Court Opinion

ID: 4535627
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2020-05-20 20:03:18.921326+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:39:08.974898
License: Public Domain

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                                     OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                             No. 16-997V
                                          (Not to be published)

*****************************
                                       *
ANNA PEREKOTIY, on behalf of her minor *                                  Chief Special Master Corcoran
child, S.K.,                           *
                                       *                                  Filed: April 20, 2020
                Petitioner,            *
                                       *
             v.                        *                                  Ruling on Entitlement; Atopic
                                       *                                  Dermatitis; Allergic Reaction;
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND                *                                  Inactivated Polio Vaccine;
HUMAN SERVICES,                        *                                  Hepatitis B Vaccine; Diphtheria,
                                       *                                  Tetanus, acellular Pertussis;
                                       *                                  Significant Aggravation; Loving test.
                Respondent.            *
                                       *
*****************************

Andrew D. Downing, Van Cott & Talamante, Phoenix, AZ, for Petitioner.

Julia Collison, U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Washington, D.C., for Respondent.

                                     DECISION ON ENTITLEMENT 1

       On August 12, 2016, Anna Perekotiy filed a petition seeking compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (“Vaccine Program”) 2 on behalf of her minor
child, S.K., alleging that S.K. experienced a severe adverse reaction (including some
developmental sequelae) to several vaccines that she received on September 18, 2013. Petition,

1
  Although this Decision has been formally designated “not to be published,” it will nevertheless be posted on the
Court of Federal Claims’s website in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 (2012)). This
means that the Ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. As provided by 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.
Specifically, under Vaccine Rule 18(b), each party has fourteen days within which to 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, the whole Decision will be available to the public.
Id.
2
 The Vaccine Program comprises Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660,
100 Stat. 3758, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 through 34 (2012) [hereinafter “Vaccine Act” or “the
Act”]. Individual section references hereafter will be to § 300aa of the Act (but will omit that statutory prefix).
filed Aug. 12, 2016 (ECF No. 1). She later amended her petition to allege solely that S.K.
developed a dermatological reaction—first after receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine on August 21,
2013, and then again after the Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (“DTaP”) and inactivated
polio (“IPV”) vaccines administered on September 18, 2013. Amended Petition, filed March 6,
2017 (ECF No. 14) (“First Amended Pet.”).
       Having completed my review of the evidentiary record and the parties’ filings, I hereby
deny Petitioner’s request for compensation. As discussed in more detail below, Petitioner has not
preponderantly established that the Hepatitis B vaccine caused the initial onset of S.K.’s atopic
dermatitis, or that the DTaP and IPV vaccines 3 S.K. received a month later significantly aggravated
her then-existing dermatologic condition. 4

I.          Factual Background

       A.       S.K.’s Early History

        S.K. was born on July 16, 2013, via spontaneous vaginal delivery. Ex. 14 at 9, 77. She
received the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine the same day with no reported adverse reaction.
Ex. 7 at 29, 31. On July 22, 2013, Petitioner brought S.K. to Dr. Jennifer Cropp, M.D., for her
newborn visit. Id. at 3. No abnormalities were noted during the visit. Id. Petitioner brought S.K.
back to Dr. Cropp at the end of July 2013 for a weight check. Ex. 7 at 7. During the visit, Petitioner
reported that S.K. was exhibiting drainage from her right eye throughout the day and redness under
her left armpit. Id. at 8–9. Dr. Cropp attributed the redness under S.K.’s armpit to moisture, and
she instructed Petitioner to keep the area clean and as dry as possible. Id. at 10. S.K.’s eye drainage
was diagnosed as Dacryostenosis 5, for which Dr. Cropp recommended warm compresses with eye
massages daily. Id. at 10.

       B.       Vaccinations at Issue and Development of Dermatologic Symptoms

        S.K. received her second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine on August 21, 2013, during her
one-month well-baby visit with Dr. Matthew Barcellona, M.D., of North Scottsdale Pediatric
Associates. Ex. 7 at 11–14. No abnormalities or dermatologic concerns were noted, and no adverse
reactions to the vaccine are documented in the immediate contemporaneous medical record. Id.

3
  At the September 18, 2013 pediatric visit, S.K. also received the Haemophilus Influenza Type B (“Hib”) and
Pneumococcal vaccines. Ex. 7 at 23–24. Petitioner, however, does not allege that either of these vaccines caused or
significantly aggravated S.K.’s atopic dermatitis. First Amended Pet. at 1.
4
  Atopic dermatitis is a common form of skin inflammation, often associated with allergic conditions, which leads to
itching and signs of eczema. Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary 466 (33d ed. 2020) (hereinafter Dorland’s).

5
    Dacryostenosis is the narrowing of a tear duct. Dorland’s at 464, 983.

                                                            2
        The following month, on September 16, 2013, S.K. returned to North Scottsdale Pediatric
Associates and was seen by Colin Petranu, M.D., for redness and rash that Petitioner reported had
developed three weeks prior (or approximately six days after receiving the second Hepatitis B
vaccination) with no subsequent improvement. Ex. 7 at 15. Following a physical examination, Dr.
Petranu noted that S.K. exhibited flaky skin on her head, and was positive for “erythematous, raw,
macerated neck folds without drainage or crusting.” Id. at 16. She was diagnosed with intertrigo 6
and seborrhea 7, for which she was prescribed a moisturizing cream, nystatin powder, continued
use of baby oil, and Ketaconazole cream. Id. at 17. Dr. Petranu indicated that if S.K.’s condition
did not improve, he would next consider using a steroid cream. Id.

        Two days later, on September 18, 2013, Petitioner returned to North Scottsdale Pediatric
Associates for S.K.’s two-month well-baby visit with Dr. Barcellona. Ex. 7 at 19. During a physical
examination of S.K.’s skin, Dr. Barcellona noted “rough patches on body, scalp flakiness, red
macules in neck folds.” Id. at 21. Again, S.K. was diagnosed with intertrigo, but her seborrhea
diagnosis was changed to atopic eczema dermatitis. 8 Id. at 22. S.K. was prescribed hydrocortisone
and moisturizer. Id. At the conclusion of the visit, S.K. received four vaccines: DTaP, Hib, IPV,
and pneumococcal. Id. at 23–24. Petitioner refused the rotavirus vaccine and signed a waiver to
that effect. Id. at 22. No adverse reactions to these vaccines were documented during the visit.

          At S.K.’s four-month well-baby visit with Dr. Barcellona on November 20, 2013,
Petitioner reported that S.K. had experienced a “[a] bad reaction to shots causing leg redness. [L]eg
is still red and rough, but parents feel it is much better.” Ex. 7 at 25. At the time, Petitioner also
indicated that she was not using the prescribed steroids to treat S.K.’s dermatologic condition
“because it is a steroid and steroids are ‘bad.’” Id. S.K.’s physical exam revealed rough patches of
red and scaly skin on her torso, scalp and legs. Id. at 27. Dr. Barcellona indicated that S.K.’s legs
“have terribly controlled eczema,” and it was unclear to him whether the “shot reaction was local
and eczema was bigger issue, or if shot caused more reaction,” but Petitioner nonetheless refused
further vaccination. Id.

       On December 9, 2013, S.K. was seen by Reena Jain, PA-C, for evaluation of a persistent
rash following her vaccination on September 18, 2013. Ex. 10 at 1. A physical examination
revealed dry erythematous patches on S.K.’s scalp, face, abdomen, and both lower extremities Id.

6
 Intertrigo is a superficial dermatitis caused by moisture, friction, warmth, and sweat retention that is characterized
by erythema, maceration, burning, itching, and sometimes erosions, fissures, exudations, and secondary infections.
Dorland’s at 939.
7
  Seborrhea is characterized by a dry, scaly dermatitis in areas of the body with sebum-producing glands, including
the scalp, chest, back, axilla, and groin. Dorland’s at 1657.

8
  An atopic eczema dermatitis is an allergic pruritic dermatitis that is characterized by erythema, edema, inflammatory
infiltrates in the dermis, crusting, and scaling. Dorland’s at 171, 586.

                                                          3
at 2. She was diagnosed with eczema and was prescribed Desonide lotion mixed with moisturizing
cream. Id. at 2. Petitioner was also advised to give infant Benadryl as directed on the box to help
with itching. Id.

        Just over one month later, on January 15, 2014, Petitioner brought S.K. to Dr. Arturo
Gonzales, M.D. at Scottsdale Children’s Group for her six-month well-baby visit. Ex. 3 at 29–34.
During the visit, Petitioner relayed a past medical history for S.K. that included a rash on both legs
that had “lasted for quite some time” following administration of routine immunizations. Id. at 29.
Petitioner also informed Dr. Gonzales of S.K.’s atopic dermatitis diagnosis, and explained that she
was not applying the prescribed hydrocortisone cream because “it is a steroid.” Id. Dr. Gonzales
also noted that Petitioner was hesitant to give further immunizations until the cause of S.K.’s rash
was established. Id. During his physical examination of S.K., Dr. Gonzales noted an eczematous
rash on both legs. Id. at 33. At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Gonzales requested a formal
evaluation with an allergist and pediatric dermatologist to reassure Petitioner of the diagnosis and
encouraged Petitioner to continue having S.K. vaccinated. Id. at 34. He also noted that “atopic
dermatitis is not a contraindication for vaccinations.” Id. Petitioner was to continue regularly
bathing, moisturizing, and using steroid creams to treat S.K.’s symptoms. Id.

    C.       Subsequent Allergy Testing and Treatment

        S.K. had her first appointment with Ronald Jorgensen, M.D., of the Arizona Asthma &
Allergy Institute on January 22, 2014. Ex. 4 at 4. Regarding S.K.’s medical history, Dr. Jorgensen
noted that “[a]fter vaccination, she had redness down the right leg that lasted for a few days…She
had received several vaccinations on the same day including DTaP, IPV, Hib, pneumococcal, and
rotavirus vaccines.” 9 Id. at 13. Upon physical examination, Dr. Jorgensen noted a large dry patch
of skin on S.K.’s right leg and some dry skin on her arms and legs. Id. at 14. Based on these
findings, he instructed Petitioner to apply moisturizing products and corticosteroid cream, use
laundry detergent for sensitive skin, and to give S.K. Zyrtec syrup. Id. at 4. He also recommended
special testing to vaccines prior to their administration. Id. He suggested starting with the DTaP
vaccine using a skin prick and intradermal test, and if those were tolerated, he suggested following
up with one-tenth the dose, followed by the remainder of the dose. Id. at 14. Dr. Jorgensen also
speculated that S.K. was likely allergic to eggs, so he told Petitioner to avoid introducing S.K. to
egg products and egg-based vaccines for the time being. Id. He prescribed an epi-pen Jr. as a
precaution Id. at 5.

       On January 29, 2014, S.K. returned to Dr. Jorgensen and was evaluated for a possible DTaP
vaccine allergy. Ex. 4 at 23. Her history of present illness notes that “[h]er eczema is currently

9
  The vaccination record in this case clearly establishes that S.K. did not receive the rotavirus vaccine. Ex. 14 at 22.
On September 18, 2013, Dr. Barcellona specifically notes that Petitioner refused the rotavirus vaccination and signed
a waiver to that effect. Id.

                                                           4
flared” and her symptoms were not controlled with the medication she had previously been
prescribed. Id. A physical exam revealed skin lesions and eczema patches on both legs, and
dermatitis on her torso, arms, and face. Id. at 24. Dr. Jorgensen then conducted a skin prick test 10
with the DTaP vaccine, which raised a wheal 3mm by 4mm in size with 15mm by 10mm erythema
flare. Id. at 20, 25. The result was interpreted by Dr. Jorgensen as a positive allergic reaction. Id.
at 25. Petitioner was therefore advised to avoid Diphtheria Tetanus-containing vaccines in the
future. Id.

        On February 19, 2014, S.K. returned to Dr. Jorgensen to be evaluated for possible allergy
to IPV. Ex. 4 at 27. A physical exam performed by Dr. Jorgensen was positive for skin lesions and
dermatitis on both her lower extremities and face. Id. at 28. Unlike the DTaP test, the skin prick
test with IPV showed no reaction. Id. at 29. When S.K. was injected with one-tenth of the dose of
IPV, however, she experienced a reaction with a wheal size of 3mm by 3mm in size and an
erythema flare 15mm x 9mm in size. Id. The challenge to polio was discontinued. Id. Based upon
S.K.’s reaction to both the DTaP and IPV vaccines, Dr. Jorgensen concluded that she was likely
allergic to both, and he advised against S.K. receiving childhood vaccinations for at least another
six months, at which point he recommended individually testing each vaccine for an allergic
reaction. Id.

        On April 24, 2014, S.K. returned to Dr. Gonzales for her nine-month well-child visit. Ex.
3 at 20. The medical record from this visit reported that S.K.’s past medical conditions included
atopic dermatitis and severe allergy to eggs, oats, and vaccines. Id. Both the review of systems and
physical examination findings, however, were negative for pruritus, rash, and skin lesions. Id. at
21–24. Identical findings were documented during S.K.’s twelve-month well-child visit on July
29, 2014. Id. at 15–17. S.K. continued to be seen by a number of physicians throughout 2014 and
2015, and while some documented her history of rash post-vaccination during their review of
systems or when documenting S.K.’s past medical history, no physician documented the presence
of a rash or lesions during physical examination after February 19, 2014. See Ex. 6 at 2, 8. The
subsequent medical records filed in this matter do not discuss the presence of a rash, but rather
focus on S.K.’s orthopedic and cognitive impairments. See Ex. 8 (discussing neurological
evaluations for developmental delays); Ex. 9 (discussing a consultation for S.K.’s gait
abnormality).

10
   During a skin prick test, a drop of the suspected allergen is placed on the patient’s skin. A needle is then used to
puncture the skin through the droplet of allergen and the fluid is allowed to flow under the skin via the puncture site.
After one minute, the excess fluid is wiped away and the skin is observed for fifteen minutes to see if a reaction
develops. Introduction to the allergen may result in a raised bump, called a wheal, and a red inflamed area, called a
flare. A reaction is positive if the wheal is three millimeters in diameter or larger and the flare diameter is ten
millimeters or greater. Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests 1024–27 (6th ed. 2018).

                                                           5
II.        Expert Reports

      A.      Dr. David Axelrod

        David Axelrod, M.D., provided one 11 expert report on behalf of Petitioner. Report, filed as
Ex. 37 on July 11, 2017 (ECF No. 20-1) (“Axelrod Rep.”). In it, Dr. Axelrod opined that S.K.’s
exposure to the Hepatitis B vaccine on August 21, 2013, initiated a TH2 immune response 12 that
caused S.K.’s atopic dermatitis. Id. at 5. He also proposes that the vaccinations S.K. received on
September 18, 2013, further encouraged the TH2 immune response, thereby exacerbating S.K.’s
atopic dermatitis. Id.

        Dr. Axelrod is a clinical immunologist and is currently employed by a consulting firm in
York, Pennsylvania. Dr. Axelrod Curriculum Vitae, filed as Ex. 16 on May 8, 2017 (ECF No. 16-
2) (“Axelrod CV”) at 2. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan where
he also attended medical school and received both a medical and Masters degree. Id. at 1. Dr.
Axelrod then completed his internship and his residency training at the University of Toronto and
the William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak. Id. He then completed a fellowship at McGill
University-Royal Victoria Hospital. Id. He subsequently served as a medical staff fellow at the
National Institute of Health Laboratory of Clinical Immunology. Id. Dr. Axelrod is board certified
in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, and Allergy and Immunology, and he has authored numerous
publications on those subjects. Id. at 3–5; Axelrod Rep. at 1. He is not board certified in
dermatology.

        In his report, Dr. Axelrod explained how atopic dermatitis may result from a TH2 T cell-
driven allergic reaction to certain products such as egg, latex, gelatin, and yeast—common
components of vaccines. Axelrod Rep. at 2. The IgE antibody that is produced by the TH2 reaction
is implicated in immediate allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, and
gastrointestinal disorders. See E.H. Chung, Vaccine Allergies, 3 Clinical and Experimental
Vaccine Research 50, 51 (2014), filed as Ex. 23 on May 9, 2017 (ECF No. 17-7) (“Chung”); R.
Wood, Allergic Reactions to Vaccines, 24 Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 521, 521 (2013),
filed as Ex. 26 on May 9, 2017 (ECF No. 17-10) (“Wood”). Immediate IgE-mediated reactions
typically occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen, and almost always present within four
hours of exposure. Chung at 51. While rare, immediate reactions have been reported at an average

11
  Petitioner filed an initial report by Dr. Axelrod on March 8, 2017 (see ECF No. 16), but later submitted an amended
version of the report, which is the one discussed herein.

12
   TH2 is a subset of helper T cells that produces interleukin-4 (“IL-4”) and interleukin-13 (“IL-13”), which in turn is
responsible for stimulating IgE and IgG antibody production and the inhibition of macrophage functions. E. Maggi,
The TH1/TH2 Paradigm in Allergy, 3 Immunotechnology 233, 234–35 (1998), filed as Ex. 22 on May 9, 2017 (ECF
No. 17-6) (“Maggi”). Individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis exhibit high proportions of TH2-like helper T cells
after contact challenge. Maggi at 236.

                                                           6
rate of 0.22 per 100,000 doses of vaccinations among children and adolescence, with thirty-one
percent of those cases reporting an immediate reaction after receipt of the first dose. Id. In the
absence of prior exposure to the vaccine, an immediate reaction is suggestive of either pre-
sensitization to a component of the vaccine or a non-immunologically mediated response to the
dose. Id.

        Unlike immediate reactions, delayed reactions are generally not IgE-mediated, begin about
forty-eight hours after exposure, and peak in severity between seventy-two and ninety-six hours
after exposure. Chung at 51. Such delayed reactions are typically characterized by rashes,
including urticaria and erythema multiforme. Id. at 51–52; Wood at 521–22. While delayed
reactions may be immunologically or non-immunologically mediated, evidence suggests that they
are less likely to be the result of an immunological mechanism and should therefore not be
diagnosed as a vaccine allergy. See L. Echeverría-Zudaire et al., Consensus Document on the
Approach to Children with Allergic Reactions After Vaccination or Allergy to Vaccine
Components, 43 Allergologia et immunopathologia 304, 311 (2015), filed as Ex. 25 on May 9,
2017 (ECF No. 17-9) (“Zudaire”).

        While the general proposition that vaccines can cause an allergic reaction in the recipient
is supported by the literature supplied in this case in connection with Dr. Axelrod’s report, those
same articles emphasize the importance of distinguishing between true allergic reactions to
specific components of a vaccine versus a reaction that is merely temporally related or mediated
by a non-immunological mechanism. See Zudaire at 308, 311–312 (noting that delayed reactions
should not be diagnosed as vaccine allergies and providing examples of reactions that can simulate
allergic reactions). One possible reaction that may be mischaracterized as a vaccine allergy is the
appearance of a rash, which may actually correspond to the exacerbation of a preexisting condition
such as atopic dermatitis. Id. at 312. Notably, however, neither Zudaire or Dr. Axelrod explain
how the first exposure to a particular vaccine can exacerbate preexisting atopic dermatitis.

   B.      Dr. Schield Wikas

        Schield Wikas, D.O., provided one expert report on behalf of Petitioner. Report, filed as
Ex. 38 on Dec. 19, 2017 (ECF No. 26-1) (“Wikas Rep.”). In his report, Dr. Wikas opines that
S.K.’s exposure to latex and yeast components in the Hepatitis B vaccines she received elicited a
primary adaptive immune response to those components. Id. at 6. Her subsequent exposure to the
DTaP and IPV vaccines then incited “an adaptive, secondary, memory immune response” to the
latex and yeast components of those vaccines, resulting in exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Id.

       Dr. Wikas is a board-certified dermatologist with specialties in medical dermatology,
dermatologic surgery, sclerotherapy, and hair transplantation and restoration. Dr. Wikas
Curriculum Vitae, filed as Ex. 39 on Dec. 19, 2017 (ECF No. 26-2). He does not hold any

                                                7
certifications in immunology. Dr. Wikas received his bachelors and Masters degrees from the
University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy before obtaining his Doctor of Osteopathic
Medicine degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Id. Dr. Wikas then
completed his internship at Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital and his Residency in dermatology at
Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Id. Since 1984, Dr. Wikas has worked for Tri-County Dermatology
where he serves as the director of the dermatology residency program. Id. at 7. Additionally, he
has published several articles on topics within the field of dermatology and serves as a clinical
instructor for medical students and residents. Id.

         As Dr. Wikas noted in his report, atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease that typically
affects children under the age of five. Wikas Rep. at 4. In its early acute stage, TH2 cells are present
in abundance, and they promote the production of cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13, which in turn
result in the production of IgE antibody. Id. In the subsequent chronic stage of the disease process,
both TH1 (which is responsible for initiating phagocytosis through the production of interleukin-
2, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor) and TH2 cells are present. Id. (citing Maggi at
234). During this phase, production of the cytokine interleukin-5 (“IL-5”) leads to an increase in
eosinophils—white blood cells that are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions and
inflammation. Id. (citing Maggi at 234).

        The resulting inflammation causes dry skin prone to cracking and which subsequently
cannot serve as an effective barrier against pathogens and other irritants. Wikas Rep. at 4; see S.
Weidinger et al., Atopic Dermatitis, 387 Lancet 1109, 1115–16 (2016), filed as Ex. C, Tab 8 on
Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No. 41-10) (“Weidinger”). Infiltration of the compromised barrier allows
further stimulation of the TH2/TH1 cycle, encouraging a chronic, relapsing pattern. Wikas Rep. at
4; see also L. Schneider et al., Atopic Dermatitis: A Practice Parameter Update 2012, 131 J.
Allergy Clinical Immunology 295, 296 (2012), filed as Ex. C, Tab 3 on Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No.
41-5) (“Schneider”). This reaction, according to Dr. Wikas, can not only be initiated by exposure
to components of vaccines, but the same exposure can exacerbate an existing case. Wikas Rep. at
4–5 (citing Zudaire at 312; N. Saulnier et al., Gene Expression Profiling of Patients with Latex
and/or Vegetable Food Allergy, 16 Eur. Rev. for Med. and Pharmacological Sci. 1197, 1207
(2012), filed as Ex. 27 on May 9, 2017 (ECF No. 18-1) (“Saulnier”)). 13

        Relying on Dr. Axelrod’s report and the accompanying literature, Dr. Wikas attributed
S.K.’s atopic dermatitis exacerbation to an allergic reaction to the latex and yeast components of
the vaccines she received in September 2013. Wikas Rep. at 6. He did not address the absence of
record evidence that S.K. had ever previously experienced latex and yeast allergies, however. He
otherwise noted the temporal relationship between S.K.’s atopic dermatitis flare and the receipt of

13
  Despite Dr. Wikas being board certified in dermatology, most of Dr. Wikas’ report mimics that of Dr. Axelrod—
an immunologist—and it is also evident that Dr. Wikas relied heavily if not exclusively on the literature previously
submitted by Dr. Axelrod. See generally Axelrod Rep.; Wikas Rep.

                                                         8
her September 18, 2013 14 vaccinations, which he considered direct evidence of a causal
association. Id.

     C.      Dr. Francis Lobo

        Francis Lobo, M.D., a clinical immunologist, provided one expert report on behalf of
Respondent in this matter. Dr. Lobo Report, filed as Ex. A on Sept. 7, 2017 (ECF No. 22-1) (“Lobo
Rep.”). Dr. Lobo opined that S.K. did not experience an allergic reaction leading to the
development and subsequent exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, but rather a mild, transient infantile
atopic dermatitis most likely unrelated to vaccine administration. Id. at 8.

       Dr. Lobo is currently employed as a clinician at Yale University School of Medicine
Department of Internal Medicine in the Allergy and Clinical Immunology section. Dr. Lobo
Curriculum Vitae, filed as Ex. B on Sept. 7, 2017 (ECF No. 22-6) (“Lobo CV”). He received his
bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Pennsylvania before receiving a Masters
degree in the history of medicine from the University of Cambridge. Id. at 1. He then obtained his
medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine. Id. Dr. Lobo then completed his
residency in internal medicine as well as a post-doctoral fellowship in allergy and immunology at
Yale-New Haven Hospital. Id. He is board certified in allergy and immunology. Id. at 2.

        Dr. Lobo’s clinical duties include seeing approximately seventy-five patients a week,
including both pediatric and adult patients. Lobo Rep. at 2. He also serves as a faculty member
and instructor at Yale University, where he teaches basic and clinical immunology to medical
students, residents, and fellows. Id. Additionally, Dr. Lobo has written and published several
articles on topics within the field of allergy and immunology. Lobo CV at 3–4.

        In his report, Dr. Lobo first noted that the temporal relationship between S.K.’s August
2013 vaccination and development of atopic dermatitis thereafter was too attenuated to establish a
causal connection. Lobo Rep.at 4–5. He emphasized that acute allergic reactions such as urticaria,
swelling, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis are generally short-lived, presenting and
resolving within twenty-four hours of exposure. Id. Therefore, onset of atopic dermatitis six or
seven days after vaccination was inconsistent with an allergic reaction. Id.

        Dr. Lobo also challenged Petitioner’s contention that S.K. likely had an allergy to latex,
yeast, DTaP, or IPV. He first emphasized the fact that S.K. could not exhibit an allergic reaction
to microbial components of the vaccines she had never encountered before September 18, 2013.
Lobo Rep. at 5. Without prior exposure, it would be impossible for her to have developed the

14
  Dr. Wikas incorrectly noted that S.K. received the DTaP, Hib, IPV, and pneumococcal vaccines on September 16,
2013, and his opinion reflects this mistake when he opines on the timing of secondary adaptive immune responses.
Wikas Rep. at 6. Like Dr. Axelrod, Dr. Wikas also mistakenly reports that S.K. received the Rotavirus vaccine. Id.

                                                        9
antibodies required to mount an adaptive immune response and mediate an allergic reaction. Id.
Additionally, Dr. Lobo opined that the skin testing S.K. subsequently underwent had not been
interpreted in a manner consistent with diagnostic protocol. Id. at 6. In his understanding, a positive
response to a skin prick test requires a wheal three millimeters greater than the control. Id. S.K.’s
treating allergist, however, interpreted the results of her DTaP skin prick test as positive, despite
exhibiting a wheal size only two millimeters larger than the saline control. 15 Though Dr. Lobo
conceded that S.K. did through testing demonstrate an erythematous reaction to IPV, that reaction
occurred only after S.K. was injected intramuscularly, and was limited to a localized erythema
rather than the systemic reaction he would expect to see when a true allergen is rapidly
disseminated throughout the body. Id. This distinction, according to Dr. Lobo, implied that the
erythema S.K. exhibited following the IPV injection by Dr. Jorgensen was not evidence of an
allergic reaction, but rather a “miniscule effect of the trauma of the injection.” Id.

        Even if S.K. did have a true allergy to latex—a non-microbial component of certain
vaccines—Dr. Lobo emphasized that it is unlikely S.K. received a vaccine containing latex on
September 18, 2013. Lobo Rep. at 5 (“[l]atex is not present in [the pneumococcal vaccine] or IPV,
is present in only one of three available DTaP preparations, and is present in one of the two Hib
vaccines from Sanofi Pasteur.”); see also Centers for Disease Control, Latex in Vaccine
Packaging, filed as Ex. A, Tab 1 (ECF No. 22-2).

     D.      Dr. Jonathan Spergel

        Jonathan Spergel, M.D., PhD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, provided one
expert report on behalf of Respondent. Spergel Report, filed as Ex. C on Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No.
41-1) (“Spergel Rep.”). In it, Dr. Spergel opined that there was no evidence of a causal relationship
between vaccines and the initiation or exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Id. at 4. Additionally, he
proposed that the reactions S.K. experienced are better classified as irritant reactions rather than
allergic reactions. Id. at 3.

        Dr. Spergel is currently employed as a physician and chief of the allergy and immunology
division at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Spergel Curriculum Vitae, filed as Ex. D on
Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No. 41-2) (“Spergel CV”). He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry
from Princeton University, and then he obtained his medical degree and PhD from the Mt. Sinai
School of Medicine. Id. at 1. Dr. Spergel thereafter completed an internship and residency in
pediatrics at Yale-New Haven Hospital, followed by a fellowship in allergy and immunology at
Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Id. Besides his clinical duties, Dr. Spergel serves
as an instructor in pediatric allergy and immunology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the
University of Pennsylvania, where he is also a faculty member of the Skin Disease Research Core

15
  Dr. Lobo noted also that S.K.’s saline control exhibited erythema, which is indicative of dermatographism—a type
of urticaria that results from firm stroking or scratching the skin. Lobo Rep. at 6; see also Dorland’s at 490, 492.

                                                        10
Center. Id. Though he is not board certified in dermatology, Dr. Spergel has significant experience
studying atopic dermatitis and other immunologically-mediated dermatological disorders, and he
has served on several committees dedicated to atopic dermatitis and eczema. Id. at 3–4. Dr. Spergel
has also published numerous articles and presented on the topics of allergy, immunology, and
atopic dermatitis. Id. at 5–32.

       Dr. Spergel’s report began by examining some of the common causes of atopic dermatitis
that might better explain S.K.’s development of the disease and/or its subsequent exacerbation.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common pediatric skin disorder, affecting approximately ten to
twenty percent of all children. Spergel Rep. at 2; C. Flohr et al., Atopic Dermatitis and the Hygiene
Hypothesis Revisited, 41 Current Problems in Dermatology 1, 1 (2011), filed as Ex. C, Tab 9 on
Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No. 41-11) (“Flohr”). Dr. Spergel agreed with Petitioner’s experts that the
mechanism through which atopic dermatitis is initiated and perpetuated involves a TH2 T cell-
driven inflammation during the acute phase, and a subsequent TH2/TH1 T cell-mediated chronic
phase. Spergel Rep. at 2–3.

        Common triggers for atopic dermatitis include “viral infections, bacterial infections,
aeroallergens (including animal dander), food allergies and poor skin care.” Spergel Rep. at 3
(citing P. Arkwright et al., Management of Difficult-to-Treat Atopic Dermatitis, 1 J. Allergy
Clinical Immunology: In Practice 142, 143–44 (2013), filed as Ex. C, Tab 1 on Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF
No. 41-3)). Dr. Spergel did not, however, accept vaccines as a potentially causal or aggravating
agent of atopic dermatitis, citing literature that he maintained cast doubt on that proposal. Spergel
Rep. at 4 (citing Chung at 51); see also Flohr at 21–26, 28; C. Grüber, Early Atopic Disease and
Early Childhood Immunization – Is There a Link?, 63 Allergy 1464, 1464 (2008), filed as Ex. C,
Tab 10 on Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No. 41-12) (“Grüber”).

         Dr. Spergel emphasized two important points about the development of any allergy. First,
he noted that TH2 responses are antigen-specific—they require a prior exposure to the allergen and
sensitization to it thereafter. Second, he stressed that IgE antibodies normally increase during the
first few years of life, thereby making pediatric allergies inevitably more common during this stage
of development regardless of antigen exposure. Spergel Rep. at 5–6; see also R. Nickel et al.,
Variability of Total Serum Immunoglobulin E levels from birth to the Age of 10 Years. A
Prospective Evaluation in a Large Birth Cohort (German Multicenter Allergy Study), 35 Clinical
and Experimental Allergy 619, 619 (2005), filed as Ex. C, Tab 12 on Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No. 41-
14) (“Nickel”).

         Regarding antigen specificity, Dr. Spergel explained that it is only after an individual is
initially exposed to the allergen and then undergoes the sensitization process will they experience
a TH2-mediated allergic response upon subsequent exposures to that allergen. Spergel Rep. at 5–
6. He opined that such allergen sensitization is not associated with general sensitization, and thus

                                                 11
an individual would not automatically develop additional allergies to other substances. Id. at 6.
Rather, the development of additional allergies may instead be attributable to the naturally-
increasing levels of IgE occurring during early childhood development. Id. (citing Nickel at 619).
This contention was undercut, however, by another piece of literature offered on behalf of
Respondent, in which the authors observed that “[i]ncreases in [total] IgE levels were temporally
related to the onset of respiratory allergies and of specific sensitization.” P. Matricardi et al.,
Longitudinal Trends of Total and Allergen-Specific IgE Throughout Childhood, 64 Allergy 1093,
1097 (2009), filed as Ex. C, Tab 13 on Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No. 41-15) (“Matricardi”) (emphasis
added). Matricardi concluded that both specific IgE and total IgE levels increased whenever a child
experienced an allergen-specific response. Id. at 1097.

         Despite the findings of Matricardi, Dr. Spergel’s report and other pieces of accompanying
literature emphasized the importance of identifying specific allergens that may lead to an adverse
reaction such as atopic dermatitis. Spergel Rep. at 3–5; S. Dreskin et al., International Concensus
(ICON):Allergic Reactions to Vaccines, 9:32 World Allergy J. 1, 9–16 (2016), filed as Ex. C, Tab
5 on Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No. 41-7) (“Dreskin”). Consistent with the opinions of Drs. Axelrod and
Wikas, Dreskin notes that people rarely experience allergic reactions to vaccine antigens, but there
is some evidence suggesting that certain vaccine components (i.e., gelatin, egg, yeast, and latex)
may cause allergic reactions in a small proportion of the population. Dreskin at 9. Even people
with allergies to these components are typically able to receive vaccinations as usual because the
components are present in such small amounts that they are unable to produce adverse reactions.
Id. In individuals with unusually high levels of IgE antibody, however, these components may
induce severe reactions. Id. Therefore, practitioners employ skin testing against both the vaccine
itself, as well as those specific components most likely to induce an allergic reaction. Id. at 12.
Dreskin cautions that these tests, however, must be interpreted carefully because false positives
may result due to irrelevant IgE responses or irritant effects of the vaccine. Id.

        While he agreed with S.K.’s egg allergy diagnosis, Dr. Spergel contended that the positive
skin prick test results for IPV and DTaP were likely false positives. Spergel Rep. at 3. He noted
that individuals with atopic dermatitis experience very high rates of false positives during skin
prick tests, and there is evidence that individuals with atopic dermatitis experience higher rates of
sensitizations (including food allergies) and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Id.
(citing D. Fleischer et al., Oral Food Challenges in Children with a Diagnosis of Food Allergy,
158 J. Pediatrics 578, 581 (2011), filed as Ex. C, Tab 2 on Feb. 25, 2019 (ECF No. 41-4)
(“Fleischer”)); see also Weidinger at 1109–11; Dreskin at 12.

        Given this predisposition, along with S.K.’s erythematous reaction to the saline control,
Dr. Spergel reasoned that S.K.’s skin prick test result could not be reliably interpreted as a truly
positive allergic reaction, and it was more likely than not evidence of an irritant reaction. Spergel
Rep. at 3. Dr. Spergel found further support for this conclusion from the fact that S.K. experienced

                                                 12
mainly an erythematous reaction, rather than anaphylaxis—the type of IgE-mediated reaction one
would expect to see when an allergic individual is exposed to the target allergen. Id. At the same
time, however, literature establishes that other forms of allergic reaction less severe than
anaphylaxis (e.g., erythema, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema) are also mediated by IgE
production. Dreskin at 2; Zudaire at 310.

        The record in this case shows that S.K. did receive skin prick testing against IPV and
DTaP—though Dr. Spergel questioned the reliability of the test given S.K.’s erythematous reaction
to the saline control—but did not undergo the same testing for other specific vaccine components
such as yeast and latex. Ex. 4 at 20, 25, 29. Thus, according to Dr. Spergel, there was no evidence
that S.K. ever suffered from allergies to either latex or yeast, and her development and subsequent
exacerbation of atopic dermatitis cannot be attributed to an allergic reaction to those kinds of
components. Spergel Rep. at 5–6. In furtherance of that opinion, Dr. Spergel pointed out that even
if S.K. did have an allergy to the vaccines she received on September 18, 2013, she could not have
experienced any reaction within minutes of vaccine administration because she had not been
previously exposed to the vaccines, and she could not have developed sensitization to them. Id. at
4.

       Dr. Spergel did provide some alternative explanations for S.K.’s atopic dermatitis and its
exacerbation. Such factors include exposure to cat dander from the family’s pet, exposure to egg—
a food allergy S.K. was known to have—via breastmilk, poor skin care and refusal to use topical
medications, use of irritating soaps and detergents, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and
rubbing already aggravated skin. Spergel Rep. at 4.

III.   Procedural Background

        As noted above, this case was initiated on August 12, 2016. Medical records were filed
between August 16-17, 2016, and Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) Report responding to those filings
on February 7, 2017. Respondent’s Report, filed Feb. 7, 2017 (ECF No. 10). On March 6, 2017,
Petitioner filed her first amended petition, in which she limited her claim solely to atopic dermatitis
as the alleged injury. Both parties then submitted the aforementioned expert reports. On July 19,
2017, Petitioner filed her second amended petition. Amended Petition, filed July 19, 2017 (ECF
No. 21) (Second Amended Pet.”).

        On February 2, 2018, I issued a pre-hearing order setting the entitlement hearing in this
case for April 2, 2019. Prehearing Order, filed Feb. 2, 2018 (ECF No. 31). On September 20, 2018,
however, Respondent filed a motion to dismiss, to which Petitioner filed her opposition on
September 28, 2018. Motion to Dismiss, filed Sept. 20, 2018 (ECF No. 35) (“Mot. to Dismiss”);
Response to Mot. to Dismiss, filed Sept. 28, 2018 (ECF No. 36) (“Resp. to Mot. to Dismiss”).
Respondent’s Reply was filed October 2, 2018. Respondent’s Reply to Resp. to Mot. to Dismiss,

                                                  13
filed Oct. 2, 2018 (ECF No. 37).

        In reaction to these filings, on March 14, 2019, I issued a scheduling order offering
Petitioner the opportunity to request a ruling on the record rather than proceed to hearing. Petitioner
opted to do so by filing dated May 16, 2019. Motion for Decision on the Record, filed May 16,
2019 (ECF No. 45) (“Mot. for Ruling”). Respondent filed his opposition on July 11, 2019, and
Petitioner filed her Reply on August 14, 2019. Response to Mot. for Ruling, filed July 11, 2019
(ECF No. 47) (“Resp. to Mot. for Ruling”); Reply, filed Aug. 14, 2019 (ECF No. 48) (“Reply for
Ruling”).

IV.        Parties’ Respective Arguments

      A.      Petitioner’s Motion

        Petitioner argues that S.K. experienced a severe dermatological reaction after receiving the
Hepatitis B vaccine on August 21, 2013, and that this reaction was then exacerbated by the IPV
and DTaP vaccines administered on September 18, 2013. Mot. for Ruling at 10. Relying on the
reports of Drs. Axelrod and Wikas, as well as the medical literature filed in the matter, Petitioner
posits that components contained within the Hepatitis B vaccine S.K. received—namely latex and
yeast—initiated a delayed IgE-mediated response, leading to an increased production of
inflammatory eosinophils, thereby resulting in an acute onset of atopic dermatitis. Id. at 10–12.
The subsequent receipt of the IPV and DTaP vaccines then significantly aggravated her condition
by initiating an immediate IgE-mediated response. Id. Her condition then entered the chronic phase
where both TH1 and TH2 are present, causing persistent dry, cracked skin that fails to barricade
against other allergens and irritants that can perpetuate inflammation. Id. at 13.

        Petitioner contends that this perpetuating “inflammatory milieu” began around August 27,
2013—six days after S.K. received the second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Mot. for Ruling at
14; Ex. 7 at 15 (noting “redness and rash on neck x3 weeks”). A few weeks later, on September
18, 2013, Dr. Barcellona again noted rough dry patches of skin on S.K.’s body, and he diagnosed
her with atopic dermatitis. Ex. 7 at 21–22. During the same visit, he administered IPV and
pneumococcal vaccines into S.K.’s left leg and the DTaP vaccine into her right leg. Id. at 23–24.
According to Ms. Perekotiy, S.K. immediately exhibited symptoms of a reaction to the vaccines—
her daughter’s legs turned purple. Statement of Anna Perekotiy, filed as Ex. 1 on Aug. 16, 2016
(ECF No. 4-1) at ¶ 5. In the months following, S.K.’s legs remained red, and she continued to
scratch and cry in pain. Id. at ¶ 7; Ex. 58 (photograph dated Nov. 1, 2013 displaying rash on legs
and torso). Petitioner contends that this condition persisted for over a year—citing to medical
records where Ms. Perekotiy reported her daughter’s rash had been present for over a year, as well
as a photograph that depicts S.K.’s rash on March 29, 2014 (just over six months from the time of
her September 18, 2013 vaccinations). Ex. 1 at 24; Ex. 12 at 3; Ex. 59.

                                                  14
         Between September 18, 2013 and February 19, 2014, S.K. was evaluated by pediatricians,
dermatologists, and an allergist for her atopic dermatitis. During these visits, the physical
examinations revealed a persistent rash on her legs, torso, face, and arms. Ex. 3 at 33; Ex. 4 at 14,
24, 28; Ex. 7 at 27; Ex. 10 at 2. Her clinical presentation led some treaters to question whether the
vaccines she received contributed to her condition. Ex. 7 at 27 (noting that it is “unclear if shot
reaction was local and eczema was bigger issue, or if [the] shot caused more reaction”). Another
treater, Dr. Jorgensen, concluded that S.K. had experienced an allergic drug reaction to IPV and
DTaP. Ex. 4 at 28. This opinion was supported by skin prick tests and low dose introductions of
IPV and DTaP that Dr. Jorgensen interpreted as positive for TH2-mediated erythematous reactions.
Id. at 25, 29; Mot. for Ruling at 15 (citing Letter from Treating Immunologist, Ronald Jorgensen,
M.D., filed as Ex. 55 on Feb. 2, 2018 (ECF No. 33-1)).

   B.      Respondent’s Opposition

         Respondent first argues that Petitioner has not established that the Hepatitis B vaccine S.K.
received on August 21, 2013, caused her initial onset of atopic dermatitis. Resp. to Mot. for Ruling
at 12. In support of his position, Respondent points out that Petitioner’s experts discussed examples
of an immediate IgE-mediated anaphylactic responses to allergens, such as latex, but the record
does not support a finding that S.K. ever experienced such a reaction. Id. Additionally,
epidemiological studies have found no link between immunization and the initiation or
exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Id.; see Flohr at 1; Grüber at 1464. And even if Petitioner’s
theory of causation was medically reliable, there is no evidence to support a logical sequence of
cause and effect—namely because the record (as reflected in subsequent testing) does not support
a finding that S.K. suffered from latex and/or yeast allergies. Resp. to Mot. for Ruling at 13. Nor
did Petitioner adequately explain how an IgE-mediated reaction based upon such an allergy—a
response that generally appears and resolves within twenty-four hours—could thereafter lead into
a chronic disease process six days after exposure. Resp. to Mot. for Ruling at 14.

         Respondent also disputes Petitioner’s success in establishing that the IPV and DTaP
vaccines S.K. received on September 18, 2013, could have significantly aggravated her atopic
dermatitis (which Respondent allows existed as of that date, even if it had not been initially caused
by the Hepatitis B vaccine). Resp. to Mot. for Ruling at 14. Focusing on the record at the outset,
Respondent observes that although Ms. Perekotiy claims that S.K. experienced an immediate
reaction to the IPV and DTaP vaccines, the medical record does not reflect any phone calls or
doctor visits for two months following the vaccination. Id. Additionally, the record itself is vague
in its description of S.K.’s dermatologic condition, and it is not immediately clear that her clinical
course was affected by the vaccinations that she received. Id. at 14–15.

        Regarding Petitioner’s proposed mechanism of causation, Respondent argues once again

                                                 15
that there is no evidence that S.K. experienced any kind of immediate, IgE-mediated reaction of
the sort typically associated with latex and yeast allergies. Resp. to Mot. for Ruling at 15. This, in
combination with literature finding no link between vaccination and atopic dermatitis generally,
rebuts Petitioner’s proposed theory of causation. Id.; see Flohr at 1; Grüber at 1464. Additionally,
Respondent highlights the fact that TH2 responses are antigen-specific, and therefore require
sensitization to a specific allergen before a response will occur. Resp. to Mot. for Ruling at 15. But
this sensitization would not have occurred, since S.K. had never been exposed to the IPV and
DTaP vaccines prior to the first doses she received on September 18, 2013. Id. As a result, the
initial receipt of a vaccine could not inherently make an individual more allergic. Id. at 16. Instead,
Respondent proposes that S.K.’s atopic dermatitis was more likely the result of a known food
allergy to egg. Id. at 16–17. While none of the vaccines S.K. received contain egg-product, S.K.
was likely exposed to egg via breastmilk. Id. at 17.

     C.      Petitioner’s Reply

        In her Reply, Petitioner emphasizes that S.K. did undergo allergy testing, and that the
results of those tests were interpreted by a treating physician as positive reactions. Reply for Ruling
at 2. That same treating physician recommended that S.K. not receive any more vaccinations unless
subsequent allergy testing was negative. Id. (citing Ex. 55 at 1). This evidence, according to
Petitioner, offers significant support for her claim, and such evidence is not easily minimized by
Respondent. Much of the Reply then focuses on bolstering the credentials of Drs. Axelrod and
Wikas. Reply for Ruling at 3–6. Lastly, Petitioner argues that S.K. did meet the six-month severity
requirement based upon medical records documenting a past medical history of rash lasting for
more than a year, as well as photographs provided by S.K.’s mother—the latest of which is dated
approximately six months after S.K. received her September 2013 vaccinations. Id. at 6–7.

V.        Applicable Legal Standards

     A.      Petitioner’s Overall Burden in Vaccine Program Cases

        To receive compensation in the Vaccine Program, a petitioner must prove either: (1) that
he suffered a “Table Injury”—i.e., an injury falling within the Vaccine Injury Table—
corresponding to one of the vaccinations in question within a statutorily prescribed period of time
or, in the alternative, (2) that his illnesses were actually caused by a vaccine (a “Non-Table
Injury”). See Sections 13(a)(1)(A), 11(c)(1), and 14(a), as amended by 42 C.F.R. § 100.3; §
11(c)(1)(C)(ii)(I); see also Moberly v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 592 F.3d 1315, 1321 (Fed.
Cir. 2010); Capizzano v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 440 F.3d 1317, 1320 (Fed. Cir. 2006). 16
In this case, Petitioner does not assert a Table claim.

16
  Decisions of special masters (some of which I reference in this ruling) constitute persuasive but not binding
authority. Hanlon v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 40 Fed. Cl. 625, 630 (1998). By contrast, Federal Circuit rulings

                                                         16
         For both Table and Non-Table claims, Vaccine Program petitioners bear a “preponderance
of the evidence” burden of proof. Section 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 [he] may find in favor of the party who has the burden to persuade the judge of the fact’s
existence.” Moberly, 592 F.3d at 1322 n.2; 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 & Human 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 & Human Servs., 165 F.3d 1344,
1352–53 (Fed. Cir. 1999)); Pafford v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 451 F.3d 1352, 1355 (Fed.
Cir. 2006). A petitioner may not receive a Vaccine Program award based solely on his 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: “(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 proximate temporal relationship between vaccination and injury.” Althen v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 418 F.3d 1274, 1278 (Fed. Cir. 2005).

        Each of the Althen prongs requires a different showing. Under Althen prong one, petitioners
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 & Human Servs., 35 F.3d 543, 548 (Fed. Cir. 1994). Such a theory
must only be “legally probable, not medically or scientifically certain.” Id. at 549.

        Petitioners 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 & Human Servs., 569 F.3d 1367, 1378–79 (Fed. Cir. 2009)
(citing Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1325–26). Special masters, despite their expertise, are not
empowered by statute to conclusively resolve what are essentially thorny 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

concerning legal issues are binding on special masters. Guillory v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 59 Fed. Cl. 121,
124 (2003), aff’d 104 F. Appx. 712 (Fed. Cir. 2004); see also Spooner v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 13-
159V, 2014 WL 504728, at *7 n.12 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Jan. 16, 2014).

                                                        17
evidence standard.” Id. at 1380. Accordingly, special masters must take care not to increase the
burden placed on petitioners in offering a scientific theory linking vaccine to injury. Contreras v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 121 Fed. Cl. 230, 245 (2015) (“[p]lausibility . . . in many cases
may be enough to satisfy Althen prong one” (emphasis in original)).

        In discussing the evidentiary standard applicable to the first Althen prong, many decisions
of the Court of Federal Claims and Federal Circuit have emphasized that petitioners need only
establish a causation theory’s biological plausibility (and thus need not do so with preponderant
proof). Tarsell v. United States, 133 Fed. Cl. 782, 792–93 (2017) (special master committed legal
error by requiring petitioner to establish first Althen prong by preponderance; that standard applied
only to second prong and petitioner’s overall burden); see also Contreras, 121 Fed. Cl. at 245;
Andreu, 569 F.3d at 1375. At the same time, there is contrary authority from the Federal Circuit
suggesting that the same preponderance standard used overall in evaluating a claimant’s success
in a Vaccine Act claim is also applied specifically to the first Althen prong. See, e.g., Broekelschen
v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 618 F.3d 1339, 1350 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (affirming special
master’s determination that expert “had not provided a ‘reliable medical or scientific explanation’
sufficient to prove by a preponderance of the evidence a medical theory linking the [relevant
vaccine to relevant injury].”) (emphasis added). Regardless, one thing remains: petitioners always
have the ultimate burden of establishing their Vaccine Act claim overall with preponderant
evidence. W.C. v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 704 F.3d 1352, 1356 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (citations
omitted); Tarsell, 133 Fed. Cl. at 793 (noting that Moberly “addresses the petitioner’s overall
burden of proving causation-in-fact under the Vaccine Act” by a preponderance standard).

        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,
569 F.3d at 1375–77; Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1326; Grant v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 956
F.2d 1144, 1148 (Fed. Cir. 1992). In establishing that a vaccine “did cause” injury, the opinions
and views of the injured party’s treating physicians are entitled to some weight. Andreu, 569 F.3d
at 1367; 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 & Human Servs., 993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993).

        Medical records and statements of a treating physician, however, 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 & Human Servs., 88 Fed. Cl. 706, 746 n.67 (2009) (“there is nothing . . . that mandates

                                                 18
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 be weighed against other, contrary
evidence also present in the record—including conflicting opinions among such individuals.
Hibbard v. Sec’y of Health & Human 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); Veryzer v. Sec’y of Dept. of Health & Human Servs.,
No. 06-522V, 2011 WL 1935813, at *17 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Apr. 29, 2011), mot. for review
denied, 100 Fed. Cl. 344, 356 (2011), aff’d without opinion, 475 F. Appx. 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 & Human Servs., 539 F.3d 1347, 1352 (Fed. Cir. 2008). The explanation for
what is a medically acceptable timeframe must align 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 &
Human Servs., 101 Fed. Cl. 532, 542 (2011), recons. denied after remand, 105 Fed. Cl. 353 (2012),
aff’d mem., 503 F. Appx. 952 (Fed. Cir. 2013); Koehn v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 11-
355V, 2013 WL 3214877 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 30, 2013), mot. for rev. denied (Fed. Cl. Dec.
3, 2013), aff’d, 773 F.3d 1239 (Fed. Cir. 2014).

   B.      Standards Applicable to Significant Aggravation Claim

         Where a petitioner so alleges significant aggravation of a preexisting condition, the Althen
test is expanded, and the petitioner has additional evidentiary burdens to satisfy. Loving v. Sec’y
of Health & Human Servs., 86 Fed. Cl. 135, 144 (2009). In Loving, the Court of Federal Claims
combined the Althen test with the test from Whitecotton v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 81
F.3d 1099, 1107 (Fed. Cir. 1996), which related to on-Table significant aggravation cases. The
resultant “significant aggravation” test has six components, which require establishing:
        (1) the person’s condition prior to administration of the vaccine, (2) the person’s
        current condition (or the condition following the vaccination if that is also
        pertinent), (3) whether the person’s current condition constitutes a “significant
        aggravation” of the person’s condition prior to vaccination, (4) a medical theory
        causally connecting such a significantly worsened condition to the vaccination, (5)
        a logical sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason
        for the significant aggravation, and (6) a showing of a proximate temporal
        relationship between the vaccination and the significant aggravation.

                                                 19
Loving, 86 Fed. Cl. at 144; see also W.C., 704 F.3d at 1357 (holding that “the Loving case provides
the correct framework for evaluating off-table significant aggravation claims”). In effect, the last
three prongs of the Loving test correspond to the three Althen prongs.
        Subsumed within the Loving analysis is the requirement to evaluate the likely natural
course of an injured party’s preexisting disease, in order to determine whether the vaccine made
the petitioner worse than he would have been but for the vaccination. Locane v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 685 F.3d 1375, 1381–82 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (upholding special master’s determination
that petitioner had failed to carry her burden of proof in establishing that her preexisting injury
was worsened by the relevant vaccine); Hennessey v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 01-
190V, 2009 WL 1709053, at *41–42 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 29, 2009), mot. for review denied,
91 Fed. Cl. 126 (2010). The critical point of examination is thus “whether the change for the worse
in [petitioner’s] clinical presentation was aggravation or a natural progression” of the underlying
condition. Hennessey, 2009 WL 1709053, at *42. 17 The Federal Circuit has upheld the
determinations of special masters that worsening was not demonstrated in connection with
establishing a petitioner’s overall preponderant burden of proof for a non-Table causation-in-fact
claim. See, e.g., Snyder/Harris v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 553 F. Appx. 994, 999–1000
(Fed. Cir. 2014); Locane, 685 F.3d at 1381–82. 18

     C.      Legal Standards Governing Factual Determinations

        The process for making determinations in Vaccine Program cases regarding factual issues
begins with consideration of the medical records. 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 13(b)(1)(A). The special master is then

17
   The legislative history of the Vaccine Act strongly supports interpreting “significant aggravation” as requiring a
claimant to establish that a vaccine rendered a preexisting condition qualitatively worse than it would have been
otherwise—not simply that the affected individual experienced a post-vaccination symptom that contrasts with the
individual’s comparatively better pre-vaccination health. See H.R. Rep. No. 99-908, at 15 (1986) (“This [significant
aggravation] provision does not include compensation for conditions which might legitimately be described as pre-
existing (e.g., a child with monthly seizures who, after vaccination, has seizures every three and a half weeks), but is
meant to encompass serious deterioration (e.g., a child with monthly seizures who, after vaccination, has seizures on
a daily basis” (emphasis added)).
18
  This is consistent with the fact (well recognized by controlling precedent) that evidence of “worsening” relevant to
Respondent’s alternative cause burden may reasonably by evaluated by a special master in determining the success of
a petitioner’s prima facie showing. Snyder/Harris, 553 F. Appx. at 1000 (“‘[N]o evidence should be embargoed from
the special master’s consideration simply because it is also relevant to another inquiry under the statute.’” (quoting
Stone v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 676 F.3d 1373, 1380 (Fed. Cir. 2012))); see also de Bazan at 1353 (“[t]he
government, like any defendant, is permitted to offer evidence to demonstrate the inadequacy of the petitioner’s
evidence on a requisite element of the petitioner’s case-in-chief.”).

                                                          20
required to weigh the evidence presented, including contemporaneous medical records and
testimony. See Burns v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 3 F.3d 415, 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 that are created contemporaneously with the events they describe are
presumed to be accurate and “complete” (i.e., presenting all relevant information on a patient’s
health problems). Cucuras, 993 F.2d at 1528; Doe/70 v. Sec’y of Health & Human 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 sub nom. Rickett v. Sec’y of Health
& Human Servs., 468 F. Appx. 952 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (non-precedential opinion). This presumption
is based on the linked propositions 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 & Human Servs., No. 11-685V, 2013 WL 1880825, at *2 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
Apr. 10, 2013); Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Human 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 & Human 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 Dep’t of Health & Human Servs., 23 Cl. Ct. 726, 733 (1991) (citing
United States v. United States 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.”)).

        There are, however, 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 & Human 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

                                                 21
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 & Human
Servs., 991 F.2d 1570, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 1993).

        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 & Human
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 & Human 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.

       D.      Analysis of Expert Testimony

        Establishing a sound and reliable medical theory often requires a petitioner to present
expert testimony in support of his claim. Lampe v. Sec’y of Health & Human 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 Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 594–96 (1993). See Cedillo v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 617 F.3d 1328,
1339 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (citing Terran v. Sec’y of Health & Human 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 (such as the district courts). Daubert factors are usually
employed by judges (in the performance of their evidentiary gatekeeper roles) to exclude evidence
that is unreliable and/or could confuse a jury. In Vaccine Program cases, by contrast, these factors
are used in the weighing of the reliability of scientific evidence proffered. Davis v. Sec’y of Health
& Human Servs., 94 Fed. Cl. 53, 66–67 (2010) (“uniquely in this Circuit, the Daubert factors have

                                                 22
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 the
persuasiveness and reliability of expert testimony has routinely been upheld. See, e.g., Snyder, 88
Fed. Cl. at 742–45. 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, 618 F.3d at 1347 (citing 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));
see also Isaac v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 08-601V, 2012 WL 3609993, at *17 (Fed.
Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 30, 2012), mot. for rev. denied, 108 Fed. Cl. 743 (2013), aff’d, 540 F. Appx.
999 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (citing Cedillo, 617 F.3d at 1339). 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. Moberly, 592 F.3d 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 & Human 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”).

        Expert opinions based on unsupported facts may be given relatively little weight. See
Dobrydnev v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 556 F. Appx. 976, 992–93 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (“[a]
doctor’s conclusion is only as good as the facts upon which it is based”) (citing Brooke Group Ltd.
v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., 509 U.S. 209, 242 (1993) (“[w]hen an expert assumes
facts that are not supported by a preponderance of the evidence, a finder of fact may properly reject
the expert’s opinion”)). Expert opinions that fail to address or are at odds with contemporaneous
medical records may therefore be less persuasive than those which correspond to such records. See
Gerami v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 12-442V, 2013 WL 5998109, at *4 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Oct. 11, 2013), aff’d, 127 Fed. Cl. 299 (2014).

       E.      Consideration of Medical Literature

        Both parties filed medical and scientific literature in this case, but not every filed item
factors into the outcome of this decision. While I have reviewed all the medical literature submitted
in this case, I discuss only those articles that are most relevant to my determination and/or are

                                                 23
central to Petitioner’s case—just as I have not exhaustively discussed every individual medical
record filed. Moriarty v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 844 F.3d 1322, 1328 (Fed. Cir. 2016)
(“[w]e generally presume that a special master considered the relevant record evidence even
though he does not explicitly reference such evidence in his decision”) (citation omitted); see also
Paterek v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 527 F. Appx. 875, 884 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (“[f]inding
certain information not relevant does not lead to—and likely undermines—the conclusion that it
was not considered”).

       F.      Resolution of Case Via Ruling on Record

        The parties have requested that I resolve this matter on the papers, rather than by holding
a hearing. The Vaccine Act and Rules not only contemplate but encourage special masters to
decide petitions on the papers where (in the exercise of their discretion) they conclude that doing
so will properly and fairly resolve the case. Section 12(d)(2)(D); Vaccine Rule 8(d). The decision
to rule on the record in lieu of hearing has been affirmed on appeal. See Kreizenbeck v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., No. 08-209V, slip op. at 8 (Fed. Cir. Jan. 6, 2020); Hooker v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., No. 02-472V, 2016 WL 3456435, at *21 n.19 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May
19, 2016) (citing numerous cases where special masters decided on the papers in lieu of hearing
and that decision was upheld). I am simply not required to hold a hearing in every matter, no matter
the preferences of the parties. Hovey v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 38 Fed. Cl. 397, 402–03
(1997) (special master acted within his discretion in denying evidentiary hearing); Burns, 3 F.3d
at 417; Murphy 23 Cl. Ct. at 730–31.

                                           ANALYSIS

        Petitioner has two associated, non-Table claims: one alleging that the Hepatitis B vaccine
directly caused S.K.’s atopic dermatitis, and a significant aggravation claim based on two vaccines
she received approximately one month later. Both claims must be established by a preponderance
of the evidence, though the specific factors that must be proven differ between the claims. As set
forth below, I find that although Petitioner offers several items of reliable evidence, she has not
preponderantly established either claim.

I.     Overview of Atopic Dermatitis

        The experts largely agreed on the characteristics of atopic dermatitis, but a few additional
points are in order. Atopic dermatitis is a complex skin allergy disease that most often manifests
in young children, and is generally characterized by skin irritation, dryness, sweating, and itching.
A. Cantani, Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 473 (U. Heilmann ed., 2008)

                                                 24
(“Cantani”). 19 As discussed by both parties’ experts, the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis involves
the production of a specific antibody, IgE, and the corresponding/subsequent stimulation of the
skin’s inflammatory response. See Axelrod Rep. at 2; Spergel Rep. at 2–3. Foreign antigens that
are introduced to the body are captured by Langerhans cells 20, which reside in the epidermis layer
of the skin and carry IgE antibodies on their cell membranes. Cantani at 478. The Langerhans cells
then migrate and interact with T-cells, such as memory TH2 cells, and mast cells. Id. at 478, 484;
Maggi at 236.

        Activated TH2 cells subsequently support the proliferation and release of interleukins while
mast cells initiate the release of histamines—key mediators of an inflammatory response. Cantani
at 478, 484. Significantly, skin mast cells can also be activated by nonimmunological stimuli,
including viral proteins and components of bacterial membranes. Id. at 484. Following the initial
release of histamine, an individual may experience signs of a Type I hypersensitivity, such as
pruritic, erythematous, or macular rashes as well as vasodilation. 21 Id. In a second phase, TH1
cells—characteristic of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions—predominate and play a key role
in producing skin lesions. Id. at 489–90. As TH2 gives way to TH1 proliferation, the individual may
experience worsening inflammation. Id. at 490; see also Spergel Rep. at 2–3.

        Clinical presentation of atopic dermatitis in infants generally presents as an erythematous
rash on the face. Cantani at 501. Scratching and itching may worsen the disease, as well as
exposure to additional allergens and irritants after the condition’s symptomatic manifestation. Id.
at 497–500. Because individuals with atopic dermatitis are more likely to also experience
sensitizations, identification and removal of food allergens from an individual’s diet plays a
significant role in the management and treatment of the condition. Id. at 497, 512; see also
Fleischer at 581; Weidinger at 1110.

II.        Petitioner Has Not Preponderantly Established that the Hepatitis B Vaccine
           Did Cause S.K.’s Initial Presentation of Atopic Dermatitis

        There is no dispute in this case about the administration of the vaccines in question, S.K.’s
diagnoses, or the date S.K. most likely experienced onset (around August 27, 2013). Thus,
Petitioner’s claim regarding initiation of S.K.’s atopic dermatitis turns on whether the Hepatitis B

19
   Cantani is a medical treatise on the topic of pediatric allergy and immunology. It is not being filed in this matter
because it is not controversial, nor contrary to the testimony provided by the parties’ experts, and my determination
of entitlement does not turn on my general reference to it. I cite to it merely because it provides supplemental
information and context absent from the parties’ existing literature filings.

20
  Langerhans cells are predominantly located in the skin but can also be found in the lungs, lymph nodes, spleen, and
thymus. They are antigen-presenting cells, and they are most commonly implicated in the mediation of allergic
reactions. Dorland’s at 315.

21
     Vasodilation describes the dilation of blood vessels leading to increased blood flow. Dorland’s at 1996.

                                                            25
vaccine could cause atopic dermatitis in the manner proposed, whether it did so here, and whether
S.K.’s onset was within a medically acceptable timeframe. I find that Petitioner has not
preponderantly satisfied any of the Althen prongs for this claim.

        The first Althen prong requires petitioners to establish a “reputable medical theory”
demonstrating that the vaccine received can cause the type of injury alleged. Here, both parties
agree that atopic dermatitis, like other types of allergic reactions, is immunologically mediated by
IgE generated in response to increased T cell and cytokine activity. See Axelrod Rep. at 2; Wikas
Rep. at 4; Spergel Rep. at 2–3. Individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis also tend to exhibit
higher rates of sensitization, such as food allergies and other immune-mediated inflammatory
diseases. Fleischer at 581. Thus, the immune character of the condition has been established—
opening the door to a conclusion that a vaccine might be associated with that condition.

        In addition, I find that preponderant evidence (particularly some of the literature filed in
this case) supports the conclusion that exposure to potentially allergenic vaccine components could
trigger the kind of immunologic reaction necessary to produce an IgE-mediated allergic reaction.
See, e.g., Chung at 50; Dreskin at 9–16 (emphasizing that although vaccine antigens themselves
rarely cause allergic reactions, other vaccine components may induce an allergic response and
should be identified so as to modify vaccine administration if necessary); Spergel Rep. at 5–6. But
this alone is insufficient to support finding that vaccines can also cause atopic dermatitis—a
condition that much of the literature distinguishes from a true allergic reaction. See, e.g., Zudaire
at 311–12.

        On that specific subject, Respondent offered certain items of literature aimed at rebutting
Petitioner’s points regarding the capacity of a vaccine to cause atopic dermatitis—although not all
were equally persuasive. For example, Flohr, a review article, considered numerous studies on
different aspects of atopic dermatitis, including studies evaluating the effects of vaccination on the
development and exacerbation of the condition. Flohr at 21. Some of the studies Flohr considered
found that there was an increased risk for atopic dermatitis following vaccination, but Flohr
identified sources of error in those studies and therefore rejected their conclusions. Id. (discussing
a Danish cross-sectional study that found a twofold increase in atopic dermatitis risk in children
following receipt of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, and two UK studies that found
increased risk of atopic dermatitis in children following receipt of diphtheria/tetanus and polio
containing vaccines).

        Though not insignificant, the weight I give to literature reviews is less than what I would
give to other forms of more direct evidence, such as epidemiological studies and research studies
centering on some aspect of the relevant condition. Flohr’s conclusions are further diminished by
the lack of follow-up studies addressing the sources of error alleged by Flohr. Without subsequent
studies, there exists merely a handful of studies—some of which do find a causal relationship

                                                 26
between vaccines and atopic dermatitis—along with a single review of those studies that alleges
unverified sources of error and therefore arrives at the opposite conclusion. Thus, Flohr alone is
not sufficient to overcome Petitioner’s showing.

         But Respondent also offered a 2008 epidemiological study, Grüber, involving over 2,000
children. Grüber focused on children who were at a high risk of developing atopic dermatitis,
versus children already suffering from it, to see if childhood vaccinations had any effect on the
initiation or exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Grüber at 1464. Ultimately, Grüber concluded that
vaccination did not pose an increased risk for either the development or exacerbation of atopic
dermatitis. Grüber at 1469. This is a very persuasive study worthy of substantial weight, and it was
not rebutted by Petitioner. This study, along with the findings of Flohr, sufficiently rebut
Petitioner’s arguments, thereby making Petitioner’s overall showing insufficient to establish an
entitlement award.

       Petitioner also failed to offer preponderant evidence to support the second Althen prong,
which requires establishing a logical sequence of cause and effect between the alleged injury and
the vaccine received. The medical record reveals that prior to receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine on
August 21, 2013, S.K. (who had previously received the same vaccine at birth, one month before,
but with no reaction) had not exhibited any dermatologic symptoms consistent with atopic
dermatitis. Ex. 7 at 11–14 (discussing physical examination findings on August 21, 2013, which
were negative for any dermatologic concerns). Only six days later (as reported to treaters by Ms.
Perekotiy) did S.K. begin exhibiting dermatologic symptoms, which were thereafter diagnosed as
atopic dermatitis the following month. Id. at 15, 21–22 (noting that S.K.’s symptoms began
approximately three weeks prior).

         Petitioner maintains that S.K.’s atopic dermatitis was the result of a delayed IgE-mediated
allergic response to the latex and yeast components of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Mot. for Ruling at
12. But Respondent points out that such delayed reactions (occurring within forty-eight hours of
allergen expose, and then peaking within seventy-two to ninety-six hours post-exposure (three to
four days later) are not usually IgE-mediated. Chung at 51; Wood at 521–22. In fact, as Zudaire
emphasizes, such reactions merely simulate an allergic response, and should therefore not be
diagnosed as a true vaccine allergy. Zudaire at 311–12. Additionally, no allergy testing was
conducted against the Hepatitis B vaccine or any of its alleged components (latex and yeast). See
Ex. 4 at 25, 29 (discussing allergy test results for Diphtheria/Tetanus and IPV vaccines). Without
positive allergy test results, there is insufficient evidence that S.K. was allergic to any component
of the Hepatitis B vaccine. For these reasons, I find that Petitioner has not satisfied her burden
under Althen prong two.

       Petitioner’s showing under the third Althen prong is similarly flawed—and would compel
dismissal of this claim even if she had met the first two prongs. Respondent’s experts, along with

                                                 27
much of the literature submitted in this matter, proposed that the onset of delayed allergic reactions
will occur at least within forty-eight hours of allergen exposure, peaking three to four days post-
exposure. Chung at 51; Wood at 521–22. But the medical records in this case suggest that S.K. did
not display symptoms of atopic dermatitis until August 27, 2013—six days post-vaccination. Ex.
7 at 15. Thus, the medical record establishing S.K.’s onset is inconsistent with the most
scientifically reliable/medically acceptable timeframe.

        Petitioner argues for a longer timeframe, with Dr. Axelrod opining that adaptive immune
responses to an allergen can occur up to twenty-five days after exposure. Axelrod Rep. at 4. In
support of this contention, Petitioner cited two articles, only one of which was filed in this matter. 22
See A. Abbas et al., Cellular and Molecular Immunology 10 (8th ed. 2015) (“Abbas”). Her reliance
on Abbas, however, is misplaced. Abbas demonstrates only that the secondary immune response
(primarily mediated by memory B cells) is as a general rule more robust than the primary response
to a specific antigen. Id. But even though it is true that S.K. had been administered the Hepatitis B
vaccine once prior (thus suggesting the second dose would prompt a more robust reaction), it is
not apparent how the findings of Abbas translate into response times for initial, IgE-mediated
allergic reactions. Abbas also notes that memory T cells react “much more rapidly and vigorously”
during a secondary immune response than during the primary response—consistent with the other
literature suggesting that an allergic response would be far more immediate. Id. This further
undercuts Petitioner’s argument that longer, delayed response times are typical of secondary
immune responses. I therefore find that Petitioner has failed to meet her burden in establishing the
third Althen prong with respect to her Hepatitis B-oriented claim.

III.     Petitioner Has Not Preponderantly Established that the DTaP and IPV Vaccines
         Significantly Aggravated S.K.’s Preexisting Atopic Dermatitis

        The parties agree that S.K. was already experiencing atopic dermatitis when she received
the DTaP and IPV vaccines in mid-September 2018, and thereafter experienced symptoms for
some period of time (although Respondent contests that this period was sufficiently severe to meet
a core claim requirement). This leaves three primary issues to be resolved: (a) could these vaccines
aggravate atopic dermatitis, (b) did they do so in this case, and (c) was the aggravation worse than
what otherwise would be expected for a child already suffering from this condition. I find that
Petitioner has not satisfied these elements.

22
  The second article Petitioner cited to in support of this proposition in Dr. Axelrod’s report was not filed in this case.
Axelrod Rep. at 4, 6. Instead, Petitioner filed an article from 1949 discussing the speed of secondary immune responses
to various forms of tetanus toxoid (none of which are the same as the vaccines administered to S.K.). J. 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 64 (1949), filed as Ex. 31 on May 9, 2017 (ECF No. 18-
5). I give this second article very little weight due to its age, as well as the fact that the study did not consider any of
the vaccines at issue in this matter.

                                                            28
   A. Petitioner has not Provided a Reliable Theory of Causation (Loving Factor Four)

        The Fourth Loving factor largely tracks the first Althen prong, asking whether a petitioner
has established a scientifically/medically reliable theory that the vaccine in question “could cause”
aggravation of the alleged preexisting condition. Loving, 86 Fed. Cl. at 144. Here, Petitioner was
unable to preponderantly establish that the vaccines S.K. received in September 2013 could trigger
further adverse events in a person already suffering from atopic dermatitis.

        The literature filed in this matter establishes that individuals already suffering from atopic
dermatitis will likely display future additional sensitivity to any stimuli, vaccine or not, rendering
them more disposed to experience other IgE-mediated inflammatory reactions. Fleischer at 581;
see Weidinger at 1110 (noting that two-thirds of infants with moderate atopic dermatitis exhibit
sensitization to food allergens). In large part, this may be due to the propensity of atopic individuals
to overproduce IgE, and may also be attributed to the defective skin barrier caused by the ongoing
inflammatory TH2/TH1 cycle and the damage it causes. See Wikas Rep. at 4; Schneider at 296.

        As a result, allergens different from the initial dermatitis-causing exposure could
exacerbate existing symptoms. Weidinger, for example, found that among children with moderate
existing atopic dermatitis, exposure to food allergens sometimes resulted in IgE-mediated
immediate reactions, such as pruritis, urticaria, and flushing. Weidinger at 1110. In some instances,
that immediate reaction was later followed by worsening eczema and atopic dermatitis. Id. This
sensitivity explains why skin prick tests in individuals with atopic dermatitis have higher rates of
false positives, and why such an individual may experience an erythematous reaction even to saline
controls. Weidinger at 1110. And as discussed by Respondent’s expert, Dr. Spergel, the literature
recognizes that irritant reactions resulting in erythema and exacerbated atopic dermatitis may also
occur in atopic individuals following vaccination. Id. at 1109–11; Dreskin at 12; Zudaire at 312;
Spergel Rep. at 3. Thus, Petitioner has offered some reliable evidence in favor of the conclusion
that the IPV or DTaP vaccines could similarly aggravate existing atopic dermatitis (at least
transiently).

        In opposition to these arguments, Respondent again relies on the findings of Flohr and
Grüber, which dealt specifically with the propensity of vaccines to cause or exacerbate atopic
dermatitis—and they are equally persuasive in rebutting the significant aggravation claim. Grüber
is especially difficult for Petitioner to overcome. Although she has cited some reliable subsequent
review articles that support her contention that vaccines might exacerbate an existing case of atopic
dermatitis (see, e.g., Zudaire at 312), Petitioner has not rebutted Grüber, an epidemiologic study
that goes directly to her central contentions in this case. As I have often noted, while petitioners
need not offer epidemiologic evidence to prevail, I may consider those relevant studies that bear
on a claim, and reliable studies are entitled to evidentiary weight. McCollum v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., No. 14-790V, 2017 WL 5386613, at *17–18 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Sept. 15, 2017),

                                                  29
mot. for review den’d, 135 Fed. Cl. 735 (2017), aff’d, 760 Fed. Appx. 1003 (Fed. Cir. 2019).

        Overall, Petitioner’s showing on this Loving element was not ultimately persuasive and
was not aided by her expert showing. Respondent, on the other hand, offered credible and
persuasive expert testimony that (coupled with the filed literature) substantially detracted from
Petitioner’s proffered theory. Because of the foregoing, my weighing process did not produce a
finding in Petitioner’s favor on the fourth Loving factor, despite the fact that Petitioner offered
some reliable evidence. As science advances, and/or this issue is subject to further (or updated)
study, more evidence may be developed that supports the kind of claim asserted herein. But it does
not exist today. Under the legal standards I must apply, the evidence in this case does not support
a finding that the DTaP and IPV vaccines can likely produce atopic dermatitis exacerbations.
   B. Petitioner has Established a Worsening of S.K.’s Condition, but not a Causal Relationship
      Between Vaccination and the Exacerbation (Loving Factors Three and Five)

        Petitioner has successfully demonstrated that S.K.’s atopic dermatitis worsened following
vaccination, but she has failed to establish that the worsening was due to vaccination. See
Hennessey, 2009 WL 1709053, at *42. Here, S.K.’s medical record, when amplified by Ms.
Perekotiy’s testimony and photographs, maps S.K.’s clinical course from onset to resolution of her
atopic dermatitis. This evidence persuasively establishes that S.K.’s post-vaccination condition
differed from her pre-vaccination condition in general severity. But for the reasons mentioned
above, the relationship between S.K.’s worsening condition and the vaccines she received was
most likely merely temporal—not causal.

        On September 16, 2013—two days prior to receiving the two vaccines relevant to the
significant aggravation claim—S.K. was evaluated by Dr. Petranu for redness and a rash. Ex. 7 at
15. His physical evaluation revealed that S.K. had flaky skin on her head and was positive for
“erythematous, raw, macerated neck folds without drainage or crusting.” Id. at 16. Even on the
day of vaccination, S.K. displayed rough patches on her body, scalp flakiness, and red macules in
her neck folds. Id. at 21. Thus, there was no evident change in S.K.’s condition, and no lower
extremity involvement was noted during either of these visits.

        The subsequent record is silent on an immediate reaction but is supplemented by Ms.
Perekotiy’s unrebutted contention that within minutes of the DTaP and IPV vaccines being
administered, S.K.’s legs (the situs of administration) became purple. Statement of Anna Perekotiy
at ¶ 5. Then, on October 27, 2013, Petitioner took a picture of S.K. where her legs appear to be
covered in red splotches—a condition that was not previously noted in the medical record. Ex. 57.
A second picture taken on November 1, 2013 again demonstrates extensive redness on S.K.’s legs,
lower torso, and head. Ex. 58. These closer-in-time alleged reactions are corroborated by
subsequent statements made to treaters about S.K.’s worsening condition. See Ex. 4 at 13; Ex. 10

                                                30
at 1. 23

       As the overall record demonstrates, S.K.’s condition prior to her receipt of the September
2013 vaccinations did not involve her lower extremities and appeared limited to her scalp and
neck. Ex. 7 at 16, 21. Thus, S.K.’s development of atopic dermatitis symptoms in her legs, where
she had previously had no signs of the disease, establish the worsening of her pre-vaccination
condition. But the record only supports a temporal association between the vaccination and
subsequent leg rash—not that the vaccines themselves “more likely than not” caused a reaction
thereby inducing the rash and subsequent exacerbation of atopic dermatitis.

        First, as noted above, there is thin evidence suggesting that vaccines can cause or
exacerbate atopic dermatitis generally. See Grüber at 1469. Petitioner’s overreliance on the
temporal association between S.K.’s exacerbation and vaccination is insufficient to sustain her
claim in the face of scientific and epidemiological evidence to the contrary. See Moberly, 592 F.3d
at 1323–24. Not all adverse post-vaccination events are caused by vaccination (since, were that
the case, all a claimant would need to do to prevail in any Vaccine Act case would be to show
onset of injury after vaccination). 24

        Second, the record does not otherwise persuasively link the DTaP or IPV vaccines to S.K.’s
worsening. At best, Petitioner can point to the skin-prick testing performed by Dr. Jorgensen in
the winter of 2014 as supporting the conclusion that S.K. was allergic to either the antigenic
components of these two vaccines or their ingredients. Ex. 4 at 20, 25, 29. However (and as
discussed above), S.K. could not have been predisposed to a response to these vaccines (whether
antigenically-specific or to other components) before first receiving them in September 2018, and
because she unquestionably was displaying symptoms of atopic dermatitis by this time, any post-
vaccination reaction is equally if not more likely attributable to the general sensitivity a person
with atopic dermatitis would display to any stimuli. Fleischer at 581; see Weidinger at 1110. In
addition, Drs. Lobo and Spergel raised reasonable points about the reliability of Dr. Jorgensen’s
testing results, and they persuasively noted that there is no evidence in this case that S.K. did
possess an allergy to latex or yeast. Dr. Lobo Rep. at 6; Spergel Rep. at 3; see Ex. 4 at 20, 25, 29
(discussing skin prick tests against IPV and DTaP generally, but also showing a failure to test
against yeast and latex).

23
  Although contemporaneous medical records are presumptively correct and are usually the best evidence of a
particular contention like the date of occurrence of a symptom, subsequent records that consistently corroborate the
symptom’s occurrence at a particular time can preponderantly establish that as a fact, even if earlier records do not
exist. See, e.g., Cooper v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 16-1387V, 2018 WL 1835179, at *6–7 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Jan. 18, 2018).
24
  The record also hints in places that Petitioner’s reluctance to treat S.K. with prescribed steroidal topical creams or
other medications may well also have been a factor in any worsening of the atopic dermatitis (or at least its failure to
improve). See, e.g., Ex. 7 at 25 (Dr. Barcellona noting that Petitioner was not using the prescribed steroids to treat
S.K.’s dermatologic condition “because it is a steroid and steroids are ‘bad.’”). This Decision, however, does not turn
on the finding of such an alternative explanation.

                                                          31
        Accordingly, even though Petitioner has preponderantly established that S.K.’s course
worsened post-vaccination, she has not also shown that such worsening can be reliably vaccine-
attributed. Petitioner relies too much on the obvious temporal relationship between vaccination
and her subsequent symptoms. This is an insufficient basis for the conclusion that the DTaP and
IPV vaccines caused S.K.’s atopic dermatitis exacerbation.

   C. Other Loving Factors

        The sixth and final Loving factor requires petitioners to establish a proximate temporal
relationship between the significant aggravation of their condition and the received vaccine.
Loving, 86 Fed. Cl. at 144. Petitioner maintains that S.K. experienced significant aggravation of
her atopic dermatitis within minutes of receiving the IPV and DTaP vaccinations in both legs. Mot.
for Ruling at 2 (citing Statement of Anna Perekotiy at ¶ 5).

        Respondent correctly notes that the medical record from that September 2013 visit do not
document any adverse reactions. Response to Mot. for Ruling at 3–4; Ex. 7 at 23–24. However,
subsequent contemporaneous medical records pre-dating the initiation of this litigation are
consistent with Petitioner’s allegations. For example, a letter written by Dr. Jorgensen dated
January 28, 2014 provides a medical history in which Petitioner reported S.K. developed redness
in her legs the day she received the DTaP and IPV vaccinations. Ex. 4 at 13. In addition, and
although not as persuasive as contemporaneous records, Petitioner’s testimony and the consistency
of her reporting in subsequent medical records preponderates in her favor. Thus, Petitioner has met
her burden under the sixth Loving factor.

       I will not provide a lengthy analysis of Loving factors one (establishing a petitioner’s pre-
vaccination condition) and two (establishing a petitioner’s post-vaccination condition), because
both parties appear to agree that S.K. experienced atopic dermatitis prior to and following her
September 18, 2013 vaccinations. Mot. for Ruling at 2 (citing Ex. 7 at 22); Response to Mot. for
Ruling at 14–15 (discussing the overall course of S.K.’s atopic dermatitis both before and after
vaccination).

        But despite these findings, Petitioner has not provided sufficient evidence to carry her
burden; especially when rebutted with the epidemiological evidence offered by Respondent in this
matter. Specifically, Petitioner’s literature offered in support of her proposed theory, while
appearing to be viable at first glance, was substantially outweighed by the Grüber epidemiological
study, which found no causal connection between childhood vaccination and the development or
exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Similarly, Petitioner’s experts failed to provide adequate support
for the proposed theory. Though qualified to offer an opinion in the matter, Drs. Axelrod and
Wikas were less credible overall in the opinions they offered when compared to Respondent’s

                                                 32
expert, Dr. Spergel. Thus, I find that Petitioner has failed to meet her overall burden under Loving.

IV.    Petitioner Has Met the Six-Month Severity Requirement

       Besides contending that Ms. Perekotiy has not met her primary Althen or Loving
evidentiary burdens, Respondent argues that S.K.’s atopic dermatitis course post-vaccination did
not meet the six-month severity requirement set forth in Section 11 of the Vaccine Act. Response
to Mot. for Ruling at 5–6. This argument was also the subject of Respondent’s Motion to Dismiss.
See generally Mot. to Dismiss.

        According to Respondent, S.K. exhibited symptoms of atopic dermatitis between
approximately August 27, 2013 and February 19, 2014, as noted by her treating physicians during
physical examination. Response to Mot. for Ruling at 5–6; Ex. 7 at 15–19; Ex. 4 at 28. Physical
examinations after February 19, 2014, however, were negative for dermatologic symptoms.
Response to Mot. for Ruling at 5. Thus, Respondent contends, Petitioner cannot establish sufficient
severity, since S.K.’s course of aggravated dermatitis was over within five months of vaccination.

       Petitioner argues in response that subsequent records do in fact reference S.K.’s atopic
dermatitis, describing a disease course of at least six months. See, e.g., Ex. 6 at 8 (review of systems
documenting a “present rash” as of June 16, 2015); Ex. 9 at 12 (Petitioner reported on September
16, 2015 a rash that lasted for one year); Ex. 12 at 3 (history of present illness prepared on
September 15, 2015 describing Petitioner report of a rash that lasted for over a year). Petitioner
also submitted a photograph of S.K. that was taken on March 29, 2014 (six months post-
vaccination), in which S.K. still appears to have red, cracked skin on her lower extremities. Ex.
59.

        I find that Petitioner has provided just enough evidence to preponderantly establish the six-
month severity requirement. This determination does not arise solely from the medical record.
While some of the medical records dated after February 2014 contain references to a rash lasting
longer than six months, all of those references are contained in either the review of systems or past
medical history sections—portions of the medical record that rely on patient reporting and are
therefore subject to biases and mistaken memory. In addition, none of S.K.’s treating physicians
documented present dermatologic symptoms during physical examination after February 2014.
There is overall thin evidence to be found in the record that S.K.’s atopic dermatitis persisted for
long as a concern.

        Nonetheless, other corroborative evidence helps satisfy this core vaccine injury claim
requirement. The March 29, 2014 photograph of S.K. (in which she displays a red, splotchy rash
and cracked skin on her lower extremities) is particular trustworthy, probative evidence that S.K.
did in fact continue to experience residual symptoms of her atopic dermatitis. I also give some

                                                  33
weight to the statements of Petitioner that S.K.’s dermatitis did not immediately subside despite
the contrary suggestions of the medical record. These items of evidence, when weighed in light of
the leniency and disposition toward generosity that the Program mandates petitioners are to
receive, are enough to satisfy severity in this case, even if the evidence on this issue is close. See,
e.g., Wright v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 146 Fed. Cl. 608, 614 (2019) (emphasizing the
need to keep in mind Program policy goals when evaluating severity); see also Purtill v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., No. 18-832V, 2019 WL 7212162, at *6 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Nov. 12,
2019) (close calls on elements of entitlement claims should be decided in a petitioner’s favor),
citing Roberts v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 09-427V, 2013 WL 5314698, at *10 (Fed.
Cl. Spec. Mstr. Aug. 29, 2013).

V.     Respondent Has Established an Alternative Cause for S.K.’s Atopic Dermatitis

       I also find that even if the Petitioner had met her primary burden of proof, Respondent
would have met his shifted burden, because he has offered preponderantly-supported alternative
causes for the exacerbation of S.K.’s atopic dermatitis. See Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278 (citing
Knudsen, 35 F.3d at 547).
      Specifically, Dr. Spergel proposed that S.K.’s exposure to egg via the breastmilk she was
consuming could explain the exacerbation of her condition. Spergel Rep. at 5. Much of the
literature in this matter supports the proposition that exposure to food allergens frequently
exacerbates atopic dermatitis. See, e.g., Weidinger at 1116 (emphasizing the importance of
avoiding food allergens in children with atopic dermatitis). There is no dispute that S.K. was being
breast-fed throughout this period. See, e.g., Ex. 7 at 11, 19.
      Petitioner’s claim was undercut further by the fact that atopic dermatitis is understood to be
self-perpetuating, independent of intervening factors. Once the skin barrier is compromised, more
irritants may easily enter the body, refueling the TH2/TH1 cycle. Wikas Rep. at 4. Additionally, the
itchy sensation produced by atopic dermatitis often leads to scratching and rubbing, which
similarly perpetuates inflammation. K. Malik et al., An Update on the Pathophysiology of Atopic
Dermatitis, 35 Dermatologic Clinics 317, 322–23 (2017), filed as Ex. C, Tab 4 on Feb. 25, 2019
(ECF No. 41-6). I find that these baseline aspects of the conditions all better explain any
exacerbation experienced herein than the September 2018 vaccines.

                                          CONCLUSION

        This was a difficult case. I take S.K.’s condition seriously and the negative impact that it
had on her life and those of her parents. Petitioner’s good faith arguments were backed by many
solid items of proof. But on the fundamental point of causation, it was not a close case. The
Vaccine Act permits me to award compensation to a petitioner alleging a “non-Table Injury” only

                                                  34
if she can show by medical records or competent medical opinion that the injury was more likely
than not vaccine-caused. The evidence in the record did not ultimately preponderate in a favorable
ruling.

       Accordingly, and for the aforementioned reasons, I DENY entitlement in this case. In the
absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the clerk of the court SHALL
ENTER JUDGMENT in accordance with the terms of this Decision. 25

IT IS SO ORDERED.
                                                                          /s/ Brian H. Corcoran
                                                                          Brian H. Corcoran
                                                                          Chief Special Master

25
  Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment it (jointly or separately) they file notices
renouncing their right to seek review.

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