from Dr. Dhillon on November
10, 2011. Second Axelrod Rep. at 6; see also Ex. 7 at 60. However, in examining these notes,
this entire page reflects a patient history and not a physical examination. The notes describe her
sister’s apple allergy, Petitioner’s recounting that she developed the flu after the flu vaccine, as
well as other historical information. See Ex. 7 at 60. The disputed portion of the record reads as
follows:

       I read these notes to say:

       yogurt and cheese               has gotten worse in 2 weeks
       rash
       eggs – lips swollen
       bunty cake              hives

        Again, this information appears to be historical in nature and not based on Dr. Dhillon’s
physical examination. In short, I do not see any indication that Dr. Dhillon observed Petitioner to
be suffering from hives on November 10, 2011.

        Additionally, on November 11, 2011, Petitioner presented to the Crittenton Hospital ER
complaining of throat swelling after eating oatmeal. Ex. 4 at 128. Dr Axelrod stated that “she
received a diagnosis of an acute allergic reaction and acute urticaria.” First Axelrod Rep. at 2.
However, it appears her diagnosis was “allergic reaction, unspecified”. Ex. 4 at 131. Further, it
does not appear that Petitioner was diagnosed with urticaria or that she had any type of skin
problems during this visit. Of note, the examination of her skin indicated that she had “no acute
rashes, lesions or induration”. Id. at 129.

                                                                                                    33
        On April 12, 2012, Petitioner went to the ER after experiencing “flushing of her face,
feeling dizzy, and … fluttering of her right eyelid.” Ex. 4 at 38. Under “general”, the record notes,
“Awake and alert, answers questions appropriately. Normal mood, No rash, no welts no hives.”
Id. at 36. The review of systems section of this record says in part, “No rash except her left arm
is slightly itchy.” Id. at 38. That description is contradicted later in the record when the skin
section of the examination indicates, “She has slight petechial rash14 on her left upper arm.” Id. at
39. The final impressions/diagnosis include: 1. Acute allergic reaction. 2. Acute of urticaria. 3.
History of allergic rhinitis. Id. Based on the overall context of this ER visit, it appears that “Acute
of urticaria” is missing the word “history” and should instead read “Acute history of urticaria” or
“History of acute urticaria.” I base this observation on the fact that there is no mention of Petitioner
experiencing hives during this assessment. As discussed in the footnote, a petechial rash is not the
equivalent of hives.

        Dr. Axelrod contends that Petitioner “suffered a chronic (greater than 6 weeks) urticaria.”
First Axelrod Rep. at 5. Based on the above discussion, I do not find Petitioner experienced
chronic urticaria. She developed a rash with associated urticaria on October 10, 2011 that her
doctor attributed to medication. This rash/urticaria went away within one week. There is no
objective support in any of the medical records that Petitioner presented with hives on any other
occasion. Further, as Dr. Bardana noted, “Even if she had well-demonstrated egg allergy (which
is not the case), the urticaria appearance would be an atypical reaction to egg allergen given 11
days before.” Second Bardana Rep. at 5.

                             ii. Petitioner’s Food Allergies

        Petitioner visited Dr. Dhillon on November 10, 2011 for allergy testing. It appears that the
testing performed was the SPT (skin puncture/prick test). The Bird article describes the SPT as “a
safe, effective method of detecting specific IgE antibodies.” Bird et al., Clinical Management of
Food Allergy, 3 J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL PRACT, 1-11 (Jan/Feb 2015) (filed as Ex. A, Tab 3)
(hereinafter “Bird”). The Bird article goes on to state that “the clinician should be aware that a
positive test does not equate to clinical reactivity.” Id. This point is reinforced by Dr. Bardana:
“SPTs effectively detect the presence of IgE, but many patients have serum IgE without clinical
food allergy.” Third Bardana Rep. at 2.

        During the SPT, a test allergen is placed on the skin and then the skin under the allergen is
pricked with a needle. In order for the test to be positive, the test allergen must result in a wheal
(or a hive) that is at least three millimeters in diameter after subtracting the control. In this case,
the control was two millimeters. See First Bardana Rep. at 23; Ex. 7 at 62. The Sampson article
supports this point. “Allergens eliciting a wheal at least 3 mm larger than that produced by the
negative control are considered positive, indicating the possibility that the patient has symptomatic
reactivity to the specific food, with strongly positive results (eg, median wheal diameter >8-10

14
  Dr. Bardana defined petechiae as “non-blanchable and non-palpable pinpoint macules (less than a few
millimeters in diameter) that result from capillary inflammation and red blood cell extravasation. These can
be the result of steroid therapy, minor trauma, arthropod bites, etc. They are not allergic in nature.” Second
Bardana Rep. at 4.

                                                                                                           34
mm) indicating a greater likelihood of clinical reactivity.” Sampson at 811. With respect to
negative results, the Sampson article stated, “Negative skin test responses essentially confirm the
absence of IgE-mediated allergic reactivity (negative predictive accuracy, >95%).” Id. “A
negative SPT can be particularly useful to rule out suspected food allergens due to the relatively
high negative predictive value of SPT.” Bird at 4.

        Dr. Dhillon performed 46 puncture allergy tests. According to Dr. Bardana, twenty-five
of the tests were negative, sixteen showed minimal reactions (four-millimeter wheal) while three
(cashew, milk, blueberry) demonstrated a mildly positive reaction (five-millimeter wheal).15 First
Bardana Rep. at 22. Notably, Petitioner’s peanut allergen test was negative. Ex. 7 at 62; see also
First Bardana Rep. at 17.

        Dr. Bardana described the terms “minimally positive” and “mildly positive” as follows:

        …a minimal reaction would be indicative of an equivocal (probably clinically
        irrelevant) response and would not be expected to produce objective signs or
        symptoms in the patient.

        …

        [A] mild reaction would not produce any objective signs or symptoms in a
        significant percent of patients. It might induce transient abdominal pain, nausea,
        vomiting or diarrhea in a small percent of individuals or the development of
        urticaria with or without angioedema in a small percentage of individuals. I would
        not expect any generalized anaphylaxis or respiratory reactions.

Third Bardana Rep. at 3-4.

        Dr. Bardana pointed out that SPT testing is generally one step in diagnosing food allergies,
and that the gold standard for such diagnoses is double blind placebo-controlled food challenge.
Third Bardana Rep. at 2-3. He goes on to state that “If such a challenge is positive and the
symptoms correlate with the medical history, and are supported by laboratory tests, then the
diagnosis of food allergy is supported.” Id. at 3. Petitioner did not have any of this additional
testing performed.

                                          1. Airborne Peanut Allergy

        Dr. Bardana also discussed the likelihood of Petitioner having an airborne nut allergy. He
stated that “1. Peanut dust does not aerosolize; 2. Peanut butter vapors contain no protein; 3.
Surfaces can be effectively cleaned of peanut residual; 4. Skin contact might cause local irritation,

15
   I will note that this does not account for all the testing performed (25 + 15 + 3 = 43). See Ex. 7 at 62. Dr
Axelrod stated that Petitioner’s testing was positive with respect to “tree nuts, apple, peach, blueberry,
celery, corn, broccoli, egg white, egg yolk and onion.” First Axelrod Rep. at 2; Second Axelrod Rep. at 6.
Ultimately, the specific results (e.g. whether Petitioner tested minimally positive for broccoli (for example))
is not an essential component of this decision.

                                                                                                            35
but not systemic reactions.” Third Bardana Rep. at 4. Dr. Bardana cited to the Greenhawt article
in support of these points. Specifically, Greenhawt stated, “To date, there is no supporting
evidence that peanut or peanut dust becomes airborne or that inhaling vapors from peanut butter
triggers reaction.” Greenhawt at 477. Based on these observations, Dr. Bardana opined that
“[t]here is little risk posed from non-oral exposure to peanut in the environment from casual
contact, proximity or inhalation. Studies have recently confirmed that a dose of 1.5 mg of peanut
protein would be tolerated by 95% of the peanut allergic population based on objective symptoms
to challenge-based studies affirming earlier studies.” Third Bardana Rep. at 4. This opinion is
consistent with the opinion expressed by Dr. Dhillon. See Ex. 10 at 1 (Dr. Dhillon stated, “peanut
allergy is food borne and it’s very difficult to get anaphylaxis to peanuts – if somebody opens a
bag in the room without her touching it or eating it.”).

        Petitioner disputes this point and contends that Petitioner could have an airborne nut
allergy. Dr. Axelrod cited a paper by Ramirez which stated that “Persons who come into contact
with food, in either occupational or non-occupational settings, can inhale food particles that may
lead to adverse reactions in highly sensitive individuals, or may cause de novo sensitization.”
Ramirez & Bahna, Food hypersensitivity by inhalation, 7 CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR ALLERGY
(2009) (filed as Ex. 51) (hereinafter “Ramirez”). Dr. Bardana does not find the Ramirez article
compelling because it relies heavily on observations in the occupational setting, and “fails to
incorporate recent research related to casual exposures.” Third Bardana Rep. at 4. I find
Respondent’s literature and expert opinion to be more compelling on this point. The Greenhawt
article was published in 2018 and is thus significantly more current that the Ramirez article. The
opinions of Dr. Bardana and Dr. Dhillon carry significant weight. Also of particular note, Dr.
Axelrod never discussed how Petitioner’s negative peanut allergen test aligns with his theory of
the case. For these reasons, I find there is not preponderant evidence which demonstrates that
Petitioner has an airborne nut allergy.

                                        2. Petitioner’s ER Visits

      Petitioner visited the ER on seven separate occasions after October of 2011, each time
complaining of an allergic reaction. Below is a summary and discussion of each.

Petitioner’s November 11, 2011 ER Visit

        Petitioner visited the Crittenton Hospital ER on November 11, 2011 with a complaint of
“allergic reaction this morning.” Ex. 4 at 127. The medical records indicate that Petitioner ate
oatmeal that morning and felt that she developed a reaction. Id. at 132. The Crittenton records
indicate that she developed difficulty breathing16 and throat swelling and then presented to the ER.
Id. at 128. The physical exam revealed no stridor, no rash, and no angioedema, although she
appeared “quite anxious”. Id. at 128, 132. Petitioner was diagnosed with “allergic reaction,
unspecified”. Id. at 131. She was discharged after about six hours. Id. at 133.

Petitioner’s November 13, 2011 ER Visit

16
  Petitioner was also examined by Dr. Dhillon while she was in the ER. Dr. Dhillon’s records state, “The
patient denies any symptoms of difficulty breathing.” Ex. 4 at 132.

                                                                                                     36
        On November 13, 2011, Petitioner presented to the Crittenton Medical Center ER with
symptoms which included “tingling in her lips, dizziness and flushing to her head and chest.” Ex.
4 at 104. She took a Benadryl and felt that it was stuck in her throat. Id. Petitioner was described
as feeling “anxious, worried, and upset.” Id. at 105. The physical examination indicated that
Petitioner had “very mild flushing to her front of her chest and face, but no obvious swelling to
her lips or tongue.” Id. Dr. Loniewski wrote “The patient was examined by myself. I do not see
any significant signs of an allergic reaction. There are no signs of her airway closing. No rashes
or hives.” Id. She was described as feeling “anxious, worried, and upset.” Id. at 104-05.

Petitioner’s December 22, 2011 ER Visit

        On December 22, 2011, Petitioner presented to the Crittenton Medical Center ER
complaining of tightness in her throat and slight trouble breathing. Ex. 4 at 68. The HPI section
of the record states, “There was a package of food that arrived and apparently had peanuts in it.
She did not eat it or touch it she was just in the same room and started to feel dizzy.” Id.
Petitioner’s physical examination revealed no hives, no rash, no edema, no wheezing. Id. at 67,
68. She was diagnosed with “Allergic reaction, unspecified”. Id. at 69. Dr. Bardana opined that
Petitioner’s symptoms “are consistent with an anxiety-induced panic attack.” Second Bardana
Rep. at 3.

Petitioner’s January 29, 2012 ER Visit

        Petitioner presented to the St John Hospital ER on January 29, 2012 with a chief complaint
of “allergic reaction”. Ex. 9 at 1. The HPI section says, “Patient with allergy to peanuts with
throat swelling and flushing after eating seafood.” Id. at 4. The intake notes state that “pt is
allergic corn and accidentally ate some vegetable oil, pt states that she is having trouble breathing.
pt gave herself an epipen and Benadryl.” Id. at 29. The record also states, “pt states was eating
tuna fish today "and my throat felt like it was closing." pt states gave epi pen and benadryl and
"felt better." Id. at 35. The records indicate that Petitioner did not have any allergic swelling, rash,
or pruritis and that she had “subjective throat tightening symptoms.” Id. at 4, 9. The doctor
described her as having a “possible allergic reaction”. Id. at 7. The record also states that “[t]here
was no evidence of anaphylaxis pt treated empirically for throat tightness. Possible anxiety.” Id.
She was prescribed Xanax. Ex. 9 at 97.

Petitioner’s April 12, 2012 ER Visit

      Petitioner presented to the Crittenton Medical Center ER on April 12, 2012.                  She
complained of an allergic reaction. Ex. 4 at 35.

       Patient states she is allergies [sic] to every type of nut [i]ncluding dust from the
       nuts. [T]oday she states she walked into her office at work[.] All [of a] sudden she
       felt dizzy and lightheaded and nauseated and tingling to her lips[;] a tightness in
       her throat but not closing of her throat.

                                                                                                     37
Ex. 4 at 35. Petitioner’s physical exam revealed no rash, no welts, no hives, no swelling to lips,
no stridor in the neck. Id. at 36. She was diagnosed with “Allergic reaction, unspecified”. Id. at
37.

        Dr. Dhillon also examined Petitioner while she was in the ER. He noted that around 10:30
that morning, Petitioner began to experience some flushing of the face, feeling dizzy, and fluttering
of her right eyelid. Id. at 38. Petitioner also told Dr. Dhillon that she felt her throat was closing a
bit. Id. She indicated that she did not consume any nuts. Id. Further, she “did not get any positive
history from any of the coworkers regarding nut intake or having nuts in the office.” Id. Dr.
Dhillon’s review of systems indicates that she did not have any lip or tongue swelling. Id. He
further stated that Petitioner was “slightly nervous today when that sensation was starting.” Id.
Finally, Dr. Dhillon indicated that there was “No rash except her left arm is slightly itchy.”17 Id.

Petitioner’s March 12, 2014 ER Visit

        On March 12, 2014, Petitioner presented to the Detroit Medical Center ER. Ex. 8.
Petitioner reported that she “has an airborne allergy to nuts and someone was eating t[h]em around
her.” Id. at 7. Petitioner further reported,

           [S]he has a severe allergy to nuts. She states that she was at work when some[one]
           [ate] a candy bar in front of her that contained nuts. She states that she felt her
           throat beg[i]n to close. She felt weak and dizzy and had some difficulty breathing.
           She also felt that her tongue was swelling. An EpiPen was used. She is brought to
           the Emergency Department by EMS. She states that she has had anaphylactic
           reaction to nuts in the past.

Id. at 13. Petitioner’s physical exam was normal except that she was noted to have “some minimal
edema of the tongue.” Id. at 14. With respect to this finding, Dr. Bardana opined that “Detection
of minimal edema of the tongue in an unfamiliar patient is very difficult.” Second Bardana Rep.
at 5. I find that Dr. Bardana’s opinion is persuasive, especially when considered in conjunction
with the fact Petitioner tested negative for peanut allergy, and there is little risk posed from non-
oral exposure to peanuts.

Petitioner’s March 1, 2015 ER Visit

        On March 1, 2015, Petitioner presented to Eastside Urgent Care for an allergic reaction
after eating chicken. Ex. 12. The urgent care record notes that she had pharyngeal erythema (red
throat) and decreased air exchange. Id. at 2.

        These records also contain a hand-written list of allergies that Petitioner purportedly
experiences when she eats certain foods or comes into contact with certain allergens. See Ex. 12
at 6. Petitioner informed the medical provider that she was allergic to: almonds, apples, beans
(string), Brazil nuts, carrots, cashew nuts, celery, clams, corn, to include many derivatives such as
corn syrups, fructose, dextrose, xanthum gum, caramel coloring, fluoride (tap water, some bottled),
17
     A separate notation states that “She has slight petechial rash on her left upper arm.” Ex. 4 at 39.

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plastics, dish soap, body soap, hand soap, eggs, milk, peaches, pecans, chocolate, broccoli,
blueberry, onion, all nuts, beef, cantaloupe melon, chicken, cod fish, lobster, oranges, peas, pork,
potato, rice, rye, salmon, shrimp, soybean, strawberry, tomato, whole wheat, ginger, pineapple,
garlic, cherry, cucumber, yeast, mushroom, penicillin, and codeine. Id. Petitioner reported that
she experienced airborne allergies to tree nuts, and peanuts,18 to include things cooked in peanut
oil like Thai food. Id. Several of the entries are denoted as “deadly” allergies. Petitioner reported
that she experiences deadly allergies to almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, all nuts, corn, and eggs.
Id. This list is markedly different than Petitioner’s allergy testing results. See Ex. 7 at 62. Further,
there is no documentation in the medical records that Petitioner is actually allergic to the additional
substances she has enumerated during this appointment.

       After visiting urgent care, Petitioner was then transferred to the St John Hospital and
Medical Center Emergency Department. Ex. 11 at 12. The HPI states that Petitioner experienced
“swelling of the tongue and lips at home”. Id. at 17. The ED notes state

        Patient had previous allergic rx, tongue and throat were swollen, does not look
        swollen anymore but pt still does not feel back to normal. Pt used epi pen at home
        before going to urgent care. Urgent care did not feel comfortable sending pt home
        so pt was sent to ER.

Id. at 22.

        In sum, Petitioner presented to the ER on seven separate occasions after October of 2011,
and appears to have experienced objective signs during, at most, four of these visits (very mild
flushing to the front of her chest and face on November 13, 2011, (although the attending doctor
noted she had no significant signs of an allergic reaction during this visit), some disputed evidence
of a slight petechial rash on her left upper arm during the April 12, 2012 visit, minimal edema of
the tongue on March 12, 2014, and a red throat and decreased air exchange on March 1, 2015).
There were no objective signs during her ER visits on November 11, 2011, December 22, 2011,
and January 29, 2012. Also of note, Petitioner tested mildly positive to three allergens: cashew,
milk, and blueberry. There is no report that she consumed any of these foods before presenting to
the ER on any of the seven occasions. Additionally, Petitioner tested negative to peanut allergen
yet claims to have an airborne allergy to nuts. Petitioner’s treating doctors specifically mentioned
anxiety in several of these treatment records. (See Ex. 4 at 128 where Petitioner “appears quite
anxious”; Ex. 4 at 104-05 where Petitioner is described as “anxious, worried, and upset”; Ex. 4 at
38 where Petitioner was described as “slightly nervous today”; Ex. 9 at 97 documenting that
Petitioner was prescribed Xanax for anxiety).

        After reviewing Petitioner’s medical records, Dr. Bardana opined that while Petitioner may
have some mild bona fide food allergies, the majority of her symptoms were caused by anxiety.
Based on my own review of the medical records, I find Dr. Bardana’s opinion to be persuasive. I
do not find there is preponderant evidence that Petitioner experienced severe food allergies.

                            iii. Evidence of Autoimmunity
18
  This record is cut off thus it is not clear the entry says “peanuts”. I believe it does based on context (the
next entry indicates “including things cooked in peanut oil.”). See Ex. 12 at 6.

                                                                                                            39
        Dr. Bardana noted in his reports that Petitioner did not demonstrate any evidence of an
autoimmune process or disorder. Specifically, she did not have evidence of “immune complex
pathology such as cutaneous vasculitis, hepatitis, glomerulitis, or arthritis (synovitis), and she did
not demonstrate autoantibodies or changes in the autoantibody titer or organ inflammatory changes
related to an autoimmune disorder.” See First Bardana Rep. at 24. She did not have autoimmune
symptoms, physical findings, or laboratory biomarkers. Id. at 24-25. While this point, standing
alone would not necessarily be dispositive, when considered in conjunction with the other evidence
discussed above, it cuts against Petitioner with respect to the second Althen prong.

                   c. Petitioner’s Treating Physicians

       In weighing evidence, special masters are expected to consider the views of treating
doctors. Cappizano, 440 F.3d at 1326. The views of treating doctors about the appropriate
diagnosis are often persuasive because the doctors have direct experience with the patient whom
they are diagnosing. See McCulloch v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 09-293V, 2015 WL
3640610, at *20 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 22, 2015).

       Dr. Dhillon was Petitioner’s treating allergist. On November 8, 2012, he wrote a letter on
her behalf.

Ex. 13 at 1. Of note, there is no evidence in the contemporaneous medical records that Petitioner
had an adverse reaction to any prior flu shot. In fact, on November 10, 2011, Petitioner completed
an “Allergy-Immunology History Questionnaire”. Ex. 7 at 56. One of the questions posed was
“Any reactions to vaccines you have received?” Id. Petitioner responded: “flu shot 9-30-11”. Id.
The fact that she did not list a reaction to any prior flu vaccine suggests that she did not experience
such an adverse reaction. In addition, on November 10, 2009, Petitioner received the H1N1
vaccine. Ex. 5 at 4. She signed an acknowledgment indicating that she had been informed of the
contraindications of this vaccine, which included among other things “[p]revious hypersensitivity
to any vaccine.” Id. Presumably, because Petitioner received the shot on that date, she had not
experienced any of the listed contraindications with respect to her vaccination on October 14,
2008. It appears that Dr. Dhillon based his letter on the history of prior reaction that Petitioner
provided to him. While there is nothing improper about this, I do not find it to be compelling
evidence that Petitioner had an adverse reaction to her prior flu vaccines or that her 2011 flu
vaccine caused any of her medical problems.

                                                                                                    40
        On February 7, 2014, Petitioner completed a special accommodations eligibility
questionnaire for a mortgage loan originator test. Ex. 7 at 64. On this form, Petitioner wrote that
she has a “Severe Airborne Nut Allergy [includes ALL foods processed in factory that packages
ANY nut products also including Thai and Chinese food]”. Id. (emphasis in original). Dr. Dhillon
then completed several questions. When asked “Describe the manner in which this disability
impairs major life activity/functioning?” He wrote, “When patient gets exposed to nuts she gets
anxious, trouble breathing tongue swelling and [sic]”. Id. at 66. When asked “Identify the
aspect(s) of the candidate’s functioning which requires testing accommodations, and the effect of
the disability on the candidate’s functioning under standard testing conditions”, Dr. Dhillon wrote
“gets impaired judgment”. Id.

        On August 19, 2015, Petitioner visited Dr. Dhillon to have her disability paperwork
completed. Dr. Dhillon wrote that he “explained to her I doubt food allergy can qualify as
disability.” Ex. 10 at 1.

        On September 1, 2015, Dr. Dhillon completed a form entitled “Physical Residual
Functional Capacity Questionnaire”. Ex. 10 at 3-6. Dr. Dhillon indicated that Petitioner was
diagnosed with food intolerance and nut allergy. Id. at 3. He reported that emotional factors,
which include anxiety, contribute to the severity of Petitioner’s symptoms and limitations. Id. at
4. In response to the question, “Are your patient’s impairments (physical impairments plus any
emotional impairments reasonably consistent with the symptoms and functional limitations
described in this evaluation?”, Dr. Dhillon responded “no.” Id. In the comments section, he wrote
that her symptoms are short lasting. Id.

       Petitioner returned to Dr. Dhillon on September 25, 2015. Dr Dhillon summarized this
appointment as follows:19

           Patient here to get disability form filled out. Patient brings a pre-filled form from
           [illegible] and advises me to fill what she thinks should be put on the form.

           I explained I have to fill the form [sic] what I feel as a medical doctor should go on
           the disability form[.] Patient gets mad states so you are saying that my “peanut
           allergy is not air borne.” I explained that peanut allergy is food borne and it’s very
           difficult to get anaphylaxis to peanuts – if somebody opens a bag in the room
           without her touching it or eating it. And also I said her skin testing is more than
           three years old. Patient was getting mad that I’m not putting on the form what she
           needs. I put on the form that I refuse to fill the form. Patient left.

Ex. 10 at 1. See also, Ex. 10 at 7. This entry from September 25, 2015 demonstrates Dr. Dhillon
does not believe that Petitioner has an airborne nut allergy.

        Petitioner’s general theory in this case is that her vaccination led to a systemic adaptive
immune reaction which in turn caused her chronic autoimmune disease in the form of severe
allergies and chronic urticaria. The evidence presented in this case does not establish that
Petitioner suffered from a systemic adaptive immune response, chronic urticaria, or severe
19
     Dr. Dhillon’s handwriting is very difficult to read. I have transcribed his text as best as I was able.

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allergies; further, Petitioner did not present evidence that she experienced an autoimmune process.
Petitioner has therefore failed to preponderantly demonstrate that her flu vaccination “did cause”
any of her medical problems and has thus not established the second prong of Althen.

              3. Althen Prong 3

        The timing prong contains two parts. First, a petitioner must establish the “timeframe for
which it is medically acceptable to infer causation” and second, she must demonstrate that the
onset of the disease occurred in this period. Shapiro v. Secʼy of Health & Hum. Servs., 101 Fed.
Cl. 532, 542-43 (2011), recons. denied after remand on other grounds, 105 Fed. Cl. 353 (2012),
aff’d without op., 503 F. App’x 952 (Fed. Cir. 2013).

           Dr. Axelrod opined as follows with respect to the third Althen prong:

           Diane Solak suffered a systemic immune reaction, initially manifested as an
           immune complex disease with a rash that intermittently recurred at least into March
           2015. The time interval between the vaccination and the onset of her systemic
           immune reaction was 2-3 days, consistent with a secondary adaptive immune
           response to the inactivated influenza vaccine. This disorder then occurred
           episodically through March of 2015.

First Axelrod Rep. at 7. As explained earlier in this decision, I do not find that Petitioner
experienced a systemic immune reaction, but instead find the medical records and medical opinion
evidence support the fact that she had a viral infection. Accordingly, Petitioner has not
demonstrated that the onset of her disease occurred in a medically appropriate timeframe. Shapiro,
101 Fed. Cl. at 542-43. She has not presented preponderant proof with respect to the third Althen
prong.

     VI.      Conclusion

        Upon careful evaluation of all the evidence submitted in this matter, including the medical
records, the affidavits, as well as the experts’ opinions and medical literature, I conclude that
Petitioner has not shown by preponderant evidence that she is entitled to compensation under the
Vaccine Act. Her petition is therefore DISMISSED. The clerk shall enter judgment
accordingly.20

           IT IS SO ORDERED.

                                                                 s/ Katherine E. Oler
                                                                 Katherine E. Oler
                                                                 Special Master

20
  Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by each filing (either jointly
or separately) a notice renouncing their right to seek review.

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