The opinion
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 17-574V
Filed: November 23, 2021
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
PAUL DERBER and CATHERINE
*
DERBER, as parents on behalf of D.D.,
*
a minor, * UNPUBLISHED
*
Petitioner, * Decision on Joint Stipulation;
* Chronic Inflammatory
v. * Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
* (“CIDP”); Influenza (“flu”)
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Vaccine.
AND HUMAN SERVICES, *
*
Respondent. *
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Danielle A. Strait, Esq., Maglio Christopher & Toale, Seattle, WA, for petitioner.
Claudia B. Gangi, Esq., US Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION 1
Roth, Special Master:
On April 28, 2017, Paul Derber and Catherine Derber [“Mr. Derber and Mrs. Derber” or
“petitioners”] filed a petition on behalf of their son, D.D., for compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.2 Petitioners allege that D.D. developed chronic
1 Although this Decision has been formally designated “unpublished,” it will nevertheless be posted on the
Court of Federal Claims’s website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-
347, 116 Stat. 2899, 2913 (codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). This means the Decision
will be available to anyone with access to the internet. 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
National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa
(2012).
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inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (“CIDP”) after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccine
on November 9, 2014. Stipulation, filed November 23, 2021, at ¶¶ 1-4. Respondent denies that the
flu vaccine caused D.D. to suffer from CIDP, any other injury, or his present condition. Stipulation
at ¶ 6.
Nevertheless, the parties have agreed to settle the case. On November 23, 2021, the parties
filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle this case and describing the settlement terms.
Respondent agrees to issue the following payment:
a) A lump sum of $298,075.90, which amount represents compensation for first-year life
care expenses ($98,075.90) and pain and suffering ($200,000.00), in the form of a
check payable to petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of D.D. for
the benefit of D.D. No payment shall be made until petitioners provide respondent
with documentation establishing that they have been appointed as
guardian(s)/conservator(s) of D.D.’s estate;
b) A lump sum of $84,809.70, which amount represents compensation for past
unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a check payable to petitioners, Paul Derber
and Catherine Derber;
c) An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in paragraph 10
below, paid to the life insurance company from which the annuity will be purchased
(the “Life Insurance Company”).
These amounts represents compensation for all damages that would be available under
§300aa-15(a).
I adopt the parties’ stipulation attached hereto, and award compensation in the amount and
on the terms set forth therein. The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance
with this decision. 3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/ Mindy Michaels Roth
Mindy Michaels Roth
Special Master
3
Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by each party filing a notice
renouncing the right to seek review.
2
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
)
PAUL DERBER and CATHERINE )
DERBER, as parents on behalf of D.D., )
a minor, )
) No. 17-574V
Petitioner, ) Special Master Mindy M. Roth
) (ECF)
v. )
)
SECRETARY OF )
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
)
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
1. On behalf of their son, D.D., Paul Derber and Catherine Derber (“petitioners”) filed a
petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the “Vaccine Program”). The petition seeks compensation for injuries
allegedly related to DD.’s receipt of the influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is contained in
the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).
2. D.D. received a flu immunization on November 9, 2014.
3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.
4. Petitioners allege that D.D. suffered from injuries, including chronic inflammatory
demyelinating polyneuropathy (“CIDP”), as a result of receiving the vaccine and suffered the
residual effects of his alleged injury for more than six months.
5. Petitioners represent that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on behalf of D.D. as a result of his condition.
6. Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused D.D. to suffer from CIDP, or any other
injury or his current condition.
7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the
issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the
compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.
8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with
the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payments:
a. A lump sum of $298,075.90, which amount represents compensation for first-year life
care expenses ($98,075.90) and pain and suffering ($200,000.00), in the form of a check
payable to petitioners as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of D.D. for the benefit of
D.D. No payments shall be made until petitioners provide respondent with
documentation establishing that they have been appointed as guardian(s)/conservator(s)
of D.D.’s estate;
b. A lump sum of $84,809.70, which amount represents compensation for past
unreimbursable expenses, in the form of a check payable to petitioners, Paul Derber and
Catherine Derber;
c. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described in paragraph 10
below, paid to the life insurance company from which the annuity will be purchased (the
“Life Insurance Company”).
These amounts represent compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. §300aa-15(a).
9. The Life Insurance Company must have a minimum of $250,000,000.00 capital and
surplus, exclusive of any mandatory security valuation reserve. The Life Insurance Company
must have one of the following ratings from two of the following rating organizations:
a. A.M. Best Company: A++, A+, A+g, A+p, A+r, or A+s;
b. Moody’s Investor Service Claims Paying Rating: Aa3, Aa2, Aa1, or Aaa;
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c. Standard and Poor’s Corporation Insurer Claims-Paying Ability Rating: AA-,
AA, AA+, or AAA;
d. Fitch Credit Rating Company, Insurance Company Claims Paying Ability Rating:
AA-, AA, AA+, or AAA.
10. The Secretary of Health and Human Services agrees to purchase an annuity contract
from the Life Insurance Company for the benefit of D.D., pursuant to which the Life Insurance
Company will agree to make payments periodically to petitioners, as the court-appointed
guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of D.D. for the following items of compensation:
a. For future unreimbursable Insurance Premium expenses, beginning on the anniversary
of the date of judgment in year 2030, an annual amount of $3,624.00 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2031, increasing at the rate of four percent
(4%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
b. For future unreimbursable Prescription Medication Deductible, Pediatrician/Primary
Care Physician, Radiology Studies: Standing Foot & Leg, Dexa Scan, CBC, CMP, Blood
Work, Emergency Room, Ambulance, CellCept, and Trusopt expenses, beginning on the
first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $1,024.16 to be paid up to
the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2070. Thereafter, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2070, an annual amount of $298.46 to be paid
for the remainder of D.D.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of four percent (4%),
compounded annually from the date of judgment.
c. For future unreimbursable Medicare Part B Deductible expenses, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2070, an annual amount of $203.00 to be paid
for the remainder of D.D.’s life, increasing at the rate of four percent (4%), compounded
annually from the date of judgment.
d. For future unreimbursable Medigap Part G expenses, beginning on the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2070, an annual amount of $2,928.96 to be paid for the
remainder of D.D.’s life, increasing at the rate of four percent (4%), compounded
annually from the date of judgment.
e. For future unreimbursable Pediatrician/Primary Care Mileage, Neurologist (Dr. Proud
and Dr. Crawford) Mileage, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Mileage, Orthopedist
Mileage, Podiatrist Mileage, Optometrist Mileage, Ophthalmologist Mileage,
Endocrinologist Mileage, EMG Mileage, Radiologist Mileage, CBC Mileage, CMP
Mileage, Counseling Mileage, Physical Therapy Evaluation Mileage, Occupational
Therapy Evaluation Mileage, Physical Therapy Mileage, Occupational Therapy Mileage,
Equine Therapy Mileage, and Aqua Therapy Mileage expenses, on the first anniversary
of the date of judgment, a lump sum of $1,560.78. Then, beginning on the second
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anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $566.18 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2025. Then, on the anniversary of the date of
judgment in year 2025, a lump sum of $391.07. Then, beginning on anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2026, an annual amount of $363.68 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028. Then, beginning on anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2028, an annual amount of $332.77 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2032. Then, beginning on anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2032, an annual amount of $84.94 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2046. Thereafter, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2046, an annual amount of $79.93 to be paid
for the remainder of D.D.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%),
compounded annually from the date of judgment.
f. For future unreimbursable Neurologist, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
Ophthalmology, Endocrinology, Radiology Studies: Spine, and Counseling expenses,
beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of
$1,196.18 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026. Then,
beginning on anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2026, an annual amount of
$1,028.03 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028. Then,
beginning on anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028, an annual amount of
$788.03 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2032, all
amounts increasing at the rate of four percent (4%), compounded annually from the date
of judgment.
g. For future unreimbursable Orthopedist and EMG expenses, on the first anniversary of
the date of judgment, a lump sum of $757.88. Then, beginning on second anniversary of
the date of judgment, an annual amount of $340.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2046, all amounts increasing at the rate of four percent (4%),
compounded annually from the date of judgment.
h. For future unreimbursable Podiatry, Optometry, and Vitamin D expenses, beginning
on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $170.55 to be paid
up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2032. Thereafter, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2032, an annual amount of $130.55 to be paid
for the remainder of D.D.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%),
compounded annually from the date of judgment.
i. For future unreimbursable Care Management expenses, beginning on the first
anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $3,708.00 to be paid up to the
second anniversary of the date of judgment. Then, beginning on second anniversary of
the date of judgment, an annual amount of $7,416.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2028. Then, beginning on anniversary of the date of
judgment in year 2028, an annual amount of $5,562.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2036. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date
of judgment in year 2036, an annual amount of $3,708.00 to be paid for the remainder of
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D.D.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded
annually from the date of judgment.
j. For future unreimbursable Orthotics, Ankle Foot Orthodics (AFOs), supramalleolar
orthosis (SMOs), Manual Wheelchair, Wheelchair Maintenance, Power Scooter, Battery,
Scooter Car Carrier, Cane, Walker, Perching Stool, Shower Chair, and Bedside
Commode expenses, on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, a lump sum of
$2,682.87. Then, on the second anniversary of the date of judgment, a lump sum of
$5,165.62. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2024, an
annual amount of $2,231.74 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in
year 2030. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2030, a lump sum of
$2,413.36. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2031, an
annual amount of $2,268.06 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in
year 2060. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2060, a lump sum of
$2,334.91. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2061, an
annual amount of $2,268.06 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in
year 2065. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2065, a lump sum of
$2,334.91. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2066, a lump sum of
$2,265.39. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2067, an
annual amount of $2,248.39 to be paid up to the anniversary of the date of judgment in
year 2070. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2070, a lump sum of
$860.00. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2071, a lump sum of
$1,312.20. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year
2072, an annual amount of $972.20 to be paid for the remainder of D.D.’s life, all
amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date
of judgment.
k. For future unreimbursable Therapy expenses, beginning on the first anniversary of the
date of judgment, an annual amount of $4,644.15 to be paid up to the anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2024. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year
2024, a lump sum of $3,744.15. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in year
2025, a lump sum of $2,512.95. Then, beginning on the anniversary of the date of
judgment in year 2026, an annual amount of $530.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2070, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent
(3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
l. For future unreimbursable Home Occupational Therapy expenses, on the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2030, a lump sum of $446.50. Then, on the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2040, a lump sum of $446.50. Then, on the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2055, a lump sum of $446.50, all amounts increasing at the
rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
m. For future unreimbursable Attendant Care, and Ancillary Service expenses, beginning
on the first anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $12,792.00 to be
paid up to the second anniversary of the date of judgment. Then, beginning on second
anniversary of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $18,720.00 to be paid up to the
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anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2028. Then, beginning on anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2028, an annual amount of $25,224.00 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2055. Then, beginning on anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2055, an annual amount of $29,904.00 to be paid up to the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2070. Thereafter, beginning on the
anniversary of the date of judgment in year 2070, an annual amount of $51,099.00 to be
paid for the remainder of D.D.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent
(3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
n. For future unreimbursable Home Modification expenses, on the anniversary of the date
of judgment in year 2030, a lump sum of $10,000.00. Then, on the anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2040, a lump sum of $10,000.00. Then, on the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2055, a lump sum of $10,000.00, all amounts increasing at
the rate of three percent (3%), compounded annually from the date of judgment.
o. For future unreimbursable Car Adaptation expenses, beginning on the first anniversary
of the date of judgment, an annual amount of $250.00 to be paid up to the anniversary of
the date of judgment in year 2052. Then, on the anniversary of the date of judgment in
year 2055, a lump sum of $13,500.00. Thereafter, beginning on the anniversary of the
date of judgment in year 2056, an annual amount of $1,350.00 to be paid for the
remainder of D.D.’s life, all amounts increasing at the rate of three percent (3%),
compounded annually from the date of judgment.
At the sole discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the periodic payments may
be provided to the petitioners in monthly, quarterly, annual, or other installments. The “annual
amounts” set forth above describe only the total yearly sum to be paid to the petitioners and do
not require that the payment be made in one annual installment. The petitioners will continue to
receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance Company only so long as D.D. is alive at
the time that a particular payment is due. Written notice to the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, and the Life Insurance Company shall be provided within twenty (20) days of D.D.’s
death.
11. The annuity contract will be owned solely and exclusively by the Secretary of Health
and Human Services and will be purchased as soon as practicable following the entry of a
judgment in conformity with this Stipulation. The parties stipulate and agree that the Secretary
of Health and Human Services and the United States of America are not responsible for the
6
payment of any sums other than the amounts set forth in paragraph 8 herein and the amounts
awarded pursuant to paragraph 12 herein, and that they do not guarantee or insure any of the
future annuity payments. Upon the purchase of the annuity contract, the Secretary of Health and
Human Services and the United States of America are released from any and all obligations with
respect to future annuity payments.
12. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and
after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(1), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings
before the special master to award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in proceeding
upon this petition.
13. Petitioners and their attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to
this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable
under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be
expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or
State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. §
1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.
14. Payments made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to
paragraph 12 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i),
subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.
15. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorneys’ fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursed expenses, the money provided
pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of D.D. as contemplated by a strict
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construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-15(g) and (h).
16. Petitioners represent that they presently are, or within 90 days of the date of
judgment will become, duly authorized to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of D.D.’s estate
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. No payments pursuant to this Stipulation shall
be made until petitioners provide the Secretary with documentation establishing their
appointment as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of D.D.’s estate. If petitioners are not authorized by a
court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of D.D. at the
time a payment pursuant to this Stipulation is to be made, any such payment shall be paid to the
party or parties appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as
guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of D.D. upon submission of written documentation of
such appointment to the Secretary.
17. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 12, petitioners, in their
individual capacities and as legal representatives of D.D., on behalf of themselves, D.D., and his
heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, do forever irrevocably and
unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and
Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments,
claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that
have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal
Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq.,
on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or
unsuspected personal injuries to or death of D.D. resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from
the flu vaccination administered on November 9, 2014, as alleged by petitioners in a petition for
8
vaccine compensation filed on or about April 28, 2017, in the United States Court of Federal
Claims as petition No. 17-574V.
18. If D.D. should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon
proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.
19. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms
of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a
decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties’
settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.
20. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and
damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 12 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the
parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated
and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this
Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties’ respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the
items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.
21. Petitioners hereby authorize respondent to disclose documents filed by petitioners in
this case consistent with the Privacy Act and the routine uses described in the National Vaccine
Injury Compensation Program System of Records, No. 09-15-0056.
22. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused D.D. to suffer from CIDP or
any other injury or condition.
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23. All rights and obligations of petitioners hereunder shall apply equally to petitioners’
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns as legal representatives of D.D.
END OF STIPULATION
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