HELLER v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Case Information

In the United States Court of Federal Claims

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 15-792V * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HEATHE HELLER and JENNA HELLER, Parents of H.H., a minor ,

Special Master Jennifer A. Shah Petitioners, v.

Filed: October 2, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Margaret M. Guerra , Margaret M. Guerra, Attorney at Law, Fort Worth, TX, for Petitioners; Tyler King , U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.

DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES 1

On July 27, 2015, Heathe and Jenna Miller (“Petitioners”) filed a petition on behalf of their son H.H., seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (“the Vaccine Program”). 2 ECF No. 1 (“Pet.”). Petitioners alleged, in part, that as a result of his October 17, 2013 influenza and Prevnar 3 vaccinations and his October 23, 2013 vaccination with Pentacel, 4 H.H. experienced either the onset or the significant aggravation of a degenerative neurologic disorder. Pet. at 1.

On January 4, 2023, former Special Master Katherine E. Oler issued a Ruling on Entitlement in favor of Petitioners. ECF No. 140. Special Master Oler found that Petitioners demonstrated by preponderant evidence that the Pentacel vaccine that H.H. received on October 23, 2013, caused a significant aggravation of his Type I interferonopathy. Id .

After the case entered the damages phase on January 4, 2023, Petitioners regularly filed additional medical records and documentation as the parties worked toward resolving damages. See ECF Nos. 143-192.

This case was reassigned to me on August 14, 2024. ECF No. 165. On October 1, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation recommending that Petitioners should be awarded a lump sum of $2,623,447.30 for the benefit of H.H., consisting of $669,567.30 for life care plan expenses in the first year after judgment; lost future earnings of $1,703,880.00; and $250,000.00 for pain and suffering. ECF No. 193 (“Proffer”). Additionally, the proffer recommended an award of $302,024.70 for Petitioners’ past unreimbursable expenses and an amount sufficient to purchase an annuity contract for H.H.’s remaining life care plan items. Id . The parties have no objection to the amount or form of the proffered award of damages. Proffer, fn. 1.

Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioners are entitled to an award as ordered below: 1. A Lump Sum A lump sum payment of $2,623,447.30, which includes $669,567.30 for life care expenses

expected to be incurred during the first year after judgment, $1,703,880.00 for lost future earnings, and $250,000.00 for pain and suffering, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioners’ counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioners, Heathe and Jenna Heller, as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of H.H., for the benefit of H.H.

2. A Lump Sum A lump sum payment of $302,024.70, representing compensation for past unreimbursable

expenses, to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioners’ counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioners, Heathe and Jenna Heller.

3. An Annuity The remainder of damages shall be paid in the form of an annuity contract, which shall be

purchased as soon as practicable after entry of judgment. The annuity contract will provide payments for the life care items contained in the life care plan, which items are described in section II.C and Appendix A of the October 1, 2025 Proffer, which is incorporated herein as if fully set forth. ECF No. 193. Accordingly, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(f)(4), Respondent shall purchase, and take ownership of, an annuity contract or contracts 5 from one or more life insurance companies, as described below:

Each life insurance company must meet the following criteria: 1. Have a minimum of $250,000,000 of capital and surplus, exclusive of any mandatory

security valuation reserve; and 2. Have one of the following ratings from two of the following rating organizations: a) A.M. Best Company: A++, A+, A+g, A+p, A+r, or A+s; b) Moody’s Investor Service Claims Paying Rating: Aa3, Aa2, Aa1, or Aaa; c) Standard and Poor’s Corporation Insurer Claims-Paying Ability Rating: AA-, AA,

AA+, or AAA; d) Fitch Credit Rating Company, Insurance Company Claims-Paying Ability Rating: AA-, AA, AA+, or AAA. Respondent shall purchase an annuity contract or contracts from the life insurance company or companies for the benefit of H.H., pursuant to which the life insurance company or companies will agree to make payments periodically to Petitioners or guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of H.H., as described in section II.C and Appendix A of the October 1, 2025 Proffer.

This award represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of the Court is directed to enter judgment herewith. 6

IT IS SO ORDERED.

s/ Jennifer A. Shah Jennifer A. Shah Special Master IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

__________________________________________ ) HEATHE HELLER and JENNA HELLER, ) parents of H.H., a minor, )

) Petitioners, ) No. 15-792V ) Special Master Shah v. ) ECF ) SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ) HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, )

) Respondent. ) __________________________________________)

RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION

On July 27, 2015, Heathe Heller and Jenna Heller (“petitioners”) filed a petition on behalf of their son, H.H., for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., alleging that H.H. suffered neurological injuries, specifically dystonia and encephalopathy, as a result of the influenza vaccination he received on October 17, 2013 and the DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccination he received on October 23, 2013. Petition at 1. On January 4, 2023, Special Master Oler issued a Ruling on Remand Granting Entitlement. ECF No. 140. Respondent now proffers the following regarding the amount of compensation to be awarded. 1 I. Items of Compensation

A. Life Care Items 1 The parties have no objection to the amount of the proffered award of damages. However, respondent reserves his right, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(f), to seek review of the Special Master’s January 4, 2023, Ruling on Remand Granting Entitlement, finding petitioners entitled to an award under the Vaccine Act. This right accrues following the issuance of the damages decision.

-1- Respondent engaged life care planner M. Virginia NeSmith Walton, M.S.N., RN, FNP, CNLCP, and petitioners engaged Tresa Johnson, RN, CNLNP, to provide an estimation of H.H.’s future vaccine-injury related needs. For the purposes of this proffer, the term “vaccine related” is as described in the Special Master’s January 4, 2023, Ruling on Remand Granting Entitlement. All items of compensation identified in the life care plan are supported by the evidence and are illustrated by the chart entitled Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H.H., attached hereto as Tab A. 2 Petitioners agree.

B. Future Lost Earnings The parties agree that based upon the evidence of record, H.H. will not be gainfully

employed in the future. Therefore, respondent proffers that H.H. should be awarded future lost earnings as provided under the Vaccine Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(3)(B). Respondent proffers that the appropriate award for H.H.’s future lost earnings is $1,703,880.00. Petitioners agree.

C. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that H.H. should be awarded $250,000.00 in actual pain and

suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioners agree. D. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioners documents their expenditure of past unreimbursable

expenses related to H.H.’s vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioners should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $302,024.70. Petitioners agree. 2 The chart at Tab A illustrates the annual benefits provided by the life care plan. The annual benefit years run from the date of judgment up to the first anniversary of the date of judgment, and every year thereafter up to the anniversary of the date of judgment.

-2- II. Form of the Award The parties recommend that the compensation provided to H.H. should be made through a combination of lump sum payments and future annuity payments as described below, and request that the Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following: 3

A. A lump sum payment of $2,623,447.30, representing compensation for life care expenses in the first year after judgment ($669,567.30), future lost earnings ($1,703,880.00), and pain and suffering ($250,000.00), to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioners as guardian(s)/ conservator(s) of the estate of H.H., for the benefit of H.H. No payments shall be made until petitioners provide respondent with documentation establishing that they have been appointed as the guardian(s)/conservator(s) of H.H.’s estate. If petitioners are not authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of H.H., any such payment shall be made to the party or parties appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of H.H. upon submission of written documentation of such appointment to the Secretary. Further, if guardianship/conservatorship is no longer required under the laws of the state of Texas after H.H. has attained the age of majority, any such payment shall be paid to H.H. upon submission of written documentation of the termination of guardianship/conservatorship to the Secretary. 3 Should H.H. die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future medical expenses, lost future earnings, and future pain and suffering.

-3- B. A lump sum payment of $302,024.70, representing compensation for past unreimbursable expenses, to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioners’ counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioners.

C. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract, 4 subject to the conditions described below, that will provide payments for the life care items contained in the life care plan, as illustrated by the chart at Tab A attached hereto, paid to the life insurance company 5 from which the annuity will be purchased. 6 Compensation for Year Two (beginning on the first anniversary of the date of judgment) and all subsequent years shall be provided through 4 In respondent’s discretion, respondent may purchase one or more annuity contracts from one or more life insurance companies. The parties further agree that the annuity payments cannot be assigned, accelerated, deferred, increased, or decreased by the parties and that no part of any annuity payments called for herein, nor any assets of the United States or the annuity company, are subject to execution or any legal process for any obligation in any manner. Petitioners and petitioners’ heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns do hereby agree that they have no power or right to sell, assign, mortgage, encumber, or anticipate said annuity payments, or any part thereof, by assignment or otherwise, and further agree that they will not sell, assign, mortgage, encumber, or anticipate said annuity payments, or any part thereof, by assignment or otherwise. 5 The Life Insurance Company must have a minimum of $250,000,000 capital and surplus, exclusive of any mandatory security valuation reserve. The Life Insurance Company must have one of the following ratings from two of the following rating organizations:

a. A. M. Best Company: A++, A+, A+g, A+p, A+r, or A+s; b. Moody’s Investor Service Claims Paying Rating: Aa3, Aa2, Aa1, or Aaa; c. Standard and Poor’s Corporation Insurer Claims-Paying Ability Rating: AA-, AA, AA+, or AAA; d. Fitch Credit Rating Company, Insurance Company Claims Paying Ability Rating: AA-, AA, AA+, or AAA.

-4- respondent’s purchase of an annuity, which annuity shall make payments directly to petitioners only so long as H.H. is alive at the time a particular payment is due. At the Secretary’s sole discretion, the periodic payments may be provided to petitioners in monthly, quarterly, annual or other installments. The “annual amounts” set forth in the chart at Tab A describe only the total yearly sum to be paid to petitioners and do not require that the payment be made in one annual installment.

1. Growth Rate Respondent proffers that a four percent (4%) growth rate should be applied to all non- medical life care items, and a five percent (5%) growth rate should be applied to all medical life care items. Thus, the benefits illustrated in the chart at Tab A that are to be paid through annuity payments should grow as follows: four percent (4%) compounded annually from the date of judgment for non-medical items, and five percent (5%) compounded annually from the date of judgment for medical items. Petitioners agree.

2. Life-Contingent Annuity The petitioners will continue to receive the annuity payments from the Life Insurance Company only so long as H.H. is alive at the time that a particular payment is due. Written notice shall be provided to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Life Insurance Company within twenty (20) days of H.H.’s death.

3. Guardianship/Conservatorship No payments shall be made until petitioners provide respondent with documentation establishing that they have been appointed as the guardian(s)/conservator(s) of H.H.’s estate. If 6 Petitioners authorize the disclosure of certain documents filed by the petitioners in this case consistent with the Privacy Act and the routine uses described in the National Vaccine Injury

-5- petitioners are not authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/ conservator(s) of the estate of H.H., any such payment shall be made to the party or parties appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction to serve as guardian(s)/conservator(s) of the estate of H.H. upon submission of written documentation of such appointment to the Secretary. Further, if guardianship/conservatorship is no longer required under the laws of the state of Texas after H.H. has attained the age of majority, any such payment shall be paid to H.H. upon submission of written documentation of the termination of guardianship/conservatorship to the Secretary. III. Summary of Recommended Payments Following Judgment

A. Lump Sum paid to the court-appointed guardian(s)/ conservator(s) of the estate of H.H. for the benefit of H.H.: $2,623,447.30 B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses: $ 302,024.70 C. An amount sufficient to purchase the annuity contract described

above in section II. C. Compensation Program System of Records, No. 09-15-0056. -6- Respectfully submitted,

BRETT A. SHUMATE

Assistant Attorney General

C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO

Director Torts Branch, Civil Division

HEATHER L. PEARLMAN

Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division

COLLEEN C. HARTLEY

Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ Tyler King_

TYLER KING

Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U. S. Department of Justice P.O. Box l46, Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel: (202) 305-0730 Email: Tyler.King@usdoj.gov

Dated: October 1, 2025 -7- Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 1 of 10 Lump Sum

Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Years 5-7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029-2031 2032 2033 2034 BCBS Maximum out of Pocket 5% 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 BCBS Deductible 5% * BCBS Premium 5% M Medicare Part A Premium 5% M Medicare Part A Deductible 5% Medicare Part B Premium 5% M Medicare Part B Deductible 5% Medicare Part D 5% M Medicare G 5% M Pediatrician Internist 5% * 90.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 Labs 5% * Mileage: Pediatrician/Internist 4% 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 Neurologist 5% * 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 BOTOX 5% * Electroencephalogram 5% * Orthopdedist 5% * 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 10.00 10.00 Bilateral Hip X-rays 5% * Bilateral Knee X-rays 5% * Bilateral Ankle X-rays 5% * Scoliosis X-rays 5% * Scapula X-rays 5% * Orthopedist for Upper Extremities 5% * 20.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 X-rays: Bilateral Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists 5% * Ophthalmologist 5% * 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 Gastroenterologist 5% * 20.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Pulmonologist 5% * 20.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Mileage: Specialists 4% 1,281.00 1,281.00 1,281.00 1,281.00 1,281.00 1,281.00 1,281.00 427.00 Hotel, Parking, Meals etc 4% 676.08 676.08 676.08 676.08 676.08 676.08 676.08 225.36 Podiatrist 4% * 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 Dental Cleaning w/Anesthesia 4% * 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 2 of 10 Lump Sum Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Years 5-7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029-2031 2032 2033 2034 CareFlite 4% 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 Emergency Room 5% * 75.00 37.50 37.50 37.50 37.50 37.50 37.50 37.50 Air Lift 5% * 24,062.50 24,062.50 Hospital 5% * Baclofen Pump Trial 5% * Baclofen Pump 5% * Baclofen Pump Refill 5% * Physical Therapy Evalualation 4% * 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 Physical Therapy 4% * M 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 Occupational Therapy Evaluation 4% * 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 Occupational Therapy 4% * M 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 9,560.00 Speech Therapy Evalualation 4% * 250.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 Speech Therapy 4% M 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 Hippotherapy 4% 385.00 385.00 385.00 385.00 385.00 385.00 385.00 385.00 Equestrian Helmet 4% 75.95 25.32 25.32 25.32 25.32 25.32 25.32 25.32 Assistive Tech Evaluation 4% 350.00 Baclofen 5% * 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 Oxcarbazepine 5% * 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 Tizanidine 5% * 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 Albuterol 5% * 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Nayzilam 5% 695.00 695.00 695.00 695.00 695.00 695.00 695.00 695.00 Cetirizine 4% 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 Children's Tylenol 4% 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 Motrin 4% 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 Mucinex 4% 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 Benadryl 4% 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 Melatonin 4% 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 Probiotics 4% 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 Miralax 4% 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 Pedia-Lax 4% 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 Special Mattress 4% 3,648.00 364.80 364.80 364.80 364.80 364.80 364.80 364.80

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 3 of 10 Lump Sum Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Years 5-7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029-2031 2032 2033 2034 Mattress Protector 4% 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 Over Bed Table 4% 180.30 18.03 18.03 18.03 18.03 18.03 18.03 18.03 Gait Trainer 4% * Stander 4% * Therapy Mat Platform 4% 765.00 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 Positioning Wedge 4% 392.95 79.19 79.19 79.19 79.19 79.19 79.19 79.19 Bosu Ball 4% 200.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 Hoyer Lift 4% * Hoyer Lift Slings 4% 124.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 Shower Chair 4% 3,991.90 665.32 665.32 665.32 665.32 Wheelchair Bicycle 4% 8,070.00 iPad 4% 649.00 129.80 129.80 129.80 129.80 129.80 129.80 129.80 iPad Data Plan 4% 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 Apple Care 4% 69.00 34.50 34.50 34.50 34.50 34.50 34.50 34.50 iPad Bumper Case 4% 19.99 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 iPad Screen Protector 4% 59.99 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Physiotherapy Vest 4% * O2 Tank & Regulator 4% * Portable Suction Machine 4% * Suction Canister Kit 4% * Yankauer Tip 4% * Sterile Suction Caths 4% * Nebulizer Machine 4% * Nebulizer Mask 4% * Nebulizer Tubing 4% * Nebulizer Filter 4% * Portable Nebulizer 4% 111.87 27.97 27.97 27.97 27.97 27.97 27.97 27.97 Replacement Nebulizer Filters 4% * Replacement Nebulizer Tubing 4% * Video Monitoring 4% 64.50 16.13 16.13 16.13 16.13 16.13 16.13 16.13 Organizing Bins 4% 69.99 5.83 5.83 5.83 5.83 5.83 5.83 5.83

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 4 of 10 Lump Sum Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Years 5-7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029-2031 2032 2033 2034 Electric Toothbrush 4% 49.96 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 Replacement Toothbrush Heads 4% 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 Pill Crusher 4% 17.95 2.99 2.99 2.99 2.99 2.99 2.99 2.99 Pill Splitter 4% 1.79 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 Gastro Tube & Supplies 4% * Liquid Hope 4% M 9,077.55 9,077.55 9,077.55 9,077.55 9,077.55 9,077.55 9,077.55 9,077.55 Disposable Large Bib 4% 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 Treated Suction Toothbrush 4% 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 Briefs 4% M 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 Wipes 4% M 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 Gloves 4% M 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 Disposable Underpads 4% M 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 Reusable Underpads 4% M 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 Calmoseptine Ointment 4% M 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 Barrier Paste 4% M 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 Hand Sanitizer 4% M 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 Bilateral AFOs 4% * Shoe Lift 4% * Billy Shoes 4% 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 Manual Wheelchair 4% * Manual Wheelchair Maintenance 4% * WheelChair Pack 4% 46.32 15.44 15.44 15.44 15.44 15.44 15.44 15.44 Portable Ramp 4% 570.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 Modified Van 4% 104,916.50 Van Maintenance 4% 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 Auto Insurance for Van 4% 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 Care Management 4% M 14,400.00 14,400.00 10,800.00 10,800.00 10,800.00 10,800.00 10,800.00 10,800.00 Home Modification 0% 176,847.00 Private Duty Nurse 4% M 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 Private Duty Nurse (24 hr/14 days/yr) 4% M 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 5 of 10 Lump Sum Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Years 5-7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029-2031 2032 2033 2034 Private Duty Nurse (48 hrs/12 weekends/yr) 4% M 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 Home Health Aide 4% * M 100,948.00 100,948.00 100,948.00 100,948.00 100,948.00 100,948.00 100,948.00 100,948.00 Future Lost Earnings 1,703,880.00 Pain and Suffering 250,000.00 Past Unreimbursable Expenses 302,024.70 Annual Totals 2,925,472.00 454,394.47 450,794.47 454,786.37 449,459.79 473,522.29 449,449.79 553,411.57

Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment. Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment. As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the court-appointed guardian(s)/ conservators(s) of the estate of H.H. for the benefit of H.H., for future lost earnings ($1,703,880.00), pain and suffering ($250,000.00), and Yr 1 life care expenses ($669,567.30): $2,623,447.30. As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioners, Heathe Heller and Jenna Heller, for past un-reimbursable expenses: $302,024.70. Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment. Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated in column "G.R." above, compounded annually from the date of judgment. Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare. Items denoted with an "M" payable in 12 monthly installments at the discretion of respondent.

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 6 of 10 Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Years 11-14 Year 15 Years 16-18 Year 19 Year 20 Years 21-52 Years 53-Life 2035-2038 2039 2040-2042 2043 2044 2045-2076 2077-Life BCBS Maximum out of Pocket 5% 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 BCBS Deductible 5% * BCBS Premium 5% M 6,936.00 6,936.00 6,936.00 6,936.00 Medicare Part A Premium 5% M 7,440.00 7,440.00 Medicare Part A Deductible 5% 1,676.00 838.00 838.00 Medicare Part B Premium 5% M 2,220.00 2,220.00 2,220.00 Medicare Part B Deductible 5% 257.00 257.00 257.00 Medicare Part D 5% M 1,678.38 1,678.38 1,678.38 Medicare G 5% M 1,953.84 Pediatrician Internist 5% * 90.00 90.00 90.00 90.00 Labs 5% * Mileage: Pediatrician/Internist 4% 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 26.32 Neurologist 5% * 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 BOTOX 5% * Electroencephalogram 5% * Orthopdedist 5% * 10.00 10.00 10.00 Bilateral Hip X-rays 5% * Bilateral Knee X-rays 5% * Bilateral Ankle X-rays 5% * Scoliosis X-rays 5% * Scapula X-rays 5% * Orthopedist for Upper Extremities 5% * 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 X-rays: Bilateral Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists 5% * Ophthalmologist 5% * 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 Gastroenterologist 5% * 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Pulmonologist 5% * 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 Mileage: Specialists 4% 427.00 427.00 427.00 427.00 427.00 427.00 427.00 Hotel, Parking, Meals etc 4% 225.36 225.36 225.36 225.36 225.36 225.36 225.36 Podiatrist 4% * 80.00 80.00 80.00 80.00 Dental Cleaning w/Anesthesia 4% * 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00 781.00

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 7 of 10 Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Years 11-14 Year 15 Years 16-18 Year 19 Year 20 Years 21-52 Years 53-Life 2035-2038 2039 2040-2042 2043 2044 2045-2076 2077-Life CareFlite 4% 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00 Emergency Room 5% * 37.50 37.50 37.50 37.50 Air Lift 5% * 24,062.50 Hospital 5% * Baclofen Pump Trial 5% * Baclofen Pump 5% * Baclofen Pump Refill 5% * Physical Therapy Evalualation 4% * 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 Physical Therapy 4% * M 1,534.40 1,534.40 1,534.40 1,534.40 Occupational Therapy Evaluation 4% * 211.20 211.20 211.20 211.20 Occupational Therapy 4% * M 1,534.40 1,534.40 1,534.40 1,534.40 Speech Therapy Evalualation 4% * 250.00 250.00 250.00 250.00 Speech Therapy 4% M 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 Hippotherapy 4% Equestrian Helmet 4% Assistive Tech Evaluation 4% 70.00 70.00 70.00 70.00 70.00 70.00 70.00 Baclofen 5% * 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 Oxcarbazepine 5% * 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 Tizanidine 5% * 144.00 144.00 144.00 144.00 Albuterol 5% * 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Nayzilam 5% 695.00 695.00 695.00 695.00 Cetirizine 4% 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 26.82 Children's Tylenol 4% 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 20.97 Motrin 4% 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 22.47 Mucinex 4% 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 50.97 Benadryl 4% 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 23.97 Melatonin 4% 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 107.88 Probiotics 4% 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 212.55 Miralax 4% 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 59.94 Pedia-Lax 4% 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 26.37 Special Mattress 4% 364.80 364.80 364.80 364.80 364.80 364.80 364.80

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 8 of 10 Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Years 11-14 Year 15 Years 16-18 Year 19 Year 20 Years 21-52 Years 53-Life 2035-2038 2039 2040-2042 2043 2044 2045-2076 2077-Life Mattress Protector 4% 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 59.26 Over Bed Table 4% 18.03 18.03 18.03 18.03 18.03 18.03 18.03 Gait Trainer 4% * Stander 4% * Therapy Mat Platform 4% 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 76.50 Positioning Wedge 4% 79.19 79.19 79.19 79.19 79.19 79.19 79.19 Bosu Ball 4% 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 Hoyer Lift 4% * Hoyer Lift Slings 4% 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 62.00 Shower Chair 4% 665.32 665.32 665.32 665.32 665.32 665.32 665.32 Wheelchair Bicycle 4% iPad 4% 129.80 129.80 129.80 129.80 129.80 129.80 129.80 iPad Data Plan 4% 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 Apple Care 4% 34.50 34.50 34.50 34.50 34.50 34.50 34.50 iPad Bumper Case 4% 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 iPad Screen Protector 4% 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 Physiotherapy Vest 4% * O2 Tank & Regulator 4% * Portable Suction Machine 4% * Suction Canister Kit 4% * Yankauer Tip 4% * Sterile Suction Caths 4% * Nebulizer Machine 4% * Nebulizer Mask 4% * Nebulizer Tubing 4% * Nebulizer Filter 4% * Portable Nebulizer 4% 27.97 27.97 27.97 27.97 27.97 27.97 27.97 Replacement Nebulizer Filters 4% * Replacement Nebulizer Tubing 4% * Video Monitoring 4% 16.13 16.13 16.13 16.13 16.13 16.13 16.13 Organizing Bins 4% 5.83 5.83 5.83 5.83 5.83 5.83 5.83

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 9 of 10 Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Years 11-14 Year 15 Years 16-18 Year 19 Year 20 Years 21-52 Years 53-Life 2035-2038 2039 2040-2042 2043 2044 2045-2076 2077-Life Electric Toothbrush 4% 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 Replacement Toothbrush Heads 4% 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 46.50 Pill Crusher 4% 2.99 2.99 2.99 2.99 2.99 2.99 2.99 Pill Splitter 4% 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 Gastro Tube & Supplies 4% * Liquid Hope 4% M 9,077.55 9,077.55 9,077.55 9,077.55 Disposable Large Bib 4% 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 197.03 Treated Suction Toothbrush 4% 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 202.80 Briefs 4% M 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 1,538.32 Wipes 4% M 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 477.27 Gloves 4% M 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 910.16 Disposable Underpads 4% M 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 174.93 Reusable Underpads 4% M 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 26.80 Calmoseptine Ointment 4% M 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 134.28 Barrier Paste 4% M 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 275.88 Hand Sanitizer 4% M 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 77.88 Bilateral AFOs 4% * Shoe Lift 4% * Billy Shoes 4% 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 170.00 Manual Wheelchair 4% * Manual Wheelchair Maintenance 4% * WheelChair Pack 4% 15.44 15.44 15.44 15.44 15.44 15.44 15.44 Portable Ramp 4% 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 57.00 Modified Van 4% 104,916.50 10,491.65 10,491.65 Van Maintenance 4% 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 Auto Insurance for Van 4% 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 1,017.84 Care Management 4% M 9,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 9,000.00 Home Modification 0% Private Duty Nurse 4% M 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 235,440.00 Private Duty Nurse (24 hr/14 days/yr) 4% M 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00 20,160.00

Appendix A: Items of Compensation for H. H. Page 10 of 10 Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation ITEMS OF COMPENSATION G.R. * M Years 11-14 Year 15 Years 16-18 Year 19 Year 20 Years 21-52 Years 53-Life 2035-2038 2039 2040-2042 2043 2044 2045-2076 2077-Life Private Duty Nurse (48 hrs/12 weekends/yr) 4% M 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 34,560.00 Home Health Aide 4% * M 100,948.00 100,948.00 100,948.00 100,948.00 105,948.00 105,948.00 105,948.00 Future Lost Earnings Pain and Suffering Past Unreimbursable Expenses Annual Totals 435,889.55 459,952.05 435,889.55 435,879.55 532,886.18 437,623.33 432,137.17

Note: Compensation Year 1 consists of the 12 month period following the date of judgment. Compensation Year 2 consists of the 12 month period commencing on the first anniversary of the date of judgment. As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to the court-appointed guardian(s)/ conservators(s) of the estate of H.H. for the benefit of H.H., for future lost earnings ($1,703,880.00), pain and suffering ($250,000.00), and Yr 1 life care expenses ($669,567.30): $2,623,447.30. As soon as practicable after entry of judgment, respondent shall make the following payment to petitioners, Heathe Heller and Jenna Heller, for past un-reimbursable expenses: $302,024.70. Annual amounts payable through an annuity for future Compensation Years follow the anniversary of the date of judgment. Annual amounts shall increase at the rates indicated in column "G.R." above, compounded annually from the date of judgment. Items denoted with an asterisk (*) covered by health insurance and/or Medicare. Items denoted with an "M" payable in 12 monthly installments at the discretion of respondent.

NOTES

[1] Although this Decision has been formally designated “not to be published,” it will nevertheless be posted on the Court of Federal Claims’ website in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 (2012). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet . As provided 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 Decision in its present form will be available. Id.

[2] The Vaccine Program comprises Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755 (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10–34 (2012)) (hereinafter “Vaccine Act” or “the Act”). All subsequent references to sections of the Vaccine Act shall be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa.

[3] Prevnar: trademark for a preparation of pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine. D ORLAND ’ S M EDICAL D ICTIONARY O NLINE (“D ORLAND ’ S ”), https://www.dorlandsonline.com/dorland/definition?id=40909 (last accessed October 1, 2025).

[4] Pentacel: trademark for a combination preparation of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed, poliovirus vaccine inactivated, and Haemophilus b conjugate (tetanus toxoid conjugate) vaccine. D ORLAND ’ S , https://www.dorlandsonline.com/dorland/definition?id=37544 (last accessed October 1, 2025). 2

[5] To satisfy the conditions set forth herein, in Respondent’s discretion, Respondent may purchase one or more annuity contracts from one or more life insurance companies.

[6] Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by jointly filing notice renouncing their right to seek review. 3

Case Details

Case Name: HELLER v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Court Name: United States Court of Federal Claims

Date Published: Nov 3, 2025

Docket Number: 15-0792V

Court Abbreviation: Fed. Cl.