Quintana v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
No. 15-1273V
Originally Filed: May 18, 2022*
Publicly Reissued: June 2, 2022
NOT FOR PUBLICATION

HELENE QUINTANA,

Petitioner,

v.

SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,

Respondent.

Ronald C. Homer & Joseph Pepper, Conway Homer, P.C., Boston, MA, for the petitioner.

Joseph A. Lewis, Torts Branch, Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for
the respondent.

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

HERTLING, Judge

The petitioner, Helene Quintana, seeks review of a special master’s decision denying her
claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (“Vaccine Program”). The
petitioner alleges that an influenza (“flu”) vaccine caused her uveitis, herpes keratitis, and related
sequelae.1 The special master found that the petitioner is not entitled to compensation.

*
Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 18(b), each party had 14 days after the filing of this opinion to
notify the Court of any information that should be redacted from the decision for reasons of
privilege or confidentiality. The Court did not receive any such notification. Accordingly, the
Court publicly reissues the opinion in full.

“Uveitis is ‘an inflammation of part or all of the uvea, commonly involving the other tunics
1

of the eye (sclera, cornea, and retina).’ . . . The uvea is ‘vascular layer of eyeball: the middle,
pigmented, vascular coat of the eye, comprising the choroid, the ciliary body, and the iris[.]’”
(ECF 92 at 1 n.4 (quoting Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary 1990, 2014 (32d ed. 2012)
(“Dorland’s”) (modification in original) (internal citations omitted).) “Herpes keratitis is ‘a viral
 The petitioner has moved for review of the special master’s entitlement decision. She
objects to the special master’s limit on and weighing of the evidence and to the special master’s
application of the legal test for causation. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, has opposed the petitioner’s motion.

The special master’s entitlement decision was not arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of
discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law. The Court declines the petitioner’s
invitation to reweigh the evidence. Accordingly, the petitioner’s motion for review is denied.

I. BACKGROUND2

A. Vaccination and Injury

On November 3, 2012, when the petitioner was a healthy 55-year-old, she received a flu
vaccine. (ECF 92 at 4.) The petitioner visited Lilia Alvarez, D.O., on November 12. (Id.) The
petitioner reported the onset of a stye after receiving the flu vaccine.3 (Id.) Her eye had become
red and swollen on November 5, and she had a fever on November 7 through November 8. (Id.)
On November 10, she developed another stye, which became worse on November 11. (Id.) The
doctor also noted that the petitioner was suffering from a cold. (Id.) Aside from the cold, the
doctor assessed that the petitioner had bacterial conjunctivitis of the right eye greater than the
left.4 (Id.) During her return visits to Dr. Alvarez on November 13 and December 10, the
petitioner reported improvements in her condition. (Id.) Dr. Alvarez diagnosed her condition as
a bacterial infection. (Id.)

infection of the eye caused by the herpes simplex virus (“HSV”). It is a virus of the genus
Simplexvirus that is an etiologic agent of herpes simplex and causes predominantly non[-]genital
infections. Primary infection usually occurs in early childhood and is often asymptomatic,
although gingivostomatitis and pharyngitis may occur. The virus can pass along nerves and
remain latent in ganglia, from which it may be reactivated. Called also herpes simplex virus
(“HSV”) . . . .’” (Id. at 1-2 n.5 (quoting Dorland’s at 979) (modifications in original).)
2
The petitioner has not disputed the background facts and procedural history as set forth in
the special master’s entitlement decision (ECF 92). The Court relies on that decision in
providing a summary of the relevant background for context only. The Court omits the special
master’s internal citations. For a full recitation of the facts, see the special master’s public
decision at Quintana v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 15-1273V, 2022 WL 621698 (Fed.
Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb. 15, 2022).

“A stye or hordeolum is ‘a localized, purulent, inflammatory staphylococcal infection of
3

one or more sebaceous glands . . . of the eyelids[.]’” (ECF 92 at 4 n.7 (quoting Dorland’s at 869,
1789) (modifications in original).)

“Conjunctivitis is ‘inflammation of the conjunctiva, generally consisting of conjunctival
4

hyperemia associated with a discharge.’” (ECF 92 at 4 n.9 (quoting Dorland’s at 405).)

2
 On January 7, 2013, the petitioner visited ophthalmologist Michael W. Foote, M.D. The
petitioner reported pain and redness in her right eye. (Id.) Upon examination, Dr. Foote
evaluated that the petitioner’s right eye had a marginal corneal ulcer, which he suspected was of
an infectious etiology.5 (Id. at 5.) On the petitioner’s return visit to Dr. Foote the following day,
a gram stain of the petitioner’s discharge was negative for organism.6 Dr. Foote considered the
possibility that the petitioner’s condition was peripheral ulcerative keratitis (“PUK”) but
suspected that its cause was more likely due to an infection.7 (Id.) When the petitioner returned
to Dr. Foote on January 11, he wrote that her condition was presumed to be infectious keratitis,
but that he suspected it was PUK. (Id.)

On January 14, 2013, the petitioner returned to Dr. Foote. During this visit, Dr. Foote
noted his suspicion that the petitioner had possible rheumatoid arthritis, as opposed to another
autoimmune process, and he noted that the petitioner had a family history of autoimmune
disorders. (Id.) He ordered several tests, the results of which showed a positive antinuclear
antibody and HLA-B27 haplotype.8 (Id.) On the day that the results were returned, January 28,
Dr. Foote noted that the petitioner has a sister with possible rheumatoid arthritis and a son with
possible ankylosing spondylitis, another autoimmune disorder.9 (Id.) The petitioner’s condition

5
“A corneal ulcer is also called ulcerative keratitis, which is ‘keratitis with ulceration of the
corneal epithelium[.]’” (ECF 92 at 5 n.11 (quoting Dorland’s at 980) (modification in original).)
6
A gram stain is a test that checks for the presence of bacteria. MedlinePlus Medical
Encyclopedia, Gram stain, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007621.htm (last visited May 9,
2022).
7
PUK is “‘a rare type of keratitis with inflammation of the limbal part of the cornea and
nearby sclera, which have cellular infiltration, vascular changes, and ulceration that may cause
blindness; it may be a complication of rheumatoid arthritis or a bacterial infection but sometimes
is idiopathic.’” (ECF 92 at 1 n.3 (quoting Dorland’s at 979).)
8
“HLA-B27 is a blood test to look for a protein that is found on the surface of white blood
cells. The protein is called human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27). Human leukocyte
antigens (HLAs) are proteins that help the body’s immune system tell the difference between its
own cells and foreign, harmful substances. They are made from instructions by inherited genes.”
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, HLA-B27 antigen,
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003551.htm (last visited May 9, 2022). As the special
master summarized, the respondent’s expert “testified that a positive HLA-B27 haplotype,
present in Petitioner, may result in a predisposition to a variety of autoimmune phenomenon,
including uveitis.” (ECF 92 at 44 n.85 (citing ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 85:1-3).)
9
“Ankylosing spondylitis is ‘a chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder associated with
presence of the HLA-B27 antigen, and thus one of the group of seronegative
spondyloarthropathies; it usually initially affects the sacroiliac joints and often later involves

3
had improved by March 2013, but her symptoms returned in May 2013. (Id. at 6.) In his notes
reflecting follow-up visits by the petitioner, Dr. Foote referred to the petitioner’s condition as
PUK. (Id.)

On June 5, 2013, the petitioner visited rheumatologist Karen Smith, M.D., and internist
Branch Craige, M.D. (Id.) Dr. Smith noted that the petitioner came to see her after experiencing
severe ulcerative keratitis following her receipt of a flu vaccine. (Id.) Upon examination of the
petitioner’s ulcer in her right eye, Dr. Smith diagnosed the petitioner’s condition as most likely
Reiter’s syndrome.10 (Id.) Dr. Craige noted that the petitioner was frustrated over a second
episode of PUK, which the petitioner attributed to allergies or the dry conditions in the
Southwest, where she resides. (Id.) Almost a year and a half later, on December 1, 2014, the
petitioner asked Dr. Craige to amend his initial notes to reflect the fact that the petitioner
attributed her PUK to a flu vaccine. (Id.) Dr. Craige’s assessments of the petitioner’s ailment
included Reiter’s syndrome and positive HLA-B27. (Id. at 7.)

During June and July 2013, the petitioner visited Dr. Foote on two more occasions and
Dr. Smith on three more occasions. (Id.) On July 17, Dr. Smith noted that the petitioner
exhibited severe uveitis with hypopyon, and that the severity and suddenness of the petitioner’s
condition suggested Behcet’s syndrome.11 (Id.) On July 26, Dr. Smith diagnosed the petitioner’s
condition as hypopyon uveitis and noted that she would defer to ophthalmologists. (Id.)

On July 26, 2013, the petitioner visited two ophthalmologists, Mario Di Pascuale, M.D.,
and Ruben Ramirez, M.D. (Id. at 8.) Both doctors’ notes reflect that the petitioner’s condition
occurred after a flu vaccine. (Id.) Dr. Di Pascuale diagnosed the petitioner’s condition as PUK,
and Dr. Ramirez diagnosed her condition as severe vasculitis with associated keratitis. (Id.) Dr.

other joints of the axial skeleton and peripheral joints, causing pain and progressive stiffness and
restricted range of motion. Extraskeletal manifestations include ocular, pulmonary,
cardiovascular, renal, and neurologic complications.’” (ECF 92 at 5-6 n.16 (quoting Dorland’s
at 1754).)
10
“Reiter’s syndrome is ‘the triad of acute aseptic arthritis, nongonococcal urethritis, and
conjunctivitis; . . . It usually affects young men and runs a self-limited but relapsing course.
Some authorities now consider this symptom complex to be more appropriately classified as
reactive arthritis and not distinguished or named separately.’” (ECF 92 at 6 n.18 (quoting
Dorland’s at 1845) (modification in original).)
11
“Hypopyon is ‘an accumulation of pus in the anterior chamber of the eye.’” (ECF 92 at 7
n.23 (quoting Dorland’s at 905).) “Behcet’s syndrome is ‘a variant of neutrophilic dermatosis of
unknown etiology, involving the small blood vessels, characterized by recurrent aphthous
ulceration of oral and pharyngeal mucous membranes and genitalia, with skin lesions, severe
uveitis, retinal vasculitis, optic atrophy, and often involvement of the joints, gastrointestinal
system, and central nervous system.’” (Id. at 7 n.26 (quoting Dorland’s at 1822).)

4
Ramirez noted that it was unclear whether the condition was infectious because a culture was
negative. (Id.)

While on a trip to Norway in August 2013, the petitioner’s symptoms returned, and she
was admitted to the eye department at Oslo University Hospital. (Id.) In a letter written to
document the petitioner’s condition, Atle Einar Østern, M.D., wrote that during her visit the
petitioner’s right eye had a corneal edema with a large corneal epithelial defect.12 (Id.) Even
though all specimen cultures were negative, Dr. Østern noted that the petitioner’s condition
might be consistent with an initial stromal or endothelial herpes keratitis. (Id.)

Upon returning to the United States in late August, the petitioner visited Dr. Smith, who
noted the diagnosis from Norway and recorded that a biopsy of her eye had revealed positive
antibodies in the serum. (Id.) Dr. Smith diagnosed the petitioner’s condition as Reiter’s keratitis
with herpes as the aggravating driver. (Id.)

Throughout 2014, the petitioner continued to visit Drs. Di Pascuale, Foote, and Smith.
(Id. at 8-12.) In April 2014, Dr. Foote noted that the severity of the ulcer was improving and that
the condition had resolved. (Id. at 9.) He also noted that, although initially presented with PUK,
the petitioner’s condition was ultimately diagnosed as herpetic keratouveitis exacerbated by her
HLA-B27 status.13 (Id.) In the same month, Dr. Di Pascuale noted that the petitioner no longer
had a corneal ulcer but had a corneal scar and neovascularization of the cornea. (Id.) In
November 2014, Dr. Smith noted that the petitioner was generally stable but had a permanent
eye injury. (Id. at 10.) Dr. Smith wrote that it was immunologically possible that the flu vaccine
could have been the trigger. (Id.)

In May 2016, the petitioner reported to Dr. Smith that she had had an adverse reaction to
a skin test for tuberculosis, even though she had previously received the Bacille Calmette-Guerin
vaccine for tuberculosis. (Id. at 11.) Upon examination, Dr. Smith determined that the petitioner

12
“Corneal edema is defined as the increase in the thickness of cornea due to the
accumulation of extracellular fluid in epithelium and stroma resulting in loss of corneal
transparency.” EyeWiki, Corneal Edema, https://eyewiki.aao.org/Corneal_Edema (last visited
May 9, 2022). “Corneal epithelial defects are focal areas of epithelial (outermost corneal layer)
loss . . . .” EyeWiki, Corneal Epithelial Defect, https://eyewiki.org/Corneal_Epithelial_Defect
(last visited May 9, 2022).
13
“Herpetic keratouveitis is ‘1. Keratitis caused by infection with herpes simplex virus, often
with dendritic ulceration . . . 2. Keratitis occurring as a complication of herpes zoster
ophthalmicus.’” (ECF 92 at 9 n.29 (quoting Dorland’s at 979) (modifications in original).)

5
had erythema and redness in both eyes.14 (Id.) Dr. Smith noted that the petitioner should avoid
vaccines because they activate her eye disease. (Id.)

In late 2017, the petitioner returned to Dr. Østern in Norway. (Id. at 12.) Dr. Østern
summarized the petitioner’s medical history, noting that the petitioner’s eye condition had
developed after receiving the flu vaccine. (Id.) Dr. Østern wrote that her diagnosis was assumed
to be residual herpes keratitis with a uveitis reaction in her right eye. (Id.) Noting the
petitioner’s reaction to the tuberculosis test in 2016, Dr. Østern wrote that the petitioner seems to
react strongly, including around the eyes, to vaccines, which are assumed to set off her herpes
keratitis secondarily. (Id.)

B. Petition for Compensation

On October 28, 2015, the petitioner filed her petition under the Vaccine Program seeking
compensation for PUK, uveitis, herpes keratitis, and related sequelae alleged to have been caused
by the November 2012 flu vaccine. (ECF 1.)

After the parties filed expert reports, supporting medical literature, and pre-hearing briefs,
the special master held an entitlement hearing at the beginning of March 2020. (ECF 92 at 2-3.)
Both parties presented expert witnesses to testify at the hearing. (Id. at 14-15.) The petitioner
offered Frederick W. Fraunfelder, M.D., as an expert in ophthalmology without objection, and
the respondent offered Hamid Bassiri, M.D.-Ph.D., as an expert in immunology and infectious
disease without objection. (Id.) The special master recognized each doctor as an expert in his
respective field. (Id.)

Following the entitlement hearing and post-hearing briefing, the special master issued her
entitlement decision in February 2022.

The special master first considered whether the petitioner had shown that she suffered
from the injuries alleged: PUK, uveitis, and herpes keratitis. (Id. at 33-34.) Although the special
master found that the petitioner had not shown by preponderant evidence that she suffered from
PUK, the special master found that the petitioner had carried her burden to prove by
preponderant evidence that she suffered from uveitis and herpes keratitis. (Id.)

The special master then considered whether the November 2012 flu vaccine caused those
conditions. Because the petitioner did not assert a claim involving an injury on the Vaccine
Injury Table, see 42 C.F.R. § 100.3, the special master applied the legal test applicable to Non-
Table injuries. To prove causation in a Non-Table case, a petitioner must satisfy by
preponderant evidence three elements: “(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

14
Erythema is “abnormal redness of the skin or mucous membranes due to capillary
congestion (as in inflammation).” Merriam-Webster, Medical Definition of erythema,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erythema#medicalDictionary (last visited May 9,
2022).

6
reason for the injury; and (3) a showing of a proximate temporal relationship between
vaccination and injury.” Althen v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 418 F.3d 1274, 1278 (Fed.
Cir. 2005).

The special master concluded that the petitioner had failed to establish causation of her
uveitis and herpes keratitis from the vaccine under the Althen prongs. (ECF 92 at 47.)
Regarding the petitioner’s uveitis, the special master found that the petitioner failed to meet her
burden under all three prongs. The special master found, however, that the petitioner had “met
her burden under Althen prong one with respect to the flu vaccine’s role in the development of
[Herpes Simplex Virus (“HSV”)] reactivation and subsequent herpes keratitis via the notion of a
positive rechallenge.” (Id. at 39.) Despite concluding that the petitioner had met her burden
under prong one of Althen, the special master found that the petitioner failed to meet her burden
regarding herpes keratitis on the remaining two prongs. (Id. at 45, 47.)

Accordingly, the special master denied entitlement upon her finding that the petitioner
failed to establish by preponderant evidence that the November 2012 flu vaccine was the cause
of her uveitis and herpes keratitis. (ECF 92.)

C. Motion for Review

The petitioner has moved for the Court to review the special master’s decision denying
compensation. (ECF 94; see also ECF 94-2 (Memorandum in Support of the Mot. for Review).)
Although the special master found that the petitioner had established that she suffered from both
uveitis and herpes keratitis, the petitioner’s motion challenges only the special master’s analysis
regarding herpes keratitis. (ECF 94-2 at 10 n.7.)

The petitioner has raised four objections to the special master’s decision:

1. “It was an abuse of discretion for the special master to limit
petitioner’s evidence with regard to Althen prong 1” (id. at
12 (bold and capitalization omitted));
2. “The special master’s decision to disregard the notations
from petitioner’s treating physicians was arbitrary,
capricious, and not in accordance with law” (id. at 13 (bold
and capitalization omitted));
3. “The special master required evidence of positive
rechallenge in order to meet Althen prong two, which is an
abuse of discretion, an elevation of petitioner’s burden, and
not in accordance with the law” (id. at 16 (bold and
capitalization omitted));
4. “The special master’s failure to analyze Althen prong 3 as it
pertains to the mechanism accepted for Althen prong 1

7
 constitutes an abuse of discretion and is not in accordance
with law” (id. at 21 (bold and capitalization omitted)).

The respondent has opposed the petitioner’s motion. (ECF 98.) The Court
heard oral argument on April 26, 2022.

II. JURISDICTION AND STANDARD OF REVIEW

The Court of Federal Claims has jurisdiction to review the decisions of special masters
under the Vaccine Program. 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(e); see generally Rules of the Court of
Federal Claims (“RCFC”) App. B, Title V (providing the rules governing this court’s review of a
special master’s decision). Pursuant to this jurisdiction, the court may “set aside any findings of
fact or conclusion of law of the special master found to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of
discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law and issue its own findings of fact and
conclusions of law.” 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(e)(2)(B); see also RCFC App. B, Rule 27.

The Federal Circuit has described the standard of review as “the most deferential
possible.” Munn v. Sec’y of Dep’t of Health & Hum. Servs., 970 F.2d 863, 870 (Fed. Cir. 1992).
This court “owes the[ ] findings and conclusions by the special master great deference—no
change may be made absent first a determination that the special master was ‘arbitrary and
capricious.’” Id. The degree of deference depends on which aspect of the special master’s
judgment is under review. Id. at 870 n.10. This court “may set aside the decision of a special
master only if the special master’s fact findings are arbitrary and capricious, its legal conclusions
are not in accordance with law, or its discretionary rulings are an abuse of discretion.” Turner v.
Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 268 F.3d 1334, 1337 (Fed. Cir. 2001).

III. DISCUSSION

The special master denied compensation because the petitioner failed to establish by
preponderant evidence the three Althen prongs—the test for establishing causation in a vaccine
case involving a Non-Table injury. The petitioner argues that the special master’s ruling was
arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and not in accordance with the law. The petitioner
objects to the special master’s analysis under each Althen prong.

A. Althen Prong 1

In her first objection, the petitioner argues that it was an abuse of discretion for the
special master to limit the petitioner’s evidence regarding the first Althen prong. (ECF 94-2 at
12-13.) Under the first Althen prong, a petitioner must “show by preponderant evidence that the
vaccination brought about her injury by providing . . . a medical theory causally connecting the
vaccination and the injury . . . .” Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278.

The petitioner claims that the special master committed reversible error when she forbade
Dr. Fraunfelder from testifying about molecular mimicry as a causal theory for the petitioner’s
injury, thus limiting his testimony to hypersensitivity. (ECF 94-2 at 12.)

8
 When asked about the causal mechanisms for vaccine-induced uveitis, Dr. Fraunfelder
provided the following response:

I think the thinking most recently for uveitis specialists and people
in my profession is that it’s more likely than not that a delayed-type
hypersensitivity reaction, Type 4 cell-mediated immunity reaction
which occurs days after the offending agent for vaccines, but we’ve
explored other possibilities and ruled out other possibilities. And I
know Your Honor’s probably familiar with these, but there is
molecular mimicry. There’s [sic] possible agonists in vaccines.

(ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 33:22–34:6 (emphasis added).)15

Before Dr. Fraunfelder discussed molecular mimicry further, the special master
interrupted:

I’m just going to do something I rarely do which is interrupt, because
if your standard is more likely than not and he just said it’s more
likely than not, then implicit in that is it’s not more likely than not
that it’s molecular mimicry because in order for it to be more likely
than not, it cannot be more likely than not something else. So if
you’re saying it’s more likely than not that it’s hypersensitivity, we
can go with that.

(Id. at 34:7-15.) Dr. Fraunfelder replied, “Okay.” (Id. at 34:16.) The special master then told
the petitioner’s counsel that he could not “have it both ways”; she told him to “pick a pony.” (Id.
at 34:17-22.)

Following the special master’s comments, the petitioner’s counsel clarified that “the
primary mechanism that [Dr. Fraunfelder] opined in this case was delayed-type . . .
hypersensitivity reaction . . . .” (Id. at 35:3-5.) Dr. Fraunfelder confirmed that counsel’s
description of his opinion was correct. (Id. at 35:6.)

In her entitlement decision, the special master characterized Dr. Fraunfelder’s testimony
as abandoning his theory of molecular mimicry. (ECF 92 at 20.) As a result, the special master
did not analyze the petitioner’s theory of molecular mimicry under the Althen prongs.

Although the special master limited Dr. Fraunfelder’s testimony, she found in favor of
the petitioner on the first Althen prong. The special master concluded that the petitioner “met her

15
As noted earlier, the petitioner has focused her objections only on the special master’s
analysis regarding herpes keratitis. Although the exchange from the entitlement hearing
discussed in this section pertained to uveitis, the testimony also appears relevant to herpes
keratitis. (See ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 38:18–40:2 (discussing herpes keratitis as part
of the chain of events of Dr. Fraunfelder’s hypersensitivity theory).)

9
burden under Althen prong one with respect to the flu vaccine’s role in the development of HSV
reactivation and subsequent herpes keratitis via the notion of a positive rechallenge.” (ECF 92 at
39.) The petitioner does not object to the special master’s conclusion that the HSV-reactivation
theory satisfied the first Althen prong, but implicit in the petitioner’s objection is that the special
master’s failure to consider molecular mimicry as an alternative mechanism tainted the special
master’s decision under the other two Althen prongs.16

The special master did not abuse her discretion. In pointing out that two theories could
not separately be more likely than not the cause, the special master merely limited Dr.
Fraunfelder’s testimony to the theory that he had opined was “more likely than not” the cause of
the petitioner’s uveitis. (ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 34:7-15.) Of the three expert reports
written by Dr. Fraunfelder, only the third mentions molecular mimicry as a possible additional
mechanism of causation, noting that “[s]everal peptides have been shown to induce uveitis via
[molecular mimicry] . . . .” (ECF 49-1, Pet’r’s Ex. 33 at 1 (citation omitted).) Aside from this
single sentence, Dr. Fraunfelder provided no further explanation in his reports of how molecular
mimicry is relevant to this case. Indeed, he testified that, in his opinion, a delayed-type
hypersensitivity reaction was the primary causal mechanism for the petitioner’s injury, and that
other possibilities had been explored and ruled out. (ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 34:2-3,
35:3-6.) Because the petitioner’s expert himself had downplayed the likelihood that molecular
mimicry was the cause of the petitioner’s injury, it was not error to foreclose further testimony
on that topic.

The special master’s analysis finding that the petitioner had met her burden on the first
prong of Althen but foreclosing reliance on the theory of molecular mimicry was supported by
the record and was not an abuse of discretion.

B. Althen Prong 2

The petitioner’s second and third objections pertain to the second Althen prong. Under
the second Althen prong, a petitioner must provide “a logical sequence of cause and effect
showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury . . . .” Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278. This
showing “must be supported by a sound and reliable medical or scientific explanation.” Knudsen
by Knudsen v. Sec’y of Dep’t of Health & Hum. Servs., 35 F.3d 543, 548 (Fed. Cir. 1994).

16
The respondent argues that, if the Court found error in the limitation of Dr. Fraunfelder’s
testimony, that error would be harmless because the special master found in favor of the
petitioner on the first Althen prong. (ECF 98 at 13 n.7.) Although the petitioner’s claim of error
has been rejected, had it been accepted, that error would not have been harmless; the special
master’s conclusions under the first prong of Althen necessarily affect the analysis under the
other Althen prongs.

10
 1. Notations of the Treating Physicians

As her second objection, the petitioner asserts that the special master failed to explain
why she disregarded the treating physicians’ opinions in her second-prong analysis. (ECF 94-2
at 15.) The petitioner argues that that alleged failure was arbitrary and capricious and an abuse
of discretion. (Id. at 15-16.)

Special masters must consider the opinions of treating physicians. Capizzano v. Sec’y of
Health & Hum. Servs., 440 F.3d 1317, 1326 (Fed. Cir. 2006). The medical opinions of treating
physicians on causation are “quite probative.” Id. “[M]edical 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.’” Id. (quoting Althen, 418 F.3d at 1280) (second modification in original).
A treating physician’s recommendation to withhold a vaccination can be probative evidence of
causation. Andreu ex rel. Andreu v. Sec’y of Dep’t of Health & Hum. Servs., 569 F.3d 1367,
1377 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (citing Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1326). The special master must consider
the medical evidence in the entire record—including the treating physician’s opinions—but
“[a]ny such diagnosis, conclusion, judgment, test result, report, or summary shall not be binding
on the special master or court.” 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-13(b)(1).

The petitioner asserts that there are “multiple and robust notations from [the] petitioner’s
treating physicians implicating her November 3, 2012 flu vaccine as a cause of her injury.”
(ECF 94-2 at 13.) As examples, she highlights five notations:

• “On November 6, 2014, Dr. Karen Smith noted, ‘In reviewing
her records she noted the eye inflammatory disease came on
immediately after the flu shot. It is immunologically possible
that this could be the trigger.’” (Id. (emphasis in original)
(citation omitted).)
• “On April 23, 2015, Dr. Michael Foote, [the petitioner’s]
ophthalmologist, remarked, ‘The entire episode began [right
eye] 3 days subsequent to flu vaccination shot.’” (Id. (citation
omitted).)
• “On April 18, 2016, Dr. Lookman Lawal noted,
‘Allergies[:]. . . .FLU SHOT REACTION EYE
INFLAMMATORY. . . .She had an autoimmune reaction in
her right eye after a flu shot [times] 2 years ago.’” (Id.
(internal modifications, formatting, and emphasis in original)
(citation omitted).)
• “On November 4, 2016, Dr. Smith indicated, ‘[the petitioner]
. . .was given a skin test for TB. . . . She has an enormous
[reaction] and since then her eyes are flaring. . . . Note to avoid
all things that stimulate dendritic cells which is vaccines and
BCG as it activates her eye disease[.]’” (Id. (first modification

11
 added) (all other internal modifications, formatting, and
emphasis in original) (citation omitted).)
• “On December 19, 2017, Dr. Atle Einer [sic] Østern, an
ophthalmologist at Oslo University Hospital, noted that,
‘Patient seems to react strongly to vaccines, also around the
eyes. This is assumed to secondarily set off Herpes
Keratitis.’” (Id. (emphasis in original) (citation omitted).)

The special master’s decision did not disregard the treating physicians’ notations. The
special master’s opinion extensively catalogs the petitioner’s medical history, including the
notations of the petitioner’s treating physicians. (ECF 92 at 4-12.) The special master explained
that she “considered the notations from Petitioner’s treaters ascribing causation to the flu
vaccine” and weighed those records “against Petitioner’s treaters that considered both her flu
vaccine and HSV status, and alternatively ascribed causation to the latter.” (Id. at 42.) The
special master also noted that the relevant notations regarding causation were made more than
two years after the flu vaccine at issue, and the special master found that the petitioner failed to
present preponderant evidence that those notations referred to the same flu vaccine. (Id.)
Although this latter finding by the special master is highly questionable, it does not undermine
her otherwise reasonable analysis.

The entitlement decision evidences a thorough review of the record as a whole and
reflects that the special master considered the notes of the treating physicians. The special
master ultimately afforded the treating physicians’ notations ascribing causation to the flu
vaccine less weight than other evidence, and that decision was reasonable. (See id.) Most of the
notes of the petitioner’s treating physicians are best read not as conclusions on the cause of the
petitioner’s injury but as reportage of the petitioner’s medical history. They are highly probative
but not dispositive of the question of causation. The special master was entitled to find other
evidence more probative, if she considered and evaluated all the evidence, and her opinion
reflects that she did. To afford talismanic or dispositive weight to the notes of treating
physicians, as the petitioner urges, would be to eviscerate the role of the special master.

Although the petitioner characterizes her objection regarding the weight given to the
notes of the treating physicians as a legal question, she is really asking the Court to reweigh the
evidence, and that task is beyond the Court’s authority. See Porter v. Sec’y of Health & Hum.
Servs., 663 F.3d 1242, 1249 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (“We do not reweigh the factual evidence, assess
whether the special master correctly evaluated the evidence, or examine the probative value of
the evidence or the credibility of the witnesses—these are all matters within the purview of the
fact finder.”). Accordingly, the Court rejects the petitioner’s second objection.

2. Positive Rechallenge

As her third objection, the petitioner argues that the special master improperly required
evidence of a positive rechallenge to meet the second Althen prong. (ECF 94-2 at 16-20.) As
Dr. Fraunfelder testified, “any time there is a rechallenge of a drug, like a vaccine being

12
administered a second time and then that person gets a reaction again like they did the first time,
that’s called a positive rechallenge.” (ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 25:15-19.)

The Federal Circuit has held that “petitioners need not present ‘epidemiologic studies,
rechallenge, the presence of pathological markers or genetic disposition, or general acceptance in
the scientific or medical communities to establish a logical sequence of cause and effect.’”
Lozano v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 958 F.3d 1363, 1370 (Fed. Cir. 2020) (quoting
Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1325). “[M]edical records and medical opinion testimony can satisfy
Althen prong two, and . . . evidence used to satisfy one of the Althen prongs can overlap to
satisfy another prong.” Id. (citing Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1326). The petitioner argues that the
special master abused her discretion and acted contrary to law by requiring evidence of positive
rechallenge. (ECF 94-2 at 16.) The petitioner argues that the special master misapprehended the
petitioner’s submitted medical literature under the first-prong analysis. This alleged error led the
special master improperly to require certain affirmative evidence under the second-prong
analysis.

The causal theory accepted under the first prong determines which theory of causation
the special master must consider under the second prong. The Court first addresses the causal
theory accepted by the special master under her first-prong analysis and then analyzes the special
master’s evaluation of the evidence to support the second prong under that causal theory.
Finally, the Court considers whether the special master imposed on the petitioner an improperly
high burden of proof.

i. Causal Theory in Althen Prong 1

The petitioner’s third objection is grounded on what the petitioner calls a mislabeling of
the causal mechanism under the first Althen prong. (ECF 94-2 at 16.) The special master
concluded under her analysis of the first Althen prong that the petitioner had “met her burden . . .
with respect to the flu vaccine’s role in the development of HSV reactivation and subsequent
herpes keratitis via the notion of a positive rechallenge.” (ECF 92 at 39 (emphasis added).) The
petitioner argues that “nothing about the mechanism of flu vaccination reactivating latent HSV
requires proof of positive rechallenge”; instead, she argues that “[p]ositive rechallenge provides
strong proof of concept for causality but is not itself a mechanism.” (ECF 94-2 at 16.)

The petitioner built her case primarily on Dr. Fraunfelder’s causal theory of Type IV
hypersensitivity. (See ECF 24-1 (Pet’r’s Ex. 19, Expert Report of Dr. Fraunfelder), 37-1 (Pet’r’s
Ex. 32, Suppl. Expert Report of Dr. Fraunfelder), 49-1 (Pet’r’s Ex. 33, Second Suppl. Expert
Report of Dr. Fraunfelder).) Dr. Fraunfelder himself referred to the causal chain as “a domino
effect that started with the vaccination . . . .” (ECF 24-1 at 2.) He opined that the petitioner’s
injuries progressed on the following chain of events:

Briefly, the flu vaccination in Ms. Quintana’s case led to the
development of uveitis caused by a Type IV hypersensitivity
reaction. The altered immune status caused by her uveitis led to the
activation of an opportunistic shingles infection, which led to zoster

13
 (shingles) keratitis. The zoster keratitis led to neurotrophic keratitis,
which led to a permanent corneal scar.

(ECF 37-1 at 1.) In short, as summarized by the special master, the “[p]etitioner argue[d] that
the flu vaccine causes an altered immune system via a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction, which
creates a susceptibility to HSV, and herpes keratitis can develop.” (ECF 92 at 39.)

Dr. Bassiri, the respondent’s expert, put forward HSV reactivation as an alternative
causal theory of the petitioner’s uveitis. (See ECF 27-1 (Resp’t’s Ex. A, Expert Report of Dr.
Bassiri), 45-1 (Resp’t’s Ex. M, Suppl. Expert Report of Dr. Bassiri), 52-1 (Resp’t’s Ex. N,
Second Suppl. Expert Report of Dr. Bassiri).) He opined that Dr. Fraunfelder had the order of
injuries flipped because HSV reactivation is a known cause of uveitis:

Importantly, HSV is an extremely common human virus (almost
90% percent [sic] of adults worldwide carry this virus) and its
reactivation is known to cause uveitis and neurotrophic keratitis.
Moreover, primary HSV disease and HSV reactivation initially
present in a large percentage of patients as a cold with fever
(reviewed in my last report [ECF 27-1]), which Ms. Quintana
appeared to have prior to her visit to her optometrist . . . . Given the
fact that this virus is essentially endemic and its reactivation is quite
common, and Ms. Quintana’s presentation appears to match the
clinical features of this disease, I am not sure why one would invoke
an unproven association as being the cause of the uveitis [(referring
to Dr. Fraunfelder’s proposed causal link between vaccinations and
uveitis)].

(ECF 45-1 at 2.)

Under the first Althen prong, the special master found that the petitioner had not
presented “preponderant evidence that a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction can lead to herpes
keratitis.” (ECF 92 at 39.) Despite failing to prove her primary causal theory by preponderant
evidence, the petitioner has not objected to that finding.

The special master based her findings under the first prong of Althen on evidence that the
petitioner put into the record. The special master acknowledged that the “[p]etitioner does not
explicitly argue that the flu vaccine triggers HSV reactivation via a positive rechallenge, [but]
the record as a whole, including Petitioner’s submitted medical literature and testimony from
both experts, provides evidence that the flu vaccine can cause HSV reactivation and eventual
herpes keratitis via a positive rechallenge.” (ECF 92 at 39.)

At the entitlement hearing, the petitioner’s counsel specifically asked both expert
witnesses whether a vaccine could reactivate a latent HSV infection. (ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement
Hr’g at 44:8-9, 110:18-20.) In response, both experts testified that it was possible. (Id. at 44:10,
110:21-25–111:1-3.) Moreover, the petitioner submitted an article titled, “Immunologic factors
may play a role in herpes simplex virus 1 reactivation in the brain and retina after influenza

14
vaccination,” written by Lynn M. Hassman and others (“the Hassman article”). (ECF 79-1,
Pet’r’s Ex. 44.) The Hassman article, the special master found, supported the experts’ agreement
that a vaccine could reactivate a latent HSV infection. (ECF 92 at 40.) As the special master
explained, the authors determined that disruptions in the immune system, such as vaccines, could
activate the virus, and the authors noted a study reporting rare (13 out of 38 million doses over
10 years) cases of neurologic complications after influenza vaccinations. (Id. (citing ECF 79-1,
Pet’r’s Ex. 44).) The special master found that the rarity of the occurrence did not prevent the
petitioner from meeting her burden under the first Althen prong. (Id. at 41.)

The special master had reason to focus on the notion of positive rechallenge. When Dr.
Fraunfelder was asked about the significance of the Hassman article, he emphasized the
significance of positive rechallenge:

This article is significant in that the flu vaccine created severe --
severe inflammation in the central nervous system. And the brain is
considered a neurologic tissue in the area of the retina because the
retina is contiguous with the nerves of the optic nerve and then the
rest of the brain. So this person got retinitis, and they got it each
time that they had the vaccine. So this is positive rechallenge twice.
And that’s really strong evidence for the flu vaccine causing [central
nervous system] side effects including retinitis which is a type of
inflammation like uveitis.

(ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 45:11-21.)

Based, as it is, on the petitioner’s own evidence and testimony adduced by the
petitioner’s counsel, the special master’s analysis and conclusion under the first prong of Althen
were “hardly out of left field,” and the petitioner has not raised an objection based on unfair
surprise. See Sword v. United States, 44 Fed. Cl. 183, 190 (1999) (finding no unfair surprise
when the objecting party had opportunity to express opinions on the matter at issue). Judge
Schwartz recently remanded a case to a special master because, in part, the special master issued
a decision based on a theory of injury and a theory of causation that the petitioner had not
advanced in her expert reports or briefing. Doles v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 17-
642V, 2022 WL 1231434, at *3-4 (Fed. Cl. Apr. 1, 2022). Like the petitioner in Doles, the
petitioner here did not advance in her expert reports or briefs the causal theory ultimately
accepted by the special master under the first Althen prong. The petitioner did, however,
advance the possible link between the vaccine and HSV reactivation during questioning at the
entitlement hearing, and Dr. Fraunfelder highlighted the notion of positive rechallenge when
explaining the supporting medical literature.

The petitioner had three rounds of expert reports, an entitlement hearing with an expert
witness, and post-hearing briefing. The expert testimony of both experts and the submitted
literature were sufficient evidence in the record to establish a link between the vaccine and HSV
reactivation, as found by the special master. The petitioner, however, did not pursue that causal
theory in post-hearing briefing. (See ECF 88.) The petitioner instead remained committed to Dr.
Fraunfelder’s domino theory, which started with uveitis being caused by a Type IV
15
hypersensitivity reaction to the vaccine. (Id. at 20-23.) As a result, the special master had little
evidence in the record to analyze the second and third Althen prongs under the theory of HSV
reactivation.

ii. Evidence Under Second Prong

After the special master rejected Dr. Fraunfelder’s domino theory on the first Althen
prong, the petitioner could prevail under the second Althen prong only under the HSV-
reactivation theory, the causal theory accepted by the special master. The only evidence that the
special master had on that theory was the Hassman article, which described reactivation in a
single patient. (ECF 79-1, Pet’r’s Ex. 44.) The patient from the Hassman article was
distinguished from the petitioner by Dr. Bassiri during his testimony. (ECF 87, Tr. of
Entitlement Hr’g at 78:20–80:9.) He pointed out two differences: the first was “that the authors
noted themselves . . . that they had suspicion that [the patient had] an immune defect or immune
dysregulation,” and the second was that the Hassman patient had had repeated reactions to
vaccinations. (Id. at 79:12–80:9.)

The two differences raised by Dr. Bassiri form the basis of the petitioner’s objection on
review to the special master’s analysis of the second prong of Althen. The petitioner argues that,
in contravention of Federal Circuit precedents, the special master required evidence of a positive
rechallenge and of an immune defect. See Lozano, 958 F.3d at 1370 (“[P]etitioners need not
present ‘epidemiologic studies, rechallenge, the presence of pathological markers or genetic
disposition, or general acceptance in the scientific or medical communities to establish a logical
sequence of cause and effect.’” (quoting Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1325)).

The petitioner mischaracterizes the special master’s analysis as requiring evidence of a
positive rechallenge and of an immune defect when the special master noted the lack of evidence
in the record to support a theory of HSV reactivation. Noting the absence of evidence, however,
is not the same as requiring evidence.

The special master correctly noted that the “[p]etitioner’s record does not show that she
had negative reactions to prior flu vaccines.” (ECF 92 at 46.) As a result, the special master
concluded that the petitioner could not “establish that her November 3, 2012, flu vaccine caused
her HSV and herpes keratitis via a positive rechallenge.” (Id.) The Hassman article, the
petitioner’s only proof of causation under the HSV-reactivation theory, was therefore
distinguishable, and its support for the petitioner’s case was diminished. A petitioner must
present some evidence to support a causal theory, even if that evidence, on its own, is not
required to prove the theory. The petitioner was left with no evidence in the record of any kind
that could support the argument that a theory of HSV reactivation, the only causal theory the
special master had found to satisfy prong one of Althen, satisfied prong two of Althen.

The petitioner also argues that “[t]he Special Master . . . required [the] petitioner to
provide direct evidence of an ‘immune defect’ in order to prevail on Althen prong 2.” (ECF 94-2
at 18 (citing ECF 92 at 44).) The special master, however, again simply noted the absence of
any evidence to support the only causal theory that met prong one of Althen. The Hassman
article notes that “[a] subtle immunologic deficiency in our patient may have lowered the
16
threshold for clinically significant HSV reactivation in the [central nervous system].” (ECF 79-
1, Pet’r’s Ex. 44 at 4.) The special master found Dr. Bassiri’s opinion persuasive in
distinguishing the Hassman patient from the petitioner. (ECF 92 at 44.) To distinguish the
Hassman patient, Dr. Bassiri noted “that the record does not contain evidence that [the petitioner]
had a pre-existing immune defect . . . .” (Id. (citing ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 79:18-20,
80:7-9).)

While considering what evidence was not in the record, the special master also
specifically considered the evidence that was in the record of the petitioner’s family history and
genetic susceptibility for developing autoimmune diseases:

Respondent’s expert addressed Petitioner’s family history and
genetic susceptibility for developing autoimmune diseases, such as
uveitis, following viral infections like herpesviruses. He explained
that the fact that Petitioner has a sister “with possible rheumatoid
arthritis” and a son with “possible ankylosing spondylitis” suggests
“a relatively strong predisposition to autoimmune diseases.”
Resp’t’s Ex. A at 5 [ECF 27-1]. He also testified that a positive
HLA-B27 haplotype, present in Petitioner, may result in a
predisposition to a variety of autoimmune phenomenon, including
uveitis. Tr. 85:1–3 [ECF 87]. While Respondent noted potential
genetic susceptibilities and predispositions to autoimmune diseases,
the record fails to provide preponderant evidence that Petitioner, in
fact, suffers from an immune defect.

(Id. at 44 n.85 (emphasis in original).) As is apparent from the excerpt, in concluding that there
was a lack of preponderant evidence on this issue, the special master found Dr. Bassiri’s
explanation of the evidence more persuasive than the petitioner’s explanation of the evidence.

Relying on the testimony of Dr. Bassiri and the evidence in the record, the special master
found that the “[r]espondent ha[d] successfully negated [the Hassman article’s] effectiveness as
it relates to Petitioner’s case under Althen prong two.” (ECF 92 at 44.) The special master did
not apply an improper requirement; she distinguished the petitioner’s circumstances from those
described in the Hassman article. The petitioner failed to demonstrate otherwise.

iii. The Petitioner’s Burden of Proof

The petitioner must present some evidence to meet her preponderance-of-evidence
burden under the Althen test. Aside from the Hassman article, which the special master found
sufficiently distinct, the petitioner’s support for the second prong was sparse. At oral argument
before the Court on review, the petitioner’s counsel listed three sources of evidence that should
have established the second Althen prong: (1) the notations of the treating physicians; (2) the
lack of an alternative theory of causation; and (3) the temporal relationship between the vaccine
and the petitioner’s injuries (more on this last point to follow). (ECF 100, Tr. of Oral Arg. at
25:3-10.)

17
 These sources of evidence do not undercut the special master’s analysis. First, as
discussed, supra III.B.1, the special master considered and discounted the weight of the treating
physicians’ notations given the other evidence presented, and the Court may not reweigh that
evidence. Second, on the burden-shifting standard of causation, an alternative theory is required
by the respondent only to rebut a claim after a petitioner has established the three Althen prongs.
Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278. Otherwise, the burden is not on the respondent to offer alternative
causes for an alleged injury. The burden remains on the petitioner until the three Althen prongs
are met. Id. Finally, even if the temporal relationship had been considered under the second-
prong analysis, that evidence would stand alone. See Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1326 (holding that
evidence used to satisfy one Althen prong may overlap to satisfy another prong). A temporal
association alone does not prove causation. Moberly ex rel. Moberly v. Sec’y of Health & Hum.
Servs., 592 F.3d 1315, 1323 (Fed. Cir. 2010).

The petitioner’s motion implies that the special master penalized the petitioner for not
testifying. (See ECF 94-2 at 17-18 (arguing that “the Special Master found fatal that [the]
petitioner did not exercise her right to testify”).) The special master looked for other support in
the record and noted that the petitioner would have benefited from testifying. (ECF 92 at 44
n.83.) The special master did not penalize the petitioner for not testifying. Dr. Fraunfelder
testified that evidence of a positive rechallenge is strong evidence of a causal relationship
between a drug and a side effect. (ECF 87, Tr. of Entitlement Hr’g at 25:23–26:2.) Thus, the
special master found it relevant whether the petitioner had ever had an adverse reaction to prior
flu vaccines. (See ECF 92 at 44.) Because the petitioner had not offered information on
previous adverse flu-vaccine reactions, the special master had no petitioner-specific evidence of
a positive rechallenge under the second-prong analysis.17 The special master did not err in
noting that absence of evidence.

The special master’s second-prong analysis is grounded in the record and shows a
consideration of the petitioner’s arguments and submissions. The special master credited Dr.
Bassiri’s testimony, which distinguished the patient in the Hassman study from the petitioner. In
doing so, the special master surveyed the evidence that the petitioner had and had not offered.
Because the petitioner had not explicitly proposed HSV reactivation as a causal theory, it is not
clear that the special master needed to address that theory at all. The special master appears to
have searched the record for anything that could plausibly support the petitioner’s entitlement to
compensation, even though the HSV reactivation theory was not specifically argued by the

17
Although the special master did not reference the petitioner’s adverse reaction to a
tuberculosis test in the discussion of a positive rechallenge, the special master did not ignore this
evidence, as the petitioner argues. (See ECF 94-2 at 20.) Earlier in her decision, the special
master specifically cited the medical record noting the adverse tuberculosis test. (ECF 92 at 42
n.81.) She concluded that “[s]uch notations do not provide preponderant support for Petitioner’s
claim that her November 3, 2012, flu vaccine caused her uveitis and related injuries.” (Id.) It is
sufficient that the special master considered the evidence and found it wanting. The petitioner
disagrees with the special master’s assessment, but having considered the evidence on the point,
the special master’s rejection of the claim is not arbitrary and capricious.

18
petitioner. The special master’s opinion reflects a thorough survey of the evidence in the record
and searching scrutiny of that evidence; but it does not reflect that the special master converted
missing evidence into evidence that was required to support a finding of entitlement. The
petitioner has not shown that the special master erred under the second prong.18

C. Althen Prong 3

In her fourth objection, the petitioner argues that the special master failed to analyze the
third Althen prong as it pertains to HSV reactivation, the only causal theory accepted by the
special master under the first Althen prong. (ECF 94-2 at 21.) Under the third Althen prong, a
petitioner must show “a proximate temporal relationship between vaccination and injury.”
Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278.

The special master found that the petitioner had not met her burden under the third Althen
prong with respect to the theory of positive rechallenge:

It is also compelling that neither expert discussed the onset time of
a positive rechallenge. While the authors of the Hassman et al.
article found that the patient in the study experienced HSV flares
“within days” of his yearly flu vaccines, without more, I am unable
to find by a preponderant standard that Petitioner experienced the
onset of her HSV symptoms consistent with the timeframe for a
positive rechallenge to occur.

(ECF 92 at 47 (footnote omitted).) That reference to the patient in the Hassman article is the
only reference to HSV reactivation in the special master’s third-prong analysis.

The petitioner again argues that positive rechallenge is not required for HSV reactivation,
and that there is enough evidence in the record to establish the temporal relationship described in
the Hassman article. (ECF 94-2 at 21-22.) For those reasons, the petitioner argues that the
special master’s analysis is insufficient. (Id.)

The special master did not err in her third-prong analysis. Because the special master’s
conclusions under the second-prong analysis have been upheld, there is no basis to reject the
third-prong analysis. The petitioner failed to establish the second prong, so the special master
had no obligation to reach the third prong at all. See W.C. v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 704
F.3d 1352, 1358 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (holding that a special master did not need to evaluate each
Althen prong after failing one prong). Nonetheless, the special master here did consider the
expert testimony and the relevant medical literature in the record pertaining to the third Althen
prong. The special master acknowledged the temporal relationship described in the Hassman

18
Although the special master rejected a causal theory of hypersensitivity under the first
Althen prong, the special master nonetheless analyzed the theory under the second prong.
(ECF 92 at 45.) She found that, as for the HSV-reactivation theory, the petitioner had not
established a logical cause and effect for the hypersensitivity theory. (Id.)

19
article and determined that the Hassman article, without more, was insufficient for the petitioner
to meet the preponderant standard under the third prong. The Court does not disturb that factual
finding.

IV. CONCLUSION

Although the petitioner’s assignments of error are couched largely as legal issues, the
petitioner primarily objects to the special master’s assessment of the evidence. Under the
Vaccine Program, a reviewing court may not reassess the evidence under a motion for review.
The entitlement decision reveals a thorough review of the entire record, and the petitioner has not
shown that the special master improperly applied the Althen prongs. In applying the Althen
prongs, the special master considered the evidence presented to her and concluded that the
petitioner had not met her burden. The special master’s entitlement decision was not arbitrary,
capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law.

The petitioner’s motion for review (ECF 94) is DENIED. The special master’s
entitlement decision denying compensation to the petitioner (ECF 92) is AFFIRMED.

The Clerk is DIRECTED to enter judgment accordingly.

The parties shall review this decision and notify the Court no later than June 1, 2022, of
any proposed redactions to the opinion so that the Court may issue it publicly.

s/ Richard A. Hertling
Richard A. Hertling
Judge

20