Court Opinion

ID: 4277372
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2018-05-22 16:01:41.632775+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:34:06.715179
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                     OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                          Filed: April 20, 2018

* * * * * * * * * *                       *   *    *
TADEK and RENATA TOWPIK,                  *
parents of A.T., a minor,                 *
                                          *           UNPUBLISHED
             Petitioner,                  *
                                          *           Special Master Gowen
v.                                        *           No. 15-1213V
                                          *
SECRETARY OF HEALTH                       *           Proffer; Conceded; MMR Vaccine;
AND HUMAN SERVICES,                       *           Encephalopathy.
                                          *
             Respondent.                  *
                                          *
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Edward M. Kraus, Law Offices of Chicago Kent, Chicago, IL, for petitioners.
Amy P. Kokot, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

                                          DECISION ON PROFFER1

Gowen, Special Master:

        On October 16, 2015, petitioners filed a petition for compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the “Vaccine Act”), on
behalf of their minor son, A.T. Petitioners allege that A.T. suffered an encephalopathy as a
result of an MMR vaccine administered on March 26, 2013. Petition at Preamble.

        On June 17, 2016, respondent filed his Rule 4(c) Report in which he concedes that
petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Report at 1. On June 27, 2016,
a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding petitioner entitled to a presumption of causation.
Counsel for the parties have worked diligently with their experts and have come to a resolution
of damages. Their respective life care planners have agreed on future care issues and costs, pain
and suffering, and petitioners’ past unreimbursable expenses. On March 29, 2018, respondent
1
  Because this decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, the undersigned intends to post it
on the website of the United States Court of Federal Claims, pursuant to the E-Government Act of 2002, see 44
U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012). The court’s website is at http://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/aggregator/sources/7. Before
the decision is posted on the court’s website, each party has 14 days to file a motion requesting 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). “An objecting party must provide the court with a
proposed redacted version of the decision.” Id. If neither party files a motion for redaction within 14 days, the
decision will be posted on the court’s website. 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).
filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating petitioner should be awarded: (1)
a lump sum payment of $263,722.30, representing compensation for pain and suffering and life
care expenses for Year One; (2) a lump sum payment of $16,500.00, representing compensation
for past unreimbursable expenses; (3) a lump sum payment of $60,080.31, representing
compensation for satisfaction of the State of Illinois Medicaid lien; and (4) an amount sufficient
to purchase the annuity contract described in the Proffer. Proffer at 6.

        Respondent represented in the Proffer that petitioner agrees with the proffered award. I
have reviewed the proffer and do award damages in accord with it. The Proffer is incorporated
herein and made a part hereof as Appendix A. Based on the record as a whole, I find that
petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer.

        Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, the undersigned awards
petitioner the following in compensation:

           1) A lump sum payment of $263,722.30, representing compensation for pain and
              suffering ($218,500.00) and life care expenses for Year One ($45,222.30), in the
              form of a check payable to petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate
              of A.T., for the benefit of A.T. 3

           2) A lump sum payment of $16,500.00, representing compensation for past
              unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a check payable to petitioners.

           3) A lump sum payment of $60,080.31, representing compensation for satisfaction
              of the State of Illinois Medicaid lien, payable jointly to petitioners and to:

                               Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
                                               Bureau of Collections
                                             Technical Recovery Section
                                                  P.O. Box 19174
                                             Springfield, IL 62794-9174
                                               Attn: Anthony Cooper
                                            Anthony.Cooper@illinois.gov
                                            Case No: 96-071-0000057423

           4) An amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract as described in Section II
              D of the Proffer attached herein as Appendix A, paid to the life insurance
              company from which the annuity will be purchased.

           The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.4

IT IS SO ORDERED.

3
    This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under § 300aa-15(a).
4
  Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing
the right to seek review.

                                                          2
s/Thomas L. Gowen
Thomas L. Gowen
Special Master

  3
                 THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
                         OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

                                              )
TADEK and RENATA TOWPIK, Parents              )
of A.T., a Minor,                             )
                                              )
               Petitioners,                   )
                                              )       No. 15-1213V (ECF)
v.                                            )       Special Master Gowen
                                              )
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND                       )
HUMAN SERVICES,                               )
                                              )
               Respondent.                    )
                                              )

                 RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION

       On June 17, 2016, respondent filed his Rule 4(c) Report conceding entitlement in the

above-captioned case. Special Master Gowen issued a Ruling on Entitlement on June 27, 2016,

finding that petitioners were entitled to a presumption of causation. Specifically, petitioners’

son, A.T., suffered an encephalopathy that met the criteria of the Vaccine Injury Table. A.T.’s

encephalopathy manifested between five and fifteen days of his receipt of a measles-mumps-

rubella vaccination, and there is not preponderant evidence that his condition was due to a factor

unrelated to the vaccine.

       Respondent submits the following recommendations regarding items of compensation to

be awarded under the Vaccine Act:

I.     Items of Compensation

       A.      Life Care Items

       Respondent engaged life care planner M. Virginia Walton, RN, MSN, FNP, CNLCP, and

petitioners engaged Tresa Johnson, RN, BSN, to provide an estimation of A.T.’s future vaccine-

injury related needs. For purposes of this proffer, the term “vaccine related” is as described in

                                                  1
Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report, filed on June 17, 2016. All items of compensation identified in

the joint life care plan are supported by the evidence, and are illustrated by the chart entitled

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for A.T., attached hereto as Tab A.1 Respondent proffers

that A.T. should be awarded all items of compensation set forth in the joint life care plan and

illustrated by the chart attached at Tab A. Petitioners agree.

       B.      Lost Future Earnings

       The parties agree that based upon the evidence of record, A.T. will likely be gainfully

employed in the future. Therefore, respondent proffers that A.T. should not be awarded lost

earnings as provided under the Vaccine Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(3)(B). Petitioners agree.

       C.      Pain and Suffering

       Respondent proffers that A.T. should be awarded $218,500.00 in actual and projected

pain and suffering. This amount reflects that the award for projected pain and suffering has been

reduced to net present value. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioners agree.

       D.      Past Unreimbursable Expenses

       Evidence supplied by petitioners documents their expenditure of past unreimbursable

expenses related to A.T.’s vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioners should be

awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $16,500.00. Petitioners agree.

       E.      Medicaid Lien

       Respondent proffers that A.T. should be awarded funds to satisfy a State of Illinois lien in

the amount of $60,080.31, which represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation,

assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the State of Illinois may have against any individual as

1
       The chart at Tab A illustrates the annual benefits provided by the joint life care plan. The
annual benefit years run from the date of judgment up to the first anniversary of the date of
judgment, and every year thereafter up to the anniversary of the date of judgment.

                                                  2
a result of any Medicaid payments that the State of Illinois has made to or on behalf of A.T. from

the date of his eligibility for benefits through the date of judgment in this case as a result of his

vaccine-related injury suffered on or about March 26, 2013, under Title XIX of the Social

Security Act. Petitioners agree.

II.    Form of the Award

       The parties recommend that the compensation provided to A.T. should be made through a

combination of lump sum payments and future annuity payments as described below, and request

that the Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following:2

       A.      A lump sum payment of $263,722.30, representing compensation for pain and

suffering ($218,500.00) and life care expenses for Year One ($45,222.30), in the form of a check

payable to petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of A.T., for the benefit of A.T.

No payments shall be made until petitioners provide respondent with documentation establishing

that they have been appointed as the guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of A.T. If

petitioners are not authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as

guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of A.T., any such payment shall be made to the party or

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

the estate of A.T. upon submission of written documentation of such appointment to the

Secretary.

       B.      A lump sum payment of $16,500.00, representing compensation for past

unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a check payable to petitioners.

2
       Should A.T. die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court
for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future medical
expenses and future pain and suffering.

                                                   3
       C.      A lump sum payment of $60,080.31, representing compensation for satisfaction

of the State of Illinois Medicaid lien, payable jointly to petitioners and to:

                      Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
                                      Bureau of Collections
                                   Technical Recovery Section
                                         P.O. Box 19174
                                    Springfield, IL 62794-9174
                                      Attn: Anthony Cooper
                                  Anthony.Cooper@illinois.gov
                                  Case No: 96-071-0000057423

       Petitioners agree to endorse this payment to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and

Family Services.

       D.      An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract,3 subject to the conditions

described below, that will provide payments for the life care items contained in the life care plan,

as illustrated by the chart at Tab A attached hereto, paid to the life insurance company4 from

which the annuity will be purchased.5 Compensation for Year Two (beginning on the first

anniversary of the date of judgment) and all subsequent years shall be provided through

respondent’s purchase of an annuity, which annuity shall make payments directly to petitioners

   3
       In respondent’s discretion, respondent may purchase one or more annuity contracts from
one or more life insurance companies.
   4
        The Life Insurance Company must have a minimum of $250,000,000 capital and surplus,
exclusive of any mandatory security valuation reserve. The Life Insurance Company must have
one of the following ratings from two of the following rating organizations:
       a. A.M. Best Company: A++, A+, A+g, A+p, A+r, or A+s;
       b. Moody’s Investor Service Claims Paying Rating: Aa3, Aa2, Aa1, or Aaa;
      c. Standard and Poor’s Corporation Insurer Claims-Paying Ability Rating: AA-, AA,
AA+, or AAA;
      d. Fitch Credit Rating Company, Insurance Company Claims Paying Ability Rating:
AA-, AA, AA+, or AAA.
   5
       Petitioners authorize the disclosure of certain documents filed by the petitioners in this
case consistent with the Privacy Act and the routine uses described in the National Vaccine
Injury Compensation Program System of Records, No. 09-15-0056.

                                                  4
as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of A.T., only so long as A.T. is alive at the time a

particular payment is due. At the Secretary’s sole discretion, the periodic payments may be

provided to petitioners in monthly, quarterly, annual or other installments. The “annual

amounts” set forth in the chart at Tab A describe only the total yearly sum to be paid to

petitioners and do not require that the payment be made in one annual installment.

               1.      Growth Rate

       Respondent proffers that a four percent (4%) growth rate should be applied to all non-

medical life care items, and a five percent (5%) growth rate should be applied to all medical life

care items. Thus, the benefits illustrated in the chart at Tab A that are to be paid through annuity

payments should grow as follows: four percent (4%) compounded annually from the date of

judgment for non-medical items, and five percent (5%) compounded annually from the date of

judgment for medical items. Petitioners agree.

               2.      Life-Contingent Annuity

         Petitioners will continue to receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance

Company only so long as A.T. is alive at the time that a particular payment is due. Written

notice shall be provided to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Life Insurance

Company within twenty (20) days of A.T.’s death.

               3.      Guardianship

       No payments shall be made until petitioners provide respondent with documentation

establishing that they have been appointed as the guardian(s)/conservator(s) of A.T.’s estate. If

petitioners are not authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as

guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of A.T., any such payment shall be made to the party or

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

                                                  5
the estate of A.T. upon submission of written documentation of such appointment to the

Secretary.

III.     Summary of Recommended Payments Following Judgment

         A.   Lump sum paid to petitioners as court-appointed
              Guardian(s)/conservator(s) of A.T.’s estate:                        $263,722.30

         B.   Past unreimbursed expenses:                                         $16,500.00

         C.   Medicaid Lien:                                                      $60,080.31

         D.   An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described
              above in section II.D.

                                                   Respectfully submitted,

                                                   CHAD A. READLER
                                                   Acting Assistant Attorney General

                                                   C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
                                                   Acting Director
                                                   Torts Branch, Civil Division

                                                   CATHARINE E. REEVES
                                                   Deputy Director
                                                   Torts Branch, Civil Division

                                                   ALEXIS B. BABCOCK
                                                   Assistant Director
                                                   Torts Branch, Civil Division

                                                   s/Amy P. Kokot
                                                   AMY P. KOKOT
                                                   Trial Attorney
                                                   Torts Branch, Civil Division
                                                   U.S. Department of Justice
                                                   P.O. Box 146
                                                   Benjamin Franklin Station
                                                   Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
                                                   Telephone: (202) 616-4118

Dated:        March 29, 2018

                                               6
                                                               Appendix A: Items of Compensation for A.T.
                                                                                                                                                                    Page 1 of 3

                                         Lump Sum
                                        Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation
 ITEMS OF COMPENSATION         G.R. * M    Year 1      Year 2       Year 3       Year 4       Year 5       Year 6       Year 7       Year 8
                                            2018        2019         2020         2021         2022         2023         2024         2025
CIGNA Deductible               5%           2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00
Medicare Part B Deductible     5%
Neurologist                    5% *            64.80        64.80        64.80        64.80        64.80        64.80        64.80        64.80
Psychiatrist                   5% *           166.50       166.50       166.50       166.50       166.50       166.50       166.50       166.50
OT Eval                        4%             225.00       225.00       225.00       225.00       225.00       225.00
OT                             4%     M     5,760.00     3,120.00     3,120.00     3,120.00     3,120.00     3,120.00
ADHD Rx                        5% * M         480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00
Anti-depressant                5% * M         480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00       480.00
Neuropsych Eval                4%           2,850.00                  2,850.00                  2,850.00
Psychologist                   4% *         2,850.00     1,800.00     1,800.00     1,800.00     1,800.00     1,800.00     2,700.00
Behavioral Analysis            4%     M    16,320.00     8,160.00     8,160.00
Social Skills Group            4%             600.00
Children's Friendship Group    4%             720.00       720.00
Executive Functioning Group    4%                                                    840.00
Peers Social                   4%                                       840.00       840.00       840.00       840.00
Educational Advocate           4%           3,750.00     3,750.00     5,000.00     5,000.00     5,000.00     5,000.00
Tutoring                       4%     M     3,040.00     3,040.00     3,040.00     3,040.00     3,040.00     3,040.00     3,060.00     3,060.00
Vocational Evaluation          4% *
Case Managementt               4%
Respite Care                   4%     M     1,118.00     1,118.00     1,118.00
Companion Care                 4%     M     4,000.00     4,000.00     4,000.00
Assitive Tech Allowance        4%             100.00       100.00       100.00       100.00       100.00       100.00       100.00       100.00
Dragon Software                4%              99.00        33.00        33.00        33.00        33.00        33.00        33.00        33.00
Bluetooth Speaker              4%              99.00        19.80        19.80        19.80        19.80        19.80        19.80        19.80
Pain and Suffering                        218,500.00
Past Unreimbursable Expenses               16,500.00
Medicaid Lien                              60,080.31
Annual Totals                             340,302.61    29,777.10    33,997.10    18,709.10    20,719.10    17,869.10     9,604.10     6,904.10
                                         Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment.
                                         Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment
                                         As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the court-appointed guardian(s)/
                                         conservators(s) of the estate of A.T. for pain and suffering ($218,500.00) and Yr 1 life care expenses ($45,222.30): $263,722.30.
                                         As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioners for past
                                         un-reimbursable expenses: $16,500.00.
                                         As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the Illinois Department of
                                         Healthcare and Family Services, as reimbursement of the state's Medicaid lien: $60,080.31.
                                         Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment
                                         Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated in column "G.R." above, compounded annually from the date of judgment.
                                         Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare.
                                         Items denoted with an "M" payable in 12 monthly installments at the discretion of respondent.
                                                                  Appendix A: Items of Compensation for A.T.
                                                                                                                                                                       Page 2 of 3

                                            Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation
 ITEMS OF COMPENSATION         G.R. * M       Year 9       Year 10      Year 11      Year 12      Year 13      Year 14     Years 15-17  Years 18-21
                                               2026         2027         2028         2029         2030         2031       2032-2034    2035-2038
CIGNA Deductible               5%               2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00
Medicare Part B Deductible     5%
Neurologist                    5%   *                64.80           64.80            64.80            64.80           64.80            64.80            64.80            64.80
Psychiatrist                   5%   *               166.50          166.50           166.50           166.50          166.50           166.50           166.50           166.50
OT Eval                        4%
OT                             4%     M
ADHD Rx                        5%   * M             480.00          480.00           480.00           480.00          480.00           480.00           480.00           480.00
Anti-depressant                5%   * M             480.00          480.00           480.00           480.00          480.00           480.00           480.00           480.00
Neuropsych Eval                4%                                                                   2,850.00
Psychologist                   4%   *             2,700.00                         2,700.00                          2,700.00        1,050.00           262.50           262.50
Behavioral Analysis            4%       M
Social Skills Group            4%
Children's Friendship Group    4%
Executive Functioning Group    4%
Peers Social                   4%
Educational Advocate           4%
Tutoring                       4%       M         3,060.00        3,060.00         3,060.00         3,060.00
Vocational Evaluation          4%   *
Case Managementt               4%                                                                                    8,760.00        8,760.00         8,760.00         4,380.00
Respite Care                   4%       M
Companion Care                 4%       M
Assitive Tech Allowance        4%                   100.00          100.00           100.00           100.00          100.00           100.00           100.00           100.00
Dragon Software                4%                    33.00           33.00            33.00            33.00           33.00            33.00            33.00            33.00
Bluetooth Speaker              4%                    19.80           19.80            19.80            19.80           19.80            19.80            19.80            19.80
Pain and Suffering
Past Unreimbursable Expenses
Medicaid Lien
Annual Totals                                     9,604.10        6,904.10         9,604.10         9,754.10       15,304.10        13,654.10        12,866.60         8,486.60
                                            Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment.
                                            Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment
                                            As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the court-appointed guardian(s)/
                                            conservators(s) of the estate of A.T. for pain and suffering ($218,500.00) and Yr 1 life care expenses ($45,222.30): $263,722.30.
                                            As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioners for past
                                            un-reimbursable expenses: $16,500.00.
                                            As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the Illinois Department of
                                            Healthcare and Family Services, as reimbursement of the state's Medicaid lien: $60,080.31.
                                            Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment
                                            Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated in column "G.R." above, compounded annually from the date of judgment.
                                            Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare.
                                            Items denoted with an "M" payable in 12 monthly installments at the discretion of respondent.
                                                                  Appendix A: Items of Compensation for A.T.
                                                                                                                                                                       Page 3 of 3

                                            Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation
 ITEMS OF COMPENSATION         G.R. * M       Year 22     Years 23-50  Years 51-52   Year 53      Year 54    Years 55-Life
                                               2039       2040-2067    2068-2069      2070         2071       2072-Life
CIGNA Deductible               5%               2,500.00     2,500.00     2,500.00
Medicare Part B Deductible     5%                                                       183.00       183.00         183.00
Neurologist                    5%   *              64.80         64.80        64.80       43.20        43.20         43.20
Psychiatrist                   5%   *             166.50        166.50       166.50     111.00       111.00         111.00
OT Eval                        4%
OT                             4%     M
ADHD Rx                        5%   * M             480.00          480.00           480.00         2,020.00         2,020.00        2,020.00
Anti-depressant                5%   * M             480.00          480.00           480.00         1,800.00         1,800.00        1,800.00
Neuropsych Eval                4%                 2,850.00
Psychologist                   4%   *               262.50          262.50                                            210.00            52.50
Behavioral Analysis            4%       M
Social Skills Group            4%
Children's Friendship Group    4%
Executive Functioning Group    4%
Peers Social                   4%
Educational Advocate           4%
Tutoring                       4%       M
Vocational Evaluation          4%   *
Case Managementt               4%                 4,380.00        4,380.00         4,380.00         4,380.00         4,380.00        4,380.00
Respite Care                   4%       M
Companion Care                 4%       M
Assitive Tech Allowance        4%                   100.00          100.00           100.00           100.00          100.00           100.00
Dragon Software                4%                    33.00           33.00            33.00            33.00           33.00            33.00
Bluetooth Speaker              4%                    19.80           19.80            19.80            19.80           19.80            19.80
Pain and Suffering
Past Unreimbursable Expenses
Medicaid Lien
Annual Totals                                   11,336.60         8,486.60         8,224.10         8,690.00         8,900.00        8,742.50
                                            Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment.
                                            Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment
                                            As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the court-appointed guardian(s)/
                                            conservators(s) of the estate of A.T. for pain and suffering ($218,500.00) and Yr 1 life care expenses ($45,222.30): $263,722.30.
                                            As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioners for past
                                            un-reimbursable expenses: $16,500.00.
                                            As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the Illinois Department of
                                            Healthcare and Family Services, as reimbursement of the state's Medicaid lien: $60,080.31.
                                            Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment
                                            Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated in column "G.R." above, compounded annually from the date of judgment.
                                            Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare.
                                            Items denoted with an "M" payable in 12 monthly installments at the discretion of respondent.