In the United States Court of Federal Claims
                             OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
                                     No. 04-1717V
                                   (To be published)

*************************
                                            *
ELLENA PROKOPEAS and                        *
CHRIS PROKOPEAS,                            *
parents of C.A.P., a minor,                 *
                                            *            Filed: June 14, 2017
                                            *
                      Petitioners,          *
                                            *
               v.                           *            Ruling on factual issues; Autism
                                            *
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND                     *
HUMAN SERVICES,                             *
                                            *
                      Respondent.           *
                                            *
*************************
Clifford Shoemaker, Shoemaker, Gentry & Knickelbein, Vienna, VA, for Petitioners
Voris Johnson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent

                              RULING ON FACTUAL ISSUES

HASTINGS, Special Master.

        This is an action in which the Petitioners, Ellena and Chris Prokopeas, request
compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (hereinafter “the
Program”1), on behalf of their minor son, C.A.P., for injuries allegedly suffered from
vaccinations administered to him during his first year of life. C.A.P.’s vaccinations to which
Petitioners point include the following: diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP),
haemophilus influenza (Hib), inactivated polio (IPV), pneumococcal conjugate (Prevnar), and
hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccines. Petitioners allege that C.A.P. suffered from an encephalopathy
that was “caused-in-fact” by the cumulative effects of those vaccinations. Among C.A.P.’s
many neurodevelopmental conditions, he has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder
(ASD).



1
        The applicable statutory provisions defining the Program are found at 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-
10 et seq. (2012 ed.). Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all "§" references will be to 42 U.S.C.
(2012 ed.). I will also sometimes refer to the statutory provisions defining the program as the
“Vaccine Act.”
                                                1
        In this case, Petitioners presented certain facts concerning C.A.P.’s symptomatology from
the early years of his life that are at variance with his contemporaneous medical records. Thus, a
“fact hearing” was held on August 1, 2016, to resolve the disputed facts. For all of the reasons
set forth below, I find that C.A.P.’s contemporaneous medical records are the most reliable
source of evidence reflecting C.A.P.’s condition during his first year of life. In this regard, I
reject parental allegations made during the course of this litigation, alleging that C.A.P. suffered
from additional post-vaccination symptoms not reflected in his contemporaneous medical
records.

                                                  I

                         THE APPLICABLE STATUTORY SCHEME

         I begin with the relevant law concerning this “fact ruling,” which states that Petitioners
are required to establish the facts supporting their causation theory by a “preponderance of the
evidence.” 42 U.S.C. § 300aa–13(a)(1)(a). The preponderance of the evidence standard requires
a “trier of fact to believe that the existence of a fact is more probable than its nonexistence before
[he] may find in favor of the party who has the burden to persuade the judge of the fact’s
existence.” Moberly v. HHS, 592 F.3d 1315, 1322, n.2 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (citations omitted).

        When confronted with discrepancies among medical records and affidavits, special
masters often elect to hold “fact hearings” to evaluate the testimony of the affiants. See Campbell
v. HHS, 69 Fed. Cl. 775, 779-80 (2006). The process for finding facts in the Vaccine Program
begins with analyzing the medical records, which are required to be filed with the petition. 42
U.S.C. § 300aa–11(c)(2). In this regard, the relevant caselaw states that medical records
“warrant consideration as trustworthy evidence.” Cucuras v. HHS, 993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed.
Cir. 1993). Accordingly, where subsequent testimony conflicts with contemporaneous medical
records, special masters usually accord more weight to the medical records. See, e.g., Reusser v.
HHS, 28 Fed. Cl. 516, 523 (Fed. Cl. 1993) (“[W]ritten documentation recorded by a disinterested
person at or soon after the event at issue is generally more reliable than the recollection of a party
to a lawsuit many years later.”).

        To be sure, “it must [also] be recognized that the absence of a reference to a condition or
circumstance is much less significant than a reference which negates the existence of the
condition or circumstance. Since medical records typically record only a fraction of all that
occurs, the fact that reference to an event is omitted from the medical records may not be very
significant.” Murphy v. HHS, 23 Cl. Ct. 726, 733 (Fed. Cl. 1991), aff’d, 968 F.2d 1226 (Fed. Cir.
1992). However, in balancing these considerations, special masters in this Program have in most
cases declined to credit later testimony over contemporaneous records. See, e.g., Stevens v. HHS,
No. 90-221V, 1990 WL 608693, at *3 (Cl. Ct. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 21, 1990); Vergara v. HHS, No.
08-882V, 2014 WL 2795491, at *4 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 17, 2014) (“Special Masters
frequently accord more weight to contemporaneously-recorded medical symptoms than those
recorded in later medical histories, affidavits, or trial testimony.”); see also Cucuras v. HHS, 993
F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (noting that “the Supreme Court counsels that oral testimony in
conflict with contemporaneous documentary evidence deserves little weight”).)



                                                  2
        Decisions by judges of the Court of Federal Claims have followed Cucuras in affirming
findings by special masters that the lack of symptoms being reported in contemporaneously
created medical records can contradict a testimonial assertion that symptoms appeared on a
certain date. See, e.g., Doe/70 v. HHS, 95 Fed. Cl. 598, 608 (2010) (stating, “[g]iven the
inconsistencies between petitioner’s testimony and his contemporaneous medical records, the
special master’s decision to rely on petitioner’s medical records was rational and consistent with
applicable law”), aff’d sub nom. Rickett v. HHS, 468 Fed. Appx. 952 (Fed. Cir. 2011); Doe/17 v.
HHS, 84 Fed. Cl. 691, 711 (2008); Ryman v. HHS, 65 Fed. Cl. 35, 41-42 (2005); Snyder v. HHS,
36 Fed. Cl. 461, 465 (1996) (“[t]he special master apparently reasoned that, if Frank suffered
such [developmental] losses immediately following the vaccination, it was more likely than not
that this traumatic event, or his parents’ mention of it, would have been noted by at least one of
the medical record professionals who evaluated Frank during his life to date. Finding Frank’s
medical history silent on his loss of developmental milestones, the special master questioned
petitioner’s memory of the events, not her sincerity.”), aff’d, 117 F.3d 545, 547-48 (Fed. Cir.
1997).
        The presumption that contemporaneously-created medical records are accurate and
complete is rebuttable, of course. Special masters are expected to consider whether medical
records are accurate and complete. To overcome the presumption that written records are
accurate, testimony is required to be “consistent, clear, cogent, and compelling.” Blutstein v.
HHS, No. 90-2808V, 1998 WL 408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998). Special
masters will consider various explanations for inconsistencies between contemporaneously
created medical records and later given testimony. The Court of Federal Claims listed four such
explanations. Inconsistencies can be explained by: (1) a person’s failure to recount to the
medical professional everything that happened during the relevant time period; (2) the medical
professional’s failure to document everything reported to her or him; (3) a person’s faulty
recollection of the events when presenting testimony; or (4) a person’s purposeful recounting of
symptoms that did not exist. La Londe v. HHS, 110 Fed. Cl. 184, 203 (Fed. Cl. 2013), aff’d, 746
F.3d 1334 (Fed. Cir. 2014).
       In weighing divergent pieces of evidence, special masters usually find
contemporaneously-written medical records to be more significant than oral testimony. Cucuras,
993 F.2d at 1528. Testimony offered after the events in question is less reliable than
contemporaneous reports when the motivation for accurate explication of symptoms is more
immediate. Reusser v. HHS, 28 Fed. Cl. 516, 523 (1993). However, compelling oral testimony
may be more persuasive than written records. Campbell, 69 Fed. Cl. at 779 (“[l]ike any norm
based upon common sense and experience, this rule should not be treated as an absolute and
must yield where the factual predicates for its application are weak or lacking.”); Camery v.
HHS, 42 Fed. Cl. 381, 391 (1998) (this rule “should not be applied inflexibly, because medical
records may be incomplete or inaccurate”).




                                                3
                                                 II

           BACKGROUND: THE OMNIBUS AUTISM PROCEEDING (“OAP”)

        This case is one of more than 5,400 cases filed under the Program in which petitioners
alleged that conditions known as “autism” or “autism spectrum disorders” (“ASD”)2 were caused
by one or more vaccinations. A special proceeding known as the Omnibus Autism Proceeding
(“OAP”) was developed to manage these cases within the Office of Special Masters (“OSM”). A
detailed history of the controversy regarding vaccines and autism, along with a history of the
development of the OAP, was set forth in the six entitlement decisions issued as “test cases” for
two theories of causation litigated in the OAP (see cases cited below), and will only be
summarized here.

         A group called the Petitioners’ Steering Committee (“PSC”) was formed in 2002 by the
many attorneys who represented Vaccine Act petitioners who raised autism-related claims.
About 180 attorneys participated in the PSC. Their responsibility was to develop any available
evidence indicating that vaccines could contribute to causing autism, and eventually present that
evidence in a series of “test cases,” exploring the issue of whether vaccines could cause autism,
and, if so, in what circumstances. Ultimately, the PSC selected groups of attorneys to present
evidence in two different sets of “test cases” during many weeks of trial in 2007 and 2008. In
the six test cases, the PSC presented two separate theories concerning the causation of ASDs.
The first theory alleged that the measles portion of the measles, mumps, rubella (“MMR”)
vaccine could cause ASDs. That theory was presented in three separate Program test cases
during several weeks of trial in 2007. The second theory alleged that the mercury contained in
thimerosal-containing vaccines could directly affect an infant’s brain, thereby substantially
contributing to the causation of ASD. That theory was presented in three additional test cases
during several weeks of trial in 2008.

        Decisions in each of the three test cases pertaining to the PSC’s first theory rejected the
petitioners’ causation theories. Cedillo v. HHS, No. 98-916V, 2009 WL 331968 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Feb. 12, 2009) aff’d, 89 Fed. Cl. 158 (2009), aff’d, 617 F.3d 1328 (Fed. Cir. 2010);


2
        “Autism Spectrum Disorder” is a general classification which as of 2010 included five
different specific disorders: Autistic Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Asperger’s
Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
(PDD-NOS). King v. HHS, No. 03-584V, 2009 WL 892296 at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb. 12,
2010). The term “autism” is often utilized to encompass all of the types of disorders falling
within the autism spectrum. (Id.) I recognize that since the OAP test cases, the consensus
description of ASDs, contained now in the “DSM-V” as opposed to the prior “DSM-IV,” revises
the prior subcategories of ASD set forth in the first sentence of this footnote. However, the
DSM-V retains the same general description of ASDs. An ASD is a serious form of
neurodevelopmental disorder defined by a collection of symptoms and behaviors, including
significant impairment of social interaction and language skills, and the presence of repetitive,
stereotyped interests. E.g., Snyder v. HHS, No. 01-162V, 2009 WL 332044, at *31 (Fed. Cl.
Spec. Mstr. Feb. 12, 2009).


                                                 4
Hazlehurst v. HHS, No. 03-654V, 2009 WL 332306 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb. 12, 2009), aff’d
88 Fed. Cl. 473 (2009), aff’d, 604 F.3d 1343 (Fed. Cir. 2010); Snyder v. HHS, No. 01-162V,
2009 WL 332044 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb. 12, 2009), aff’d, 88 Fed. Cl. 706 (2009).3 Decisions
in each of the three “test cases” pertaining to the PSC’s second theory also rejected the
petitioners’ causation theories, and the petitioners in each of those three cases chose not to
appeal. Dwyer v. HHS, No. 03-1202V, 2010 WL 892250 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 12, 2010);
King v. HHS, No. 03-584V, 2010 WL 892296 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar 12, 2010); Mead v.
HHS, No. 03-215V, 2010 WL 892248 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 12, 2010).

        The “test case” decisions were comprehensive, analyzing in detail all of the evidence
presented on both sides. The three test case decisions concerning the PSC’s first theory
(concerning the MMR vaccine) totaled more than 600 pages of detailed analysis, and were
solidly affirmed in many more pages of analysis in three different rulings by three different
judges of the United States Court of Federal Claims, and in two rulings by two separate panels of
the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The three special master decisions
concerning the PSC’s second theory (concerning vaccinations containing the preservative
“thimerosal”) were similarly comprehensive.

        All told, the 11 lengthy written rulings by the special masters, the judges of the U.S.
Court of Federal Claims, and the panels of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
unanimously rejected the petitioners’ claims, finding no persuasive evidence that either the
MMR vaccine or thimerosal-containing vaccines could contribute in any way to the causation of
autism.

        Thus, the proceedings in the six “test cases” concluded in 2010. Thereafter, the Petitioners
in this case, and the petitioners in other cases within the OAP, were instructed to decide how to
proceed with their own claims. The vast majority of those autism petitioners elected either to
withdraw their claims or, more commonly, to request that the special master file a decision denying
their claim on the written record, resulting in a decision rejecting the petitioner’s claim for lack of
support. However, a small minority of the autism petitioners have elected to continue to pursue
their cases, seeking other causation theories and/or other expert witnesses. A few such cases have
gone to trial before a special master, and in the cases of this type decided thus far, all have resulted
in rejection of petitioners’ claims that vaccines played a role in causing their child’s autism. See,
e.g., Henderson v. HHS, No. 09-616V, 2012 WL 5194060 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Vowell Sept. 28,
2012) (autism not caused by pneumococcal vaccination); Blake v. HHS, No. 03-31V, 2014 WL
2769979 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Vowell May 21, 2014) (autism not caused by MMR vaccination);
Murphy v. HHS, No. 05-1063V, 2016 WL 3034047 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Corcoran Apr. 25, 2016)
(autism not caused by DTaP or MMR vaccines), aff’d, 2016 WL 4926207 (Fed. Cl. Aug. 15, 2016);
Franklin v. HHS, No. 99-855V, 2013 WL 3755954 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings May 16, 2013)
(MMR and other vaccines found not to contribute to autism); Coombs v. HHS, No. 08-818V, 2014
WL 1677584 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings Apr. 8, 2014) (autism not caused by MMR or Varivax
vaccines); Long v. HHS, No. 08-792V, 2015 WL 1011740 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings Feb. 19,
2015) (autism not caused by influenza vaccine); Brook v. HHS, No. 04-405V, 2015 WL 3799646
(Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings May 14, 2015) (autism not caused by MMR or Varivax vaccines);


3
       The petitioners in Snyder did not appeal the decision of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
                                                   5
Holt v. HHS, No. 05-136V, 2015 WL 4381588 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Vowell June 24, 2015) (autism
not caused by hepatitis B vaccine), aff’d, (not yet published); Lehner v. HHS, No. 08-554V, 2015
WL 5443461 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Vowell July 22, 2015) (autism not caused by influenza
vaccine); Miller v. HHS, No. 02-235V, 2015 WL 5456093 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Vowell August
18, 2015) (ASD not caused by combination of vaccines); Allen v HHS, No. 02-1237V, 2015 WL
6160215 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Vowell Sept. 26, 2015) (autism not caused by MMR vaccination);
R.K. v. HHS, No. 03-632V, 2015 WL 10936124 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Vowell Sept. 28, 2015)
(autism not caused by influenza vaccine), aff’d, 125 Fed. Cl. 57 (2016), aff’d, 2016 WL 7174139
(Fed. Cir. Dec. 9, 2016); Hardy v. HHS, No. 08-108V, 2015 WL 7732603 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
Hastings Nov. 3, 2015) (autism not caused by several vaccines); Sturdivant v. HHS, No. 07-788V,
2016 WL 552529 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings Jan. 21, 2016) (autism not caused by Hib and
Prevnar vaccines); R.V. v. HHS, No. 08-504V, 2016 WL 3882519 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Corcoran
Feb. 19, 2016) (autism not caused by influenza vaccine), aff’d, 2016 WL 3647786 (Fed. Cl. June
2, 2016); Cunningham v. HHS, No. 13-483V, 2016 WL 4529530 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings
Aug. 1, 2016) (autism not caused by MMR vaccine), aff’d, 2017 WL 1174448 (Fed. Cl. Jan. 25,
2017); T.M. v. HHS, No. 08-284V (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Corcoran Aug. 9, 2016) (not yet published)
(autism not caused by DTaP vaccine) (on review); Anderson v. HHS, 02-1314V, 2016 WL
8256278 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Corcoran Nov. 1, 2016) (autism not caused by MMR vaccination),
aff’d, 2017 WL 1787975 (Fed. Cl. May 5, 2017); Dempsey v. HHS, No. 04-394V, 2017 WL
105840 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings Feb. 23, 2017).

        In addition, some autism causation claims have been rejected without trial, at times over
the petitioner’s objection, in light of the failure of the petitioner to file plausible proof of
vaccine-causation. See, e.g., Waddell v. HHS, No. 10-316V, 2012 WL 4829291 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Campbell-Smith Sept. 19, 2012) (autism not caused by MMR vaccination); Fester v. HHS,
No. 10-243V, 2016 WL 1745436 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dorsey April 7, 2016) (autism not caused
by measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine); Fresco v. HHS, No. 06-469V,
2013 WL 364723 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Vowell Jan. 7, 2013) (autism not caused by multiple
vaccines); Fesanco v. HHS, No. 02-1770, 2010 WL 4955721 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings
Nov. 9, 2010) (autism not caused by multiple vaccines); Miller v. HHS, No. 06-753V, 2012 WL
12507077 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings Sept. 25, 2012) (autism not caused by DTaP or MMR
vaccines); Pietrucha v. HHS, No. 00-269V, 2014 WL 4538058 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings
Aug. 22, 2014) (autism not caused by multiple vaccines); Bushnell v. HHS, No. 02-1648, 2015
WL 4099824 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings June 12, 2015) (autism not caused by multiple
vaccines); Bokmuller v. HHS, No. 08-573, 2015 WL 4467162 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings
June 26, 2015) (autism not caused by multiple vaccines); Canuto v. HHS, No. 04-1128, 2015 WL
9854939 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings Dec. 18, 2015) (autism not caused by DTP and DTaP
vaccines); Valle v. HHS, No. 02-220V, 2016 WL 2604782 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings April
13, 2016) (autism not caused by DTaP vaccine); Hooker v. HHS, 02-472V, 2016 WL 3456435
(Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Hastings May 19, 2016) (autism not caused by multiple vaccines). Judges
of this court have affirmed the practice of dismissal without trial in such cases. E.g., Fesanco v.
HHS, 99 Fed. Cl. 28 (2011) (Judge Braden affirming); Canuto v. HHS, No. 04-1128V, 2016 WL
2586510 (Fed. Cl. Apr. 18, 2016) (Judge Yock affirming), aff’d, 2016 WL 5746370 (Fed. Cir.
Oct. 4, 2016).




                                                6
        In none of the rulings since the test cases has a special master or judge found any merit in
an allegation that any vaccine can contribute to causing autism.4


                                                III

                                  PROCEDURAL HISTORY

A. Petitioners’ filing of a “Short-Form Autism Petition”
          On November 29, 2004, Chris and Ellena Prokopeas (“Petitioners”) filed a Short-
Form Autism Petition for Vaccine Compensation on behalf of their minor son, C.A.P. (ECF No.
1.) This case was assigned to my docket at that time. By filing that “Short Form” petition,

4
        I am well aware, of course, that during the years since the “test cases” were decided, in
two cases involving vaccinees suffering from ASDs, Vaccine Act compensation was granted.
But in neither of those cases did the Respondent concede, nor did a special master find, that there
was any “causation-in-fact” connection between a vaccination and the vaccinee’s ASD. Instead,
in both cases it was conceded or found that the vaccinee displayed the symptoms of a Table
Injury within the Table time frame after vaccination. (See Section I above).

        In Poling v. HHS, the presiding special master clarified that the family was compensated
because the Respondent conceded that the Poling child had suffered a Table Injury--not because
the Respondent or the special master had concluded that any vaccination had contributed to
causing or aggravating the child’s ASD. See Poling v. HHS, No. 02-1466V, 2011 WL 678559,
at *1 (Fed. Cir Spec. Mstr. Jan. 28, 2011) (a fees decision, but noting specifically that the case
was compensated as a Table Injury).

        Second, in Wright v. HHS, No. 12-423, 2015 WL 6665600 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Sept. 21,
2015), Special Master Vowell concluded that a child, later diagnosed with ASD, suffered a
“Table Injury” after a vaccination. However, she stressed that she was not finding that the
vaccinee’s ASD in that case was “caused-in-fact” by the vaccination--to the contrary, she
specifically found that the evidence in that case did not support a “causation-in-fact” claim,
going so far as to remark that the petitioners’ “causation-in-fact” theory in that case was
“absurd.” Wright v. HHS, No. 12-423, 2015 WL 6665600, at *2 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Sept. 21,
2015).

        The compensation of these two cases, thus, does not afford any support to the notion that
vaccinations can contribute to the causation of autism. In setting up the Vaccine Act
compensation system, Congress forthrightly acknowledged that the Table Injury presumptions
would result in compensation for some injuries that were not, in fact, truly vaccine-caused. H.R.
Rept. No. 99-908, 18, 1986 U.S.C.C.A.N. 6344, 6359. (“The Committee recognizes that there is
public debate over the incidence of illnesses that coincidentally occur within a short time of
vaccination. The Committee further recognizes that the deeming of a vaccine-relatedness
adopted here may provide compensation to some children whose illness is not, in fact, vaccine-
related.”)


                                                 7
Petitioners in effect alleged that C.A.P. suffered from autism, and that his autism was caused by
either or both (1) the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, and (2) vaccines containing
“thimerosal”, a mercury-based preservative contained in a number of childhood vaccines until
about 1999 (but removed from most childhood vaccines soon after that year). Autism General
Order #1, Exhibit A, Master Autism Petition for Vaccine Compensation, 2002 WL 31696785, at
*8 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 3, 2002). By filing the “Short Form” petition, the Petitioners also
were, in effect, making their case part of the “Omnibus Autism Proceeding” (OAP). On
December 8, 2004, this case, along with many others, was stayed indefinitely pending
completion of the general inquiry under the Omnibus Autism Proceeding (OAP) regarding the
possible causal relationship between certain vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders. (ECF No.
2; See also Section II of the Fact Ruling above.)
       On January 26, 2007, this case was reassigned to Special Master Campbell-Smith. (ECF
No. 12.) Thereafter, Petitioners filed medical records (marked as Exhibits 1 to 16) on September
24, 2007. (ECF No. 13.)
        On October 15, 2008, Special Master Campbell-Smith issued an order updating
Petitioners on the status of the OAP and explaining how their case would proceed. (ECF No. 14.)
Between May of 2009 and August of 2010, Petitioners submitted numerous medical records.
(See Exs. 17-575; ECF Nos. 22-23, 25, 34-35, 39, 41, 43-45.)
        Petitioners filed a statement on August 20, 2010, indicating that they had filed all
requested records ordered by the special master. (ECF No. 46.) Thereafter, on September 16,
2010, Respondent submitted a statement indicating that she would not oppose further processing
of this case. (ECF No. 47, p. 3.)

B. First and second Amended Petitions
        In light of the OAP “test cases,” on June 14, 2011, Special Master Campbell-Smith
issued an order requiring the Petitioners to state whether they wished to pursue their claim
further. (ECF No. 48.) That order also instructed that, if the Petitioners wished to proceed
further with this case, then they should file an Amended Petition, which, among other things,
clearly explained their theory of vaccine causation. (Id.)
        Petitioners filed an Amended Petition on August 15, 2011, alleging that C.A.P.
“developed encephalopathy from repeated exposures to mercury and other vaccine ingredients”
found in certain vaccinations C.A.P. received during his first year of life. (ECF No. 51, p. 3.)
The vaccinations alleged to have caused C.A.P.’s injuries included: diphtheria-tetanus-acellular
pertussis (DTaP), haemophilus influenzae (Hib), inactivated polio (IPV), pneumococcal
conjugate (Prevnar), and hepatitis B (Hep B). (Id., pp. 2-3.)
        On January 11, 2012, Special Master Campbell-Smith held a status conference to discuss
her concerns about the Petitioners’ claim. (ECF No. 54.) Specifically, she noted that
Petitioners’ causation theory in this case, alleging that C.A.P. developed an “encephalopathy

5
       Petitioners filed Exhibit 54 on both July 26, 2010 and July 29, 2010. (ECF Nos. 41, 43.)
On July 29, 2010, Petitioners moved to strike the documents filed on July 26, 2010, due to an
inadvertent filing mistake by Petitioners’ counsel. (ECF No. 42.)
                                                8
from repeated exposure to mercury and other vaccine ingredients,” was “without more, a reprise
of aspects of theories asserted, considered, and rejected in both the first and second rounds of test
cases litigated during the Omnibus Autism Proceeding (OAP).” (Id.) Moreover, she highlighted
her concern that “there is a lack of factual support for the allegation that [C.A.P.] had a fever
following the administration of vaccines.” (Id., p. 2.) Thus, she ordered Petitioners to (1) file
updated medical records supporting the allegation that C.A.P. suffered fevers following the
administration of his vaccinations, and (2) an annotated Amended Petition containing specific
citations to the supporting medical records. (Id.)
        In response, on March 12, 2012, Petitioners filed a joint affidavit from Chris and Ellena
Prokopeas (Ex. 58, ECF No. 56), and a second Amended Petition (ECF No. 57), virtually
identical to the Amended Petition filed on August 15, 2011, except that it added certain citations
to the exhibits. Between June of 2012 and September of 2012, Petitioners submitted numerous
updated medical records (Exs. 59-86; ECF Nos. 60, 63-67). This case was then reassigned to the
docket of Special Master Vowell on March 8, 2013. (ECF No. 70.)

C. Expert reports and evidentiary hearing
         On July 9, 2013, Petitioners filed the expert report and curriculum vitae of Dr. Joseph
Bellanti, M.D. (Exs. 87-88; ECF No. 72.) Dr. Bellanti’s expert report of July 9, 2013, however,
indicated that his opinion was “subject to further consultation with colleagues in the field of
genetics.” (ECF No. 73.) Thus, on July 12, 2013, Special Master Vowell ordered Petitioners to
file a supplemental report from Dr. Bellanti addressing the aforementioned statement contained
in that expert report. (Id.) After several extensions of time (ECF Nos. 74-75, 78), Petitioners
eventually filed the supplemental expert report of Dr. Bellanti on February 12, 2014 (Ex. 89;
ECF No. 80).
        On June 3, 2014, Respondent filed the expert reports and curricula vitae of Dr. Gerald
Raymond, M.D. (Exs. A-B), and of Dr. Judith Miller, Ph.D. (Exs. H-I). (ECF No. 83.)
Additionally, Respondent also filed medical literature supporting both Dr. Raymond’s expert
report (Exs. C-G), and Dr. Miller’s expert report (Exs. J-K). (Id.)
        On September 16, 2014, Special Master Vowell ordered Petitioners to file all outstanding
medical records, including C.A.P.’s most recent lab results and reports from C.A.P.’s genetic
specialist. (ECF No. 88.) Petitioners continued to file outstanding medical records from October
to December of 2014. (Exs. 90-91, 93; ECF Nos. 89, 91, 93.) Thereafter, on February 13, 2015,
Petitioners filed medical records6 from C.A.P.’s treating geneticist, Dr. Aparna Rajadhyaksha,
M.D. (Ex. 94), and additional medical literature (Ex. 95). (ECF No. 96.) Thereafter, on April 3,
2015, Petitioners filed the expert report and curriculum vitae of Dr. Brett Abrahams, Ph.D. (Exs.
96-97, ECF No. 97.)



6
       In filing Exhibit 94, Petitioners’ counsel inadvertently marked that exhibit as an “Expert
Report,” instead of properly marking that exhibit as “medical records.” (Ex. 94, ECF No. 96.)
Exhibit 94 contains only C.A.P.’s medical records, including genetic test results from his
medical examination by Dr. Rajadhyaksha. (Id.)


                                                 9
        On June 8, 2015, this case was reassigned to my docket due to the impending retirement
of then-Chief Special Master Vowell. (ECF No. 103.) Thereafter, on December 1, 2015,
Petitioners filed the expert report of Jean-Ronel Corbier, M.D. (Ex. 98; ECF No. 112.)
Subsequently, on December 4, 2015, Petitioners filed the curriculum vitae and supplemental
expert report of Dr. Corbier. (Ex. 99; ECF No. 113.) On March 29, 2016, Respondent submitted
the supplemental expert report of Dr. Raymond (Ex. L), and the corresponding medical literature
cited in that report (Exs. M-S). (ECF No. 116.)
        I held a telephonic status conference with both parties on April 7, 2016. (ECF No. 118.)
At that time, Petitioners’ counsel observed that the viability of the Petitioners’ expert reports was
predicated on the accuracy of parental reports describing symptoms not reflected in the
contemporaneous medical records. (Id.) Thus, Petitioners’ counsel proposed a “fact hearing” in
order to determine whether such family reports can be found credible in light of the
contemporaneous medical records. (Id.) On June 13, 2016, Petitioners’ counsel filed a status
report informing the Court that four witnesses would testify at the “fact hearing” -- Ellena
Prokopeas; Chris Prokopeas; Nick Chrissikos; and Naomi de la Torre. (ECF No. 124.)
Concurrently, Petitioners submitted the statement of Nick Chrissikos (Ex. 100); Amendment to
Ellena Prokopeas’ Affidavit (Ex. 101); and the statement of Naomi de la Torre (Ex. 102).7 (ECF
No. 125.)
       I conducted the requested “fact hearing” in Washington, D.C. on August 1, 2016. At that
time, only Ellena Prokopeas testified for the Petitioners. (ECF No. 130; Tr. 4-5.) This matter is
now ripe for a ruling on the disputed facts.


                                                 IV
                                              FACTS
A. Medical history appearing in C.A.P.’s medical records

       1. C.A.P.’s first month of life
         C.A.P. was born on December 6, 2001. (Ex. 1, pp. 1-2.) During his first month of life,
C.A.P. was seen by Pediatric Associates of Dallas for routine childhood illnesses. (See Ex. 34-2
generally.) Specifically, on December 11, 2001, jaundice was noted (Ex. 34-2, p. 30); and on
December 27, 2001, he was treated for a fever, congestion, runny nose, and decreased appetite
(id., pp. 31-32). However, at both his two-week well visit of December 20, 2001, and his one-
month well-visit of January 8, 2002, C.A.P. was recorded as being a “well” baby. (Id., pp. 32-
33.)



7
       Petitioners filed a status report on June 24, 2016, indicating that they did not intend to file
an additional affidavit for Chris Prokopeas, choosing, instead, to rely on the signed joint
statement of Chris and Ellena Prokopeas (filed as Exhibit 58), to be the entirety of Mr.
Prokopeas’ testimony in this case. (ECF No. 127.)


                                                 10
       2. C.A.P.’s first set of vaccinations and following care

       C.A.P. had his two-month well-visit on February 5, 2002. (Ex. 34-2, p. 34.) At that time,
he presented with a “stuffy nose” and diarrhea, and was recorded to be sleeping three to four
hours per night. (Id.) He was described as a “well baby,” and was administered the following
vaccinations: DTaP, IPV, Comvax (combination dose of the Hib and hepatitis vaccines), and
Prevnar. (Id.)

       3. C.A.P.’s second set of vaccinations and following care

         C.A.P. was next seen by his pediatrician for his four-month well-visit on April 9, 2002.
(Ex. 34-2, p. 35.) No reaction to the vaccinations of February 5, 2002, was recorded. (Id.) At
that time, he was recorded to be sleeping up to five hours a night, was assessed as a “well baby,”
and was administered the DTaP, IPV, Hib, and Prevnar vaccinations. (Id.) C.A.P. saw his
examining physician again on April 30, 2002,8 presenting with a cough, runny nose, and a rash
throughout his body -- symptoms that were reported to have persisted for one week. (Id.) At that
visit, he was reported, among other things, to be “happy,” and was diagnosed with having an
upper respiratory infection (“URI”). (Id.)

       4. C.A.P.’s third set of vaccinations and following care

            C.A.P. had his seven-month well-visit on July 22, 2002. (Ex. 34-2, p. 36.) C.A.P.’s
pediatrician recorded that he was sleeping approximately four hours per night, and was assessed
as a “well child” overall, receiving the DTaP, Hib, Hep B, and Prevnar vaccinations at that visit.
(Id.)

         On July 23, 2002, C.A.P.’s medical records include a notation of a phone call from Mr.
Prokopeas, relaying that C.A.P. had a fever of 102-103 degrees Fahrenheit. (Ex. 34-2, p. 36.)
Mr. Prokopeas described C.A.P. as being “fussy,” but reported that he was feeling better with
Motrin, and was “eating ok.” (Id.) However, Mr. Prokopeas reported that both parents were
concerned because C.A.P.’s fever had not come down. (Id.) That medical record further reveals
that a staff member from C.A.P.’s pediatrician’s office documented discussing a variety of topics
concerning fevers with C.A.P.’s parents, including fever control, and fever as a reaction to
immunizations. (Id.) Specifically, that staff member documented advising the parents that fevers
as a reaction to immunizations can last up to 24 to 36 hours post-immunizations, and
documented advising them to call back the next day (i.e., on July 24, 2002), if C.A.P. still had a
fever the next morning, or if any new symptoms developed during that time period. (Id.)




8
        This medical record from April of 2002 (Ex. 34-2, p. 35) is unclear at first glance as to
the precise date. At the fact hearing, Mrs. Prokopeas testified that she believed that C.A.P.’s
visit was most likely on April 13, 2002. (Tr. 17-18.) As discussed at Section VII(A)(2) below,
however, I do not accept Mrs. Prokopeas’ interpretation of C.A.P.’s sick visit to be on April 13,
2002. Instead, I find that that medical visit was on April 30, 2002.


                                                11
C.A.P.’s medical records also reflect a notation9 of a second phone call at a later time on July 23,
2002, by Mrs. Prokopeas. (Id., p. 37.) That phone call notation reflects Mrs. Prokopeas reporting
that C.A.P. had a temperature of 102-103 degrees Fahrenheit; however, she also reported C.A.P.
as being “playful,” and having no additional symptoms other than his fever. (Id.)

         On July 24, 2002, C.A.P. was taken back to his pediatrician, and his fever symptoms
were reported to have continued for the past two days. (Ex. 34, p. 37.) That medical record
reflects C.A.P.’s parents describing C.A.P. as “not himself,” and reporting his temperature to be
as high as 103 degrees Fahrenheit. (Id.) C.A.P.’s temperature was taken during that examination
visit, and was recorded to be 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit. (Id.) Moreover, C.A.P. was reported to
be taking “Tylenol/Motrin” to control his fever. 10 (Id.)

        On July 25, 2002, Mrs. Prokopeas took C.A.P. to see another pediatrician, Dr. Porter.
(Ex. 10, p. 4.) During that visit, Dr. Porter recorded Mrs. Prokopeas’ accounts of C.A.P.’s
ongoing symptomatology, noting that C.A.P. was experiencing a fever for four days (“F x 4”),
with his highest temperature reaching 103.9 degrees Fahrenheit. (Id.) Mrs. Prokopeas also
reported that C.A.P. had vomited three times (“V x 3 times”), had diarrhea twice (“D x 2 times”)
since the previous day, was fussy, and could not “keep anything down.” (Id.) However, on the
day of the visit, C.A.P. was reported to have been successfully breast-fed three times that day,
with no further diarrhea, and observed by Dr. Porter to be “happy” and “playful.” (Id.) Dr.
Porter diagnosed C.A.P. with “viral gastroenteritis,” recommending that C.A.P. stay “well
hydrated,” and asked Mrs. Prokopeas to call back if C.A.P. exhibited increased listlessness,
increased vomiting, or if his fever persisted for more than 48 hours. (Id.)

        Thereafter, C.A.P.’s medical records reflect that Mrs. Prokopeas contacted C.A.P.’s
pediatrician’s office on August 13, 2002. (Ex. 10, p. 4.) That notation reflects a phone call from
Mrs. Prokopeas, relaying her worries that C.A.P. had diarrhea again for the past week (“D again
x 1 wk”), had no appetite (“no app.”), was not nursing well, had some dry diapers, and wanted
C.A.P. to be seen by the pediatrician. (Id.) C.A.P. was seen by Dr. Porter on August 14, 2002, at
which time Mrs. Prokopeas reported that C.A.P. was not sleeping well, was fussy, had a cough
for the past three days (“C x 3 days”), had diarrhea for 7 days (“D x 7 days”), and spat up yellow
mucus. (Id.) C.A.P.’s pediatrician diagnosed him with oral thrush (“thrush”), and “feeding
issues.” (Id.) He was prescribed Gentian Violet (a common medication to treat oral thrush), and
the pediatrician encouraged his parents to feed him solids, and asked to be updated by the parents
if C.A.P.’s symptoms persisted. (Id.)




9
        Mrs. Prokopeas testified at the fact hearing that the second phone call of July 23, 2002,
was initiated by C.A.P.’s pediatrician, who was calling her back to check on C.A.P.’s condition.
(Tr. 22.)
10
        This medical record of C.A.P.’s sick visit of July 24, 2002, is partly illegible. (Ex. 34-2,
p. 37.) One of the notations on that medical note may possibly read “? Rx to shot” (that is,
“reaction” to shot). (Id.)
                                                 12
       5. C.A.P.’s vaccination on September 24, 2002, and following care.

        C.A.P. had his nine-month well-visit on September 24, 2002. (Ex. 10, p. 3.) That medical
record, among other things, reflects that C.A.P. “crawls,” and “stands with assistance.” (Id.) He
was assessed as being a “well” nine-month old, and was administered his third dose of the
Hepatitis B vaccine. (Id.)

        Mrs. Prokopeas took C.A.P. to his pediatrician on September 30, 2002, reporting, among
other things, that C.A.P. had congestion, and a runny nose (“RN”) for the past three days (“x 3
day”). (Ex. 10, p. 3.) Moreover, Mrs. Prokopeas reported that C.A.P. was sneezing, had vomited
once a day for seven days, was teething, and was not sleeping well. (Id.) Dr. Porter recorded that
C.A.P. was alert and cooperative during the medical examination, and diagnosed him as
suffering from a viral upper respiratory infection (“URI/Viral”), vomiting phlegm (“Vom
phlegm”), and having feeding problems. (Id.)

         On October 13, 2002, C.A.P. was seen in the Emergency Department of the Medical City
of Dallas Hospital, for complaints of vomiting and diarrhea that had started on the same day.
(Ex. 35, pp. 16-19.) Upon examination, C.A.P. was diagnosed with having “[g]astroenteritis.”
(Id., p. 19.)




                                               13
       6. C.A.P.’s medical care from November of 2002 to August of 2003. 11
        In an affidavit of December 1, 2014, Mrs. Prokopeas reported that “there are no medical
records for C.A.P. from 11 months old to 20 months old” (covering the time period from
November of 2002 to August of 2003), stating that she did not take C.A.P. to a physician during
that time period, as she could not find a pediatrician amenable to postponing C.A.P.’s future
vaccinations. (Ex. 91, p. 1.) However, in her affidavit of June 13, 2016, Mrs. Prokopeas
indicated that “Dr. Kotsanis,” a family friend, provided some care when C.A.P. was 12 months
of age until he was 20 months of age. (Ex. 101, p. 1, ¶ 4.) In any event, Petitioners have not
submitted records of any medical care received by C.A.P. between October 13, 2002, and
October 23, 2003. (See generally Exs. 10 and 34.)

        7. C.A.P.’s playground head injury and following care.
       C.A.P.’s medical records reflect that he was examined by Dr. Kotsanis12 on October 23,
2003, for a head injury. (Ex. 67, p. 3.) At that time, Dr. Kotsanis recorded a medical history of

11
         C.A.P.’s vaccination administration record from Dr. Porter (Ex. 10, p. 1) reflects a
stamped date of December 10, 2002 (“Dec 10 2002”), with a notation of “n/s” next to the rows
entitled “MMR1”; “Varivax”; and “Prevnar.” (Ex. 10, p. 1.) The exact meaning of the notation
of “n/s” is not clear in that record; however, that notation could possibly mean “no show.”
(Medical Abbreviations: 32,000 Conveniences at the Expense of Communication and Safety, 15th
ed., p. 232.)

        In closely examining Ex. 10, p. 1, I note the contrast between C.A.P.’s documented
vaccination of September 24, 2002, versus the stamped notation of December 10, 2002. (Ex. 10,
p. 1.) In this regard, I point out that, on the column entitled “Signature of Parent or Guardian,”
that record reflects Mrs. Prokopeas’ signature by the corresponding row, documenting C.A.P.’s
administered Hep B vaccination of September 24, 2002. (Id.) In contrast, there is no such
corresponding signature by the date stamps of December 10, 2002, by the “MMR1,” “Varivax,”
and “Prevnar” columns. (Id.) Moreover, I note that while there is documentation by Dr. Porter of
C.A.P.’s office visit of September 24, 2002 (Ex. 10, p. 3), no such documentation exists for any
such visit from December 10, 2002 (see generally Ex. 10). Thus, it seems unclear whether
C.A.P. was administered any vaccinations on December 10, 2002.

        Regardless of the precise significance of the “n/s” notation, I note that none of
Petitioners’ pleadings (ECF Nos. 1, 51, 57), affidavits (Exs. 58, 91, 100-102), or expert reports
(Exs. 87, 89, 96, 98-99) submitted in this case allege that C.A.P.’s present condition is due to any
potential vaccinations received by C.A.P. on December 10, 2002.


12
         I note that the extent to which Dr. Kotsanis was a treating physician of C.A.P. is unclear
in this case. Several of C.A.P.’s medical records submitted in this case reflect Dr. Kotsanis
serving as a non-primary care provider to C.A.P. (E.g., Exs. 5, 25, and 48 generally.) Moreover,
in one of those medical records, Dr. Kotsanis himself stated that his role in C.A.P.’s treatment
was limited to that of “being supportive for convenience reasons.” (Ex. 48, p. 2.) However, in
her affidavit of June 13, 2016, Mrs. Prokopeas referenced Dr. Kotsanis as being C.A.P.’s sole
                                                14
C.A.P., as reported by Mrs. Prokopeas. (Id.) That note indicates that, on September 20, 2003,13
C.A.P. suffered a head injury in a fall and was taken to the emergency room to be further
evaluated.14 (Id.) C.A.P. had a “very large” head hematoma (swelling due to collection of blood
in the blood vessels), and underwent a CT scan, among other additional testing, during that
emergency room visit. (Id.) Mrs. Prokopeas reported that those test results from C.A.P.’s
emergency room visit “appeared to be normal.”15 (Id.)
        Furthermore, Mrs. Prokopeas relayed that, after C.A.P.’s head injury accident, he was “a
bit unsteady,” and that he had “decreased in verbalization.” (Ex. 67, p. 3.) Dr. Kotsanis recorded
in the oral history section that, besides the playground head injury, “other active problems at this
time are none.” (Id.) Upon examination at that time, Dr. Kotsanis recorded that the “area of the
trauma has healed very nicely,” but that C.A.P. appeared to “drift slightly to the right side,” and
that he was “irritable.” (Id.) Overall, Dr. Kotsanis diagnosed C.A.P. with “post-concussion
syndrome,” referring him for hearing and speech evaluations. (Id.)



medical care provider when C.A.P. was 12 months of age until he was 20 months of age,
alleging as follows:

        From 12-20 months old, [C.A.P.] was cared for by his mother and a family doctor friend,
        Dr. Kotsanis. Before moving to New Orleans, Dr. Kotsanis ran a variety of lab test [sic]
        on [C.A.P.] as indicated in his medical records.

(Ex. 101, p. 1, ¶ 4.)
13
       This medical record is not completely clear as to the exact date of C.A.P.’s head injury.
(Ex. 67, p. 3.) The type-written date of C.A.P.’s head injury appears to be on “10/20/2003.” (Id.)
However, there is a hand-written “9” transposed on top of the “10,” seeming to reflect Dr.
Kotsanis’ hand-written correction that C.A.P.’s head injury occurred a month prior, on
“9/20/2003.” (Id.) Thus, based on a close examination of that record, and the surrounding
context, it appears that C.A.P.’s playground injury likely occurred in September of 2003.
However, I am also mindful that C.A.P.’s medical records reflect alternating references to
C.A.P.’s head injury in either September or October of 2003. (See Ex. 54-2, pp. 43-44; Ex. 16, p.
1.)
14
        Petitioners did not submit C.A.P.’s medical records from the emergency room visit of
September or October of 2003 seeking treatment for C.A.P.’s head injury. As a result, the record
of this case contains only secondary medical records describing C.A.P.’s head injury of
September or October of 2003. Thus, all the medical records which reflect C.A.P.’s head injury
of September or October of 2003, reflect parental descriptions of C.A.P.’s playground accident
during which C.A.P. injured his head, as relayed to subsequent medical care providers while
seeking treatment for C.A.P.’s developmental issues. (See Ex. 67, p. 3; Ex. 54-1, p. 3; Ex. 54-1,
p. 4; Ex. 54-2, pp. 43-44; and Ex. 16, p. 1.)
15
        Petitioners have not submitted C.A.P.’s emergency room diagnostic testing results to the
record in this case.
                                                15
        8. C.A.P.’s medical care subsequent to October of 2003
                a. C.A.P.’s care from November of 2003 to January of 2004
        A referral form dated November 17, 2003, from Early Childhood Intervention of
Richardson/North Dallas (hereafter “ECI”), indicates that C.A.P. was referred to that practice to
be evaluated for speech delay. (Ex. 54-1, p. 3.) Under the “Additional Information” section of
that referral form, the following information was stated:
        Child was hit by an iron gate and was hit in the fore head. Child had a big bump. The
        accident happen [sic] in September. Child is not speaking like he use [sic] to speak
        before the accident.
(Ex. 54-1, p. 3.)
        On November 20, 2003, C.A.P. underwent an evaluation by ECI. (Ex. 54-1, p. 4.) The
intake form of that evaluation, which appears to be filled out by Mrs. Prokopeas, reflects that she
was “most concerned” about C.A.P.’s “speech delay and temper tantrums.” (Id.) The medical
care provider examining C.A.P. at that time also recorded an oral history, as given by Mrs.
Prokopeas, describing the circumstances of C.A.P.’s head injury in September of 2003. (Id.)
That medical evaluation note recorded that C.A.P. was “hit by an iron gate” while at Disneyland,
and that he was “not talking much at all” after his accident. (Id.) Moreover, that medical note
records Mrs. Prokopeas as saying that prior to C.A.P.’s head injury accident in September of
2003, C.A.P. “only had about 10 words”; however, by the time of his evaluation as of November
20, 2003, he was unable to speak any words, and was using “a lot of gestures.” (Id.)
         On December 5, 2003, C.A.P. was once again evaluated by ECI. (Ex. 54-1, pp. 29-31.)
During that evaluation (when C.A.P. was approximately two years of age), several of his
developmental parameters were listed as being “of concern.” (Id., pp. 29-30.) Specifically, his
social-emotional development was listed to be within the 18-month age range; his
communication development was listed to be at 15-months of age; his expressive development
was listed as being in the 15-month age range; his cognition was listed to be within the 18-month
age range; and his fine-motor development was listed to be within the 15.5 month age range.
(Id.) Also, C.A.P.’s gross-motor development (within the 21-month age range) and self-help
skills (within the 24-month age range) were noted to be “WNL” (within normal limits). (Id., p.
31.)
        On December 11, 2003, C.A.P. underwent an evaluation by ECI of Richardson’s
Individual Family Service Plan (“ECI IFSP”). (Ex. 54-2, pp. 43-51.) The “Integrated Summary”
section of that evaluation reflects an accounting given by Mrs. Prokopeas concerning C.A.P.’s
medical history, relaying that he “had no significant medical problems” until his head injury
accident at Disney land in October of 2003.16 (Id., pp. 43-44.) At that time, Mrs. Prokopeas

16
        The “Integrated Summary” section of this medical record summarizes that:

        [W]hen [C.A.P.] was in Disney Land in October he was accidentally hit with a hard iron
        gate/door. His mother is unsure if he was knocked unconscious. She did not see it
        happen. She heard him crying and was told what had happened. It is unknown how hard
                                                16
relayed her concerns that C.A.P.’s skills appeared to have regressed since the head injury
accident, observing C.A.P. to be “speaking more before the accident,” whereas after his accident
C.A.P. was using “gestures or screaming cries to get his needs met.” (Id., pp. 43-44.) That
medical note also reflects that C.A.P.’s parents were “researching other areas,” such as an
“autism spectrum” disorder, for C.A.P.’s apparent regression. (Id., p. 44.)
       From December of 2003 to August of 2004, C.A.P. continued to receive regular
development therapy by ECI IFSP. (Exs. 54-1 through 54-4.)

                 b. C.A.P.’s medical history reflected in certain of Dr. Kotsanis’ treatment notes
          An undated medical record from Dr. Kotsanis reveals the following medical history of
C.A.P.:
          In October 2003 the child came to my office for the first time because of a head injury
          while at Disney World. The CT [at] the ER in Florida was normal. The trauma did not
          change anything.
(Ex. 5, p. 1.) Additionally, Dr. Kotsanis recorded the following relevant medical history:
          The postvaccination injury that is reported by the parents goes along with my knowledge
          about [C.A.P.] socially from our Church gatherings and eventually as a doctor in my
          office. I remember that [C.A.P.] was initially a normal healthy child and eventually
          matched the traits of autistic spectrum disorder children that visit my office.
(Ex. 5, p. 1.) Moreover, his impression was that C.A.P. had an “Autistic Spectrum Disorder
most likely secondary to vaccination injury.” (Id.)
        On January 6, 2004, Mr. and Mrs. Prokopeas had a telephonic consultation with Dr.
Kotsanis. (Ex. 5, pp. 2-4.) Dr. Kotsanis’ recorded notes from that phone consultation reveals that
C.A.P.’s parents believed that he suffered a “vaccination injury.” (Id., p. 2.) At that time,
C.A.P.’s parents also reported that he suffered from allergies and behavior problems that were
“out of control.” (Id., p. 2.)
        Moreover, Dr. Kotsanis’ medical notes from the phone consultation of January 6, 2004,
state that he “conducted an extended history” of C.A.P.’s “progress and problems since birth.”
(Ex. 5, p. 2.) In this regard, Dr. Kotsanis recorded an oral medical history, as given by C.A.P.’s
parents, concerning C.A.P.’s early years of life. (Id.) At that time, C.A.P.’s parents reported that
he had “met all” of his developmental milestones until July of 2002, but that they started noticing
problems after his vaccinations administered later that month. (Id., pp. 2-3.) They further
described C.A.P.’s condition after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002, stating that C.A.P. had
“diarrhea for two consecutive weeks after the vaccinations,” in addition to having a “persistent


          his head was hit, but family took him to hospital immediately following. Cat scan showed
          nothing.

(Ex. 54-2, pp. 43-44.) (Compare Ex. 67, p. 3, reflecting that C.A.P.’s head injury accident
possibly occurred in September of 2003.)
                                                  17
dry cough,” a fever, refusing to breast feed, difficulties sleeping, and being in constant motion
when awake. (Id., p. 3.) They additionally reported that “as time went on,” C.A.P. exhibited
additional symptoms, such as: “head banging;” “uncontrollable crying for no reason;” “increased
hyperactivity;” displaying a “fear of being alone;” having worsening sleeping patterns; and being
“nonverbal.” (Id.)
        Furthermore, in his phone consultation note of January 6, 2004, Dr. Kotsanis also
recorded that “[i]n the summer/fall of 2002,” C.A.P.’s parents attended one of Dr. Kotsanis’
“public lectures,” during which he advised them to “do a comprehensive pediatric evaluation
with a pediatrician that is aware of possible postvaccination injury,” thus reinforcing the parents’
decision to “withhold vaccinations.” (Ex. 5, p. 3.) Overall, Dr. Kotsanis recommended that
C.A.P. be seen by a new pediatrician, Dr. Hamel, but noted that he would continue to monitor
C.A.P.’s condition by phone until C.A.P. found “proper care.” (Id., p. 4.)

               c. C.A.P.’s continuing care from February of 2004
        On February 9, 2004, C.A.P. underwent an audiological evaluation during which his
treating audiologist recorded Mrs. Prokopeas’ concerns about C.A.P.’s condition. (Ex. 16, p. 1.)
Mrs. Prokopeas reported that C.A.P. was “not talking as well as his peers,” was “having periods
when he is not verbal,” and was having “problems with behavior.” (Id.) Moreover, Mrs.
Prokopeas stated that her concerns “began in October 2003, when [C.A.P.] had an injury to his
forehead.” (Id.) Upon examination, the treating audiologist diagnosed C.A.P. with having
“abnormal auditory signs and symptoms.” (Id.)
         C.A.P.’s medical records additionally reflect that, on June 23, 2004, Mrs. Prokopeas
filled out a “Review Of Systems By Symptoms” intake history form in preparation to be seen by
Charles Hamel, M.D. (Ex. 18, pp. 3-6 of 14.) Within the “Patient History Questionnaire” section
of that intake form, Mrs. Prokopeas described the purpose of her visit with Dr. Hamel to be to
“[h]elp my son recover from PDD (pervasive development delay) which is part of the ‘autism
spectrum disorder.’”17 (Id., p. 6.)
        On June 25, 2004, C.A.P. went to the emergency room to be evaluated for head
lacerations sustained when he fell in his bathtub. (Ex. 17, p. 10.) Thereafter, on July 19, 2004,
C.A.P. was seen by Dr. Hamel. (Ex. 18, p. 7.) During that visit, Dr. Hamel’s impression was that
C.A.P., among other things, had autism, a possible pervasive developmental disorder (“? PDD”),
and food allergies. (Id.)
        On July 22, 2004, C.A.P. was seen by Gordon Bourland, Ph.D., for an evaluation of an
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. (Ex. 9, p. 1.) At that time, Dr. Bourland took a
history of C.A.P.’s symptoms, and recorded Mrs. Prokopeas’ recollections of C.A.P.’s



17
        Mrs. Prokopeas also listed that C.A.P. had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing
done on “9-20-03.” (Ex. 18, p. 6.) The context indicates that Mrs. Prokopeas was possibly
referring to the MRI testing conducted at the time of C.A.P.’s head injury accident during
September or October of 2003. (Compare Ex. 67, p. 3; and Ex. 54-1, p. 3.)


                                                 18
developmental history. Specifically, Dr. Bourland recorded the following oral history, as
reported by Mrs. Prokopeas:
       This past November [of 2003] [C.A.P.]’s parents noted a substantial change in his
       behavior. He began fussing and crying much more than previously had been the case, his
       eye contact, reported as previously typical became briefer and less consistent, he
       responded less consistently to people speaking to him, and his attention span shortened
       considerably, as well as he became more insistent upon things and activities being as he
       preferred.
(Ex. 9, p. 1.) Dr. Bourland diagnosed C.A.P. with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not
Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), a form of autism. (Id., p. 4.) Also on July 22, 2004, Mrs.
Prokopeas had a phone consultation with Dr. Kotsanis, who noted that Mrs. Prokopeas “had a lot
of questions on chelation and vaccination injury,” but that he addressed both of her concerns in
detail, and that C.A.P. was “scheduled to start chelation with Dr. Hamel.” (Ex. 5, p. 5.) In his
notes from the phone consultation of July 22, 2004, Dr. Kotsanis recorded that C.A.P. had an
“autistic spectrum disorder by history from my office,” which he classified as being secondary to
“vaccination trauma syndrome.” (Id.)
       On October 11, 2004, C.A.P. underwent a psychological evaluation by William Brasted,
Ph.D. (Ex. 69.) In relevant part, Dr. Brasted recorded the following accounting of C.A.P.’s
developmental history, as given to him by Mr. Prokopeas:18
       At 9-12 months, the family noticed that [C.A.P.] was not achieving developmental
       milestones within normal limits. He (sic) speech appeared delayed. At 9 months of age,
       [C.A.P.] appeared to have a reaction to his immunization shots. He began having temper
       tantrums and banging his head at 12 to 14 months of age and was easily irritated.
(Ex. 69, p. 4.) During that visit, C.A.P. was classified as functioning in the “Mild Range of
Mental Retardation with regard to both intellectual abilities and the performance of adaptive
skills.” (Id., p. 5.)
         A letter dated March of 2005, from Carmela Tardo, M.D., reflects that she evaluated
C.A.P. for autism on November 8, 2004. (Ex. 75, p. 2.) In that letter, Dr. Tardo stated that
during her consultation with C.A.P. on November 8, 2004, she had “no records available for
review”. (Id.) As such, at that time, Dr. Tardo recorded an oral history of C.A.P.’s condition, as
reported to her by Mrs. Prokopeas. (Id.) Mrs. Prokopeas stated that she became concerned about
C.A.P.’s development “when he was approximately 20 months of age,” initially thinking that
C.A.P. was “just a late talker,” but subsequently became concerned about his socialization. (Id.)
Mrs. Prokopeas additionally relayed to Dr. Tardo that C.A.P. walked at 14 months of age, and
that at around one year of age, C.A.P. had approximately ten words in his expressive vocabulary,
but that his speech had subsequently regressed since that time. (Id.)



18
        That medical record lists “Chris Prokopeas (father)” as the “Informant” on that evaluation
report. (Ex. 69, p. 2.) Additionally, that record states that C.A.P. “was accompanied to the
current testing session by his father, Chris Prokopeas.” (Id., p. 4.)
                                               19
        In her letter from March of 2005, Dr. Tardo further stated that during C.A.P.’s
consultation visit of November 8, 2004, she could not conclusively diagnose C.A.P. with autism
due to her limited examination of C.A.P. at that time; however, she believed that an autism
diagnosis “would be a strong possibility” in explaining his condition. (Ex. 75, p. 2.)
        From May to September of 2005, C.A.P. continued to receive developmental therapy
from the Central Texas Autism Center (“Autism Center”). (See Exs. 19 and 49.) An evaluation
note generated from one of C.A.P.’s visits to the Autism Center reflects C.A.P.’s parents
reporting that C.A.P. was diagnosed with autism on November 8, 2004.19 (Ex. 19, pp. 4, 12.)
       Additionally, a letter dated July 26, 2005, from Anju Usman, M.D., documents C.A.P.’s
consultation visits under her care. (Ex. 23.) In relevant part, Dr. Usman’s records state the
following treatment history:
        [C.A.P.] was originally seen on 12/13/04. His mother reported a history of aggressive
        outbursts *** and headbanging. He was also diagnosed with toxic encephalopathy.

(Ex. 23, p. 2.)

        On May 4, 2007, C.A.P. was examined by Mark Geier, M.D., who conducted a
neurodevelopmental disorder assessment of C.A.P. (Ex. 25-2, pp. 43-53.) As part of that
evaluation, Mrs. Prokopeas filled out a form in which she relayed C.A.P.’s developmental
history. In the “developmental history” section of that form, Mrs. Prokopeas20 reported that
C.A.P. regressed at “19-20 months,” with “loss of language,” “behavioral problems,” “hand
flapping/head banging,” and “stereotypic behaviors.” (Id., p. 48.)
       In a letter dated April 9, 2010, Dr. Kotsanis stated that he had “seen [C.A.P.] as a patient
on and off since 2002-2003,” and that his “working diagnosis was ‘autistic spectrum disorder.’”
(Ex. 48, p. 2.) 21 Furthermore, Dr. Kotsanis stated as follows:

        My role in [C.A.P.]’s treatment had only being (sic) supportive for convenience reasons.
        I was never his primary care physician. Over the years I have ordered a few tests and
        written a few prescriptions as per parent’s request and Dr. Edelson’s recommendation.



19
        As noted immediately above, however, Dr. Tardo’s letter from March of 2005 reveals
that she had not diagnosed C.A.P. with an autism spectrum disorder on November 8, 2004, but
was simply of the belief that an autism diagnosis “would be a strong possibility.” (See Ex. 75, p.
2.)
20
      That medical record reflects that the “Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist” (ATEC)
was completed by “Ellena Prokopeas.” (Ex. 25-2, p. 43.)
21
       That letter from Dr. Kotsanis additionally stated that to the best of his knowledge,
C.A.P.’s parents had decided over time to “seek medical advice and treatment by Stephen B.
Edelson MD in Atlanta, Georgia.” (Ex. 48, p. 2.)


                                                20
(Ex. 48, p. 2) Additionally, Dr. Kotsanis remarked that he could not find medical records of
C.A.P.’s treatment under his care from 2002 to 2003; however, he stated that to the best of his
recollection, C.A.P. had an “autistic spectrum disorder.” (Id.)

       9. C.A.P.’s genetic testing
        Starting in May of 2007, C.A.P. also underwent genetic testing. (Ex. 25, p. 8.) However,
the existence of these genetic testing results is not disputed by the parties, and thus is not relevant
in resolving the disputed facts in this case. Thus, I will not discuss his genetic testing results
further in this ruling.

B. Additional medical history reported by C.A.P.’s parents and family friends
        In this section, I list additional allegations, made by C.A.P.’s parents and family friends,
which are at variance with his medical records concerning two key issues: (1) C.A.P.’s
symptomatology following each set of vaccinations administered to him in his first year of life;
and (2) C.A.P.’s alleged neuro-developmental medical history from his early months of life -- a
medical history which, according to his parents, is not properly documented in his medical
records.

       1. Ellena Prokopeas

        Mrs. Prokopeas submitted affidavits on March 12, 2012 (Ex. 58), December 1, 2014 (Ex.
91), and June 13, 2016 (Ex. 101). She also testified at the “fact hearing” held on August 1, 2016.
(Tr. 4-41.) Her first affidavit (Ex. 58) was a joint affidavit with her husband, Chris Prokopeas.
(Ex. 58, p. 4.) 22 However, only Mrs. Prokopeas, and not her husband, testified at the “fact
hearing.” Accordingly, while in this section of this Ruling, for convenience’s sake, I summarize
the affidavits and testimony of Ellena Prokopeas, I am well aware that Ex. 58 contains the joint
representations of both Ellena and Chris Prokopeas.

               a. C.A.P.’s alleged symptoms following his first set of vaccinations.

       Mrs. Prokopeas testified that “within a few minutes” of C.A.P.’s first set of vaccinations
of February 5, 2002, he began to scream and cry uncontrollably, followed by a “deep sleep for
many hours.” (Ex. 58, p. 1; Tr. 11-14.) She alleged that even after C.A.P. woke up, he was “red
and swollen” at the place of the vaccination site; was screaming, crying, and being very fussy;
rejected nursing, had lost his appetite, appeared “very weak,” and ran a high fever of 103.9
degrees Fahrenheit overnight. (Tr. 14-15.) Mrs. Prokopeas added that she called C.A.P.’s
pediatrician the next morning (i.e., on February 6, 2002), and was told that a fever due to his
vaccinations could last up to 24 to 48 hours. (Tr. 15.) She testified that C.A.P.’s fever did go
down within 24 to 48 hours, and that “some” of his additional symptoms had also decreased
during that timeframe. (Id.) Additionally, in her affidavit of March 12, 2012, Mrs. Prokopeas
alleged that C.A.P.’s “injection site was swollen and red on both legs for days,” and that he
rejected nursing for five days following his vaccinations of February 5, 2002. (Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 4.)


22
      Although that exhibit was filed on March 12, 2012, it appears that Mr. and Mrs.
Prokopeas signed and dated that affidavit on October 21, 2004. (Ex. 58, p. 4.)
                                                  21
               b. C.A.P.’s alleged symptoms following his second set of vaccinations.
         Mrs. Prokopeas asserted that after receiving his vaccinations of April 9, 2002, C.A.P.
experienced symptoms “very similar” to those that he had after his first set of vaccinations (i.e.,
instant screaming, uncontrollable crying, rejecting nursing, falling into a deep sleep, having
“swelling and redness on both legs,” and developing a fever). (Tr. 16-17; Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 5.)
Moreover, she relayed that C.A.P. “developed a cough, runny nose, and a rash that lasted for a
week.” (Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 5.)23 In an affidavit, Mrs. Prokopeas averred that she called C.A.P.’s
pediatrician’s office after that incident, but was assured that C.A.P.’s symptoms were normal,
and that they would “pass within 48 hours.” (Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 5.)

       At the fact hearing, Mrs. Prokopeas testified that, on April 13, 2002,24 she took C.A.P. to
the pediatrician, since he continued to suffer from the above-mentioned symptoms. (Tr. 17-19.)
She stated that at that visit, C.A.P. still had a rash throughout his body, was coughing, and had a
runny nose, but that his fever had resolved. (Id.)25

               c. C.A.P.’s third set of vaccinations and alleged ensuing symptoms
        Recounting C.A.P.’s symptomatology after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002, Mrs.
Prokopeas indicated by affidavit that his third set of vaccinations “seemed to do the most harm
so far.” (Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 6.) She stated that C.A.P. had “[v]ery much the same symptoms” as he
had after his first two rounds of vaccinations (i.e., instant screaming, uncontrollable crying,
rejecting nursing, falling into a deep sleep, having swelling and redness on both legs, and
developing a fever). (Tr. 20; Ex. 58, pp. 1-2.) She testified that C.A.P. had a fever of 103.9
degrees Fahrenheit on the night of July 22, 2002 -- a temperature that she alleged lasted “for
days.” (Ex. 58, pp. 1-2; Tr. 20-21.)

23
        At the “fact hearing,” Mrs. Prokopeas, after consulting her written notes, eventually
stated that C.A.P. suffered those same symptoms that were listed in her affidavit filed on March
12, 2012, testifying as follows:

       [L]ooking at my notes, in addition to that, I also noticed that he also started coughing –
       well it didn’t happen right away, but later in the night, he started running – he had a
       runny nose, he was coughing, and he had a rash throughout his body.

(Tr. 17.) As discussed further in Section VII(B)(1) below, throughout her fact hearing testimony,
Mrs. Prokopeas appeared to be reading from her notes to refresh her memory of certain events.
(E.g., Tr. 21-22; 29-30; 34.)
24
        As noted above in footnote 8, Mrs. Prokopeas was referring to the trip to C.A.P.’s
pediatrician on April 30, 2002, which she believed occurred on April 13, 2002. (Tr. 17-19.)
25
       As further discussed in Section VII(B)(1)(b) of this fact ruling below, I note that in
questioning Mrs. Prokopeas about C.A.P.’s visit to the pediatrician in April of 2002, Petitioners’
counsel asked several leading questions in an attempt to somehow relate C.A.P.’s condition to
his vaccinations of April 9, 2002. (Tr. 18-19.)


                                                 22
        Mrs. Prokopeas testified that she called C.A.P.’s pediatrician’s office on July 23, 2002,
and spoke with a nurse, reporting that C.A.P. had a fever, was miserable, could not open his
eyes, rejected nursing, seemed to be “very weak,” and “appeared lifeless.” (Tr. 21-22.)
Additionally, she recalled stating to the nurse that C.A.P.’s fever “had dropped slightly to 102 to
103” degrees, as he was taking Motrin and Tylenol to control his fever. (Id.)

        She further testified that C.A.P.’s pediatrician called her back later that same day (i.e., on
July 23, 2002), and that she told the pediatrician that C.A.P. had the “same symptoms” as when
she spoke with the nurse earlier that day. (Tr. 22.) Notably, Mrs. Prokopeas testified that
C.A.P.’s pediatrician’s note of the phone call of July 23, 2002, stating that C.A.P. was “playful,”
and that he had “no other symptoms” beyond fever, was inaccurate. (Tr. 22; compare Ex. 34-2,
p. 37.) In this regard, she averred that C.A.P. was “very sick” at that time, and thus, would not
have been playful at the time of the pediatrician’s phone call. (Id.)
       Mrs. Prokopeas also described taking C.A.P. to his pediatrician on July 24, 2002, because
she was “increasingly concerned” that he was “very fussy” all day, “was crying,” 26 and was not
being himself. (Tr. 23.) In her affidavit, Mrs. Prokopeas reported being told at that visit that
C.A.P.’s symptoms were not related to his recent vaccinations, and that those symptoms would
eventually pass. (Ex. 58, p. 2.)
        Mrs. Prokopeas further asserted that on the night of July 24, 2002, C.A.P. “was getting
even worse,” and he had started vomiting. (Tr. 24.) Thus, on July 25, 2002, Mrs. Prokopeas
recalled taking C.A.P. to another pediatrician, Dr. Porter. (Tr. 24-28.) She testified that at that
time, C.A.P.’s symptoms from the previous two days had continued, and that he had additionally
developed diarrhea, and was vomiting. (Id.) She asserted that Dr. Porter’s assessment of C.A.P.
was that he was suffering from a “virus,” but she was assured that “everything would be fine.”
(Tr. 27; Ex. 58, pp. 1-2.)
        At the fact hearing, Mrs. Prokopeas asserted that, after his visit with Dr. Porter on July
25, 2002, C.A.P. “seemed to have been getting better.” (Tr. 29-30.) She testified that starting on
July 26, 2002, C.A.P.’s symptoms were “slowly getting better,” but that he continued to have
diarrhea, vomiting, and a cough. (Tr. 28.) Additionally, she stated that he was “very fussy,” was
not sleeping, and did not nurse well for “a few days.” (Id.) Notably, however, in her affidavit of
March 12, 2012, Mrs. Prokopeas asserted that C.A.P.’s diarrhea symptoms were still ongoing
“even three weeks later” after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002. (Ex. 58, p. 2.)
        Mrs. Prokopeas also testified about taking C.A.P. to his pediatrician on August 13, 2002,
as he had a cough due to a cold, was not nursing, was fussy, was screaming, was unhappy, and
was uncontrollable. (Tr. 29-30; Ex. 58, p. 2.) Mrs. Prokopeas recalled C.A.P.’s pediatrician
26
        At that point in the fact hearing, Petitioners’ counsel stated that C.A.P.’s pediatrician’s
handwritten note from C.A.P.’s consultation of July 24, 2002, was partly illegible. (Tr. 23-24.)
Similarly, Petitioners’ counsel stated that the pediatrician’s notation about C.A.P.’s sick visit of
July 25, 2002, was also partly illegible. (Tr. 25.) For both of these medical records, Petitioners’
counsel suggested that he would get interpretations of those medical records prior to the fact
hearing transcript being published in this case. (Tr. 25-26.) As of the release of the fact hearing
transcript on August 1, 2016, however, Petitioners’ counsel did not submit any interpretations of
those medical notes, nor have any such interpretations have been submitted thereafter.
                                                  23
prescribing an over-the-counter medication to treat his “thrush,” which subsequently cleared
“within a few days,” at which point C.A.P. started nursing again. (Id.)

        In summary, in her affidavits, Mrs. Prokopeas alleged that after his third round of
vaccines, on July 22, 2002, C.A.P. experienced a variety of symptoms. (Ex. 58, p. 2.)
Collectively, these symptoms included: crying, being miserable, only sleeping two hours per
night, having intermittent “high fevers,” being difficult and demanding, having a “lack of eye
contact,” and developing random outbursts for no apparent reason. (Id.) At the fact hearing,
however, Mrs. Prokopeas recalled these symptoms as being less severe. (See Tr. 28-31.) In this
regard, she averred that once C.A.P.’s thrush resolved after his sick visit of August 13, 2002,
C.A.P. started nursing again, was not as fussy, was “sleeping a little better,” and that “[t]hings
looked like he was getting a little better.” (Tr. 31.)

               d. C.A.P.’s vaccination of September 24, 2002, and alleged ensuing symptoms
        Mrs. Prokopeas stated that after C.A.P.’s Hepatitis B vaccination of September 24, 2002,
C.A.P. experienced symptoms “almost identical” to those that he had experienced after his prior
rounds of vaccinations. (Tr. 32-33; Ex. 58, p. 2.) She alleged that immediately after that
vaccination, C.A.P. started crying, was screaming, was “very upset,” rejected nursing, was
unhappy, and slept for “many hours.” (Id.) She further testified that those symptoms continued
for a week, and she noticed him “getting worse,” prompting her to take C.A.P. to the pediatrician
on September 30, 2002. (Tr. 34; Ex. 58, p. 2.) Mrs. Prokopeas recalled reporting to the
pediatrician that C.A.P. was “just very, very sick,” additionally reporting the following
symptoms: “congestion”; “runny nose”; “coughing”; “not nursing”; “screaming”; wanting to be
held; and having diarrhea. (Tr. 34.) She additionally stated that at his sick visit of September 30,
2002, C.A.P.’s pediatrician assessed him with having a cold, and assured her that C.A.P.’s
symptoms would pass. (Ex. 58, p. 2.)

               e. C.A.P.’s care from November of 2002
        Mrs. Prokopeas stated that, due to C.A.P.’s alleged symptoms after his previously
administered vaccinations, she decided to postpone his future vaccinations. (Ex. 58, p. 2.)
Additionally, she stated that because of her decision not to administer further vaccinations to
C.A.P., Dr. Porter -- C.A.P.’s pediatrician at that time -- refused to provide further care. (Id.)
She acknowledged that there are “no medical records for C.A.P. from 11 months to 20 months of
age” (i.e., from November of 2002 to August of 2003) (Ex. 91, ¶ 3), although in a later statement
she indicated that a family friend, Dr. Kotsanis, provided some care to C.A.P. during this period
(Ex. 101, ¶ 4; see also Ex. 58, p. 2). In this regard, she further asserted that during that time
period, she “accepted [C.A.P.’s] behavior as being a difficult child,” but that she “never thought
we had a problem until he was 21 months old and still was not speaking.” (Ex. 58, p. 2)

               f. C.A.P.’s alleged developmental progress from seven months of age to
               twenty-four months of age

       At the fact hearing, Mrs. Prokopeas provided a narrative of C.A.P.’s developmental
milestones from when he was seven months of age until he was twenty-four months of age. (Tr.
35-39.) Specifically, she referred to a chart in his medical records (entitled “developmental

                                                24
screening checklist”) -- a chart that was used by the Pediatric Associates of Dallas to track
C.A.P.’s development through the first seven months of his life. (Tr. 35-36; Ex. 34-1, pp. 15-17.)
27

        At the fact hearing, Mrs. Prokopeas attempted to complete that developmental screening
chart, commenting on C.A.P.’s developmental milestones starting from when he was seven
months of age.28 (Tr. 36-39.) I list below, the “yes” or “no” answers given by Mrs. Prokopeas to
the age-appropriate questions from that developmental checklist chart.29

                        i. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at seven months of age
       Mrs. Prokopeas answered “yes” to both of the developmental checklist questions listed at
seven months of age: “lift hands when sitting,” and “transfers objects from 1 hand to other.” (Tr.
36; compare Ex. 34-1, p. 15.)

                        ii. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at eight months of age
       Mrs. Prokopeas answered “yes” to the question of whether C.A.P. “stays briefly on all
fours when placed.” (Tr. 37; compare Ex. 34-1, p. 16.) She answered “no” to the following
questions: “catches self to sides in sitting”; “sits at least five minutes”; and “rocks on all fours.”
(Id.)

                        iii. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at nine months of age
       Mrs. Prokopeas answered “yes” to the developmental parameter question of whether
C.A.P. “gets in and out of sitting independently.” (Tr. 37; compare Ex. 34-1, p. 16.) However,
she answered “no” to the following questions: “crawls on hands and knees”; “stands holding on
when placed”; “understands simple words”; “Shakes toys”; “Drops things and looks for them”;
“Says MaMa, DaDa.” (Id.)

                        iv. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at ten and eleven months of age
        For the chart’s developmental questions at ten months of age, she answered “no” to:
“pulls up to standing,” and “plays Peek-A-Boo.” (Tr. 37; compare Ex. 34-1, p. 16.) She also
answered a “no” to all of the following developmental questions listed at eleven months of age:
“cruises”; “walks holding on to the furniture”; “practices different standing positions while



27
         Specifically, that checklist documented C.A.P.’s developmental progress at his various
medical visits to that pediatric practice. (Ex. 34-1, pp. 15-17.) Petitioners’ counsel asserted at the
fact hearing that C.A.P.’s developmental milestones chart was not updated after C.A.P. switched
to a different pediatrician at seven months of age. (Tr. 36.)
28
       Mrs. Prokopeas attempted to complete the developmental checklist chart contained on
pages 15 through 17 of Exhibit 34-1. (Ex. 34-1, pp. 15-17.)
29
       Petitioners’ counsel asked Mrs. Prokopeas to give “yes” or “no” answers to the listed
age-appropriate questions from the developmental checklist chart reflected on Exhibit 34-1,
pages 15 through 17. (Tr. 36-39.)
                                                  25
holding on”; “lowers to sitting from standing”; “points/pokes with finger”; and “picks up small
objects with thumb and forefinger.” (Id.)

                       v. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at twelve months of age
        Mrs. Prokopeas answered “yes” to the following developmental parameter questions
concerning C.A.P. at twelve months of age: “waves bye-bye”; and “gives and takes toys in play.”
(Tr. 37; compare Ex. 34-1, p. 16.) She replied “no,” however, to the following developmental
checklist questions: “prefers standing to sitting”; “walks with 1 hand held”; “has 3-10 word
vocabulary”; “repeats performance if laughed at”; “puts things in containers”; and “drinks from
cup.” (Id.)

                       vi. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at fifteen months of age
        Mrs. Prokopeas answered “yes” to the checklist question of whether he “hugs and
kisses.” (Tr. 37; compare Ex. 34-1, p. 16.) She replied “no” to the following questions: “walks
independently”; “stands alone”; “indicates wants by gesturing/grunting”; and “builds tower of 3
blocks.” (Id.)

                       vii. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at eighteen months of age
        Mrs. Prokopeas answered “yes” for the following developmental parameters at eighteen
months of age: “climbs into chair”; “finger feeds”; and “points to 2-3 body parts.” (Tr. 38;
compare Ex. 34-1, p. 16.) She replied “no” to the following questions: “walks backwards”;
“takes clothes off”; “says 15-20 words”; “follows requests (i.e., get the ball)”; and “scribbles.”
(Id.)

                       viii. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at twenty-four months of age
        Mrs. Prokopeas answered “yes” to the following questions: “runs”; “carries toys
walking”; and “pulls toys.” (Tr. 37; compare Ex. 34-1, p. 16.) She replied “no,” however, to the
following questions: “squats”; “kicks a ball”; “rides bike-no pedals”; “walks up and down stands
holding rail”; “has 200 word vocabulary”; “uses 2 word sentences (i.e., ‘More Cookie’)”; “asks
questions (i.e., ‘Where’s kitty?, ‘What’s that’)”; “asks for food or drink”; “names some
pictures”; “builds tower of 6 blocks”; and “stays with one activity 6-7 minutes.” (Id.)

                       ix. C.A.P.’s developmental parameters at two and a half years of age
      For his developmental checklist parameters at two and a half years of age, Mrs.
Prokopeas answered a “no” to all of the following questions: “jumps with 2 feet off ground”;
“knows full name”; “builds tower of 7+ blocks”; “point to body parts”; and “copies.” (Tr. 38;
compare Ex. 34-1, p. 17.)

       2. Nick Chrissikos

           Nick Chrissikos submitted an affidavit on June 13, 2016, but did not testify at the fact
hearing. (ECF No. 125, Ex. 100.) Mr. Chrissikos stated that he is a “very close family friend” of
the Petitioners, and, in this capacity, he was able to report on C.A.P.’s alleged symptomatology
after receiving each set of vaccinations in his first year of life. (Ex. 100, p. 1.)

                                                26
         Mr. Chrissikos stated that, after receiving his first set of vaccinations on February 5,
2002, C.A.P. had diarrhea, and was “running a fever.” (Id.) Similarly, Mr. Chrissikos reported
seeing C.A.P. the day after he received his second set of vaccinations on April 9, 2002, alleging
that at that time, C.A.P. suffered from “a rash all over his body,” “a fever of over 101” degrees
Fahrenheit, being “fussy,” and crying excessively. (Id.)

        Mr. Chrissikos also asserted that he observed C.A.P. soon after the vaccinations of July
22, 2002. (Ex. 100, p. 1.) He recalled that C.A.P. had developed a fever of 103 degrees
Fahrenheit, was “not nursing,” was “sleeping all day,” and was “screaming for no apparent
reason while appearing lifeless.” (Id.) He further alleged that these symptoms were “getting
worse” by July 25, 2002, and observed that these symptoms continued throughout August of
2002. (Ex. 100, p. 2.) Mr. Chrissikos also stated that in August of 2002 C.A.P. was “still sick,”
with a “high fever” and “vomiting” symptoms. (Id.) Notably, he claimed that C.A.P. had a “high
fever” as late as September of 2002. (Id.)

        Moreover, Mr. Chrissikos stated that he observed C.A.P. after he was hospitalized in
October of 2002,30 alleging that he “looked tired,” would not smile, and would not come to him
when called. (Ex. 100, p. 2.) He also alleged that he observed C.A.P. on December 25, 2002,
crying for no apparent reason, and refusing to sit still. (Id., ¶ 5.)

        Overall, Mr. Chrissikos alleged that “every time” he observed C.A.P., he was “fussy,”
“did not look well,” “always had dark circles under his eyes,” and “seemed to have a fever all the
time.” (Ex. 100, p. 2.) Similarly, Mr. Chrissikos stated that:

       [l]ooking back, I can clearly see on the days he was vaccinated, within a few hours,
       C.A.P. developed a high fever, screamed uncontrollably with a high pitch, and was
       lethargic and irritable.
(Ex. 100, p. 3.)
       3. Naomi de la Torre

       Naomi de la Torre submitted an affidavit on June 13, 2016, but did not testify at the fact
hearing. (Ex. 102.) Ms. de la Torre alleged that she was “very close” to Mrs. Prokopeas, and
thus was able to observe C.A.P.’s condition from his early years of life. (Ex. 102, p. 1.)

        Ms. de la Torre alleged that she observed C.A.P. on March 20, 2002 -- i.e., several weeks
after his first set of vaccinations of February 5, 2002. (Ex. 102, p. 1.) She described C.A.P. as
being “extremely sick” at that time, asserting that C.A.P. was fussy, had a runny nose, was
“running a fever,” and slept a majority of the day. (Id.) Similarly, she observed C.A.P. on July
23, 2002 (i.e., the day after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002), describing him as having a fever,
as being unable to sit still, and as crying uncontrollably. (Id.) Thereafter, Ms. de la Torre alleged
that she observed C.A.P. on July 25, 2002, describing C.A.P. at that time, as having “a rash all
over his body,” crying uncontrollably, being “very upset,” and “burning up with a fever of

30
       Mr. Chrissikos was perhaps referring to C.A.P.’s emergency room visit of October 13,
2002. (Compare Ex. 35, pp. 16-19; see also pp. 14-15, above.)
                                                 27
103.9” degrees Fahrenheit. (Ex. 102, p. 1.) She alleged that C.A.P.’s high fever at that time
lasted several days. (Id.)

        Overall, Ms. de la Torre alleged that C.A.P. had ongoing symptoms of “rash,”
“irritability,” “crankiness,” “inconsolability,” and “fever,” stating that she observed these
symptoms “within a day of his vaccinations.” (Ex. 102, p. 2.) Moreover, she described C.A.P.’s
condition after his twelve-month well-visit, alleging that he “appeared to be getting worse,” since
he was not developing, not making eye contact, and perpetually fussy. (Id., ¶ 6.) She further
alleged that, over time, C.A.P. generally had “no expression on his face,” stopped laughing, and
stopped smiling. (Id., p. 3.)


                                                     V

         SUMMARY OF PETITIONERS’31 EXPERT WITNESSES’ QUALIFICATIONS
                            AND OPINIONS
        In this case, Petitioners relied upon expert reports of two medical experts for the
proposition that vaccinations harmed C.A.P. -- Joseph Bellanti, M.D. (Exs. 87 and 89), and Jean-
Ronel Corbier, M.D. (Exs. 98-99).32 These two experts, Drs. Bellanti and Corbier, each relied on
multiple factual assumptions about C.A.P.’s medical history that are at variance with his medical
records. Thus, at this point, I will briefly summarize both the qualifications and opinions of
these two expert witnesses, as they relate to the present “fact ruling.”
A. Petitioners’ expert Dr. Joseph Bellanti
       1. Qualifications
        Joseph Bellanti, M.D., earned his medical degree from the University of Buffalo School
of Medicine in 1958. (Ex. 88, p. 3.) He subsequently completed his internship at Millard
Fillmore Hospital in 1959, and his residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo in
1961. (Id.) From 1961 to 1962, he was a special National Institute of Health (NIH) trainee in
Immunology at the University of Florida, subsequently working as a research virologist at Walter
Reed Army Institute of Research, from 1962 to 1964. (Id.)
       Dr. Bellanti has held a faculty position at Georgetown University School of Medicine
since 1963, rising to the position of Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology-Immunology in

31
        Respondent has also filed the expert reports of two highly qualified expert witnesses, but
I have not summarized those reports in this Ruling, since they are for the most part not relevant
to the factual rulings that I am making in this Ruling. However, I do note that, unlike the
Petitioners’ two primary causation experts, Respondent’s experts relied upon the facts contained
in the medical records, rather than upon the additional representations in the Petitioners’ joint
affidavit filed as Ex. 58.
32
       Petitioners also submitted an expert report of Brett Abrahams, Ph.D., but that report only
disputes a point in the report of Respondent’s expert. Dr. Abrahams does not opine that
vaccinations harmed C.A.P. (See generally Ex. 96.)
                                                28
1970. (Ex. 88, p. 3.) Since 1975, Dr. Bellanti has concurrently served as the Director of the
International Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Immunology at Georgetown University. (Id.)
Since 1980, he has also served as the Director of the Division of Immunology and Virology in
the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Georgetown University. (Id.) Additionally, he holds
an academic staff position in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital National Medical Center,
concurrently holding clinical positions in the pediatrics departments of Arlington Hospital and
INOVA Fairfax Hospital. (Id., p. 1.)
       Dr. Bellanti is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, and holds the accreditation
of a “Diplomate” from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and from the National
Board of Medical Examiners. (Ex. 88, p. 4.)
        Dr. Bellanti lists numerous accomplishments in his curriculum vitae. (See generally Ex.
88.) He has held over a dozen leadership positions in various scientific societies, and presently
serves on the editorial board of five scientific publications. (Id., pp. 5-6.) He has co-authored
more than 200 research articles and more than 150 abstracts in peer-reviewed journals. (Id., pp.
9-38.) He has also co-authored over 50 medical texts/book chapters (id., pp. 38-39), and has
been invited to give numerous presentations internationally (id., pp. 9-11).
        2. Summary of Dr. Bellanti’s opinion
       Dr. Bellanti opined that a “causal relationship” existed between the vaccines administered
to C.A.P. in his first year of life, and his current “neurologic and developmental abnormalities.”
(Ex. 89, p. 2 of 3.) Specifically, he asserted that C.A.P.’s current developmental abnormalities
are due to brain injuries caused by “repeated allergic (immune mediated) reactions to his
vaccines received in 2002.” (Ex. 87, p. 3 of 5, parenthetical in original.)
        Notably, Dr. Bellanti based his opinion on parental testimony, describing symptoms
allegedly suffered by C.A.P. immediately after he was administered each set of vaccinations
during his first year of life. (Ex. 87, pp. 1-2 of 5.) In this regard, Dr. Bellanti asserted that C.A.P.
“reacted similarly to each of his sets of vaccinations,” including the “final Hepatitis B
vaccination.” (Id., p. 3 of 5.) He opined that C.A.P.’s alleged post-vaccination symptoms after
receiving each set of vaccinations, were, in fact, “reactions” to his administered vaccinations,
deeming those “reactions” as “clearly” demonstrating that C.A.P. “was allergic to some
components of the vaccines.” (Id.)
        Moreover, as to how C.A.P.’s particular condition was caused by the vaccinations
administered to him in his first year of life, Dr. Bellanti seemed to simply rely on a temporal
association. (Ex. 89, p. 3 of 3, ¶¶ 2 and 3.) In describing that alleged temporal association, Dr.
Bellanti opined that C.A.P.’s case reflected “the striking history of a well child” who allegedly
sustained “fever,” “high pitched cry,” and “developmental abnormalities” after his vaccinations.
(Id.)




                                                  29
B. Petitioners’ expert, Dr. Jean-Ronel Corbier
       1. Qualifications
        Jean-Ronel Corbier, M.D., earned his medical degree from Michigan State University,
College of Human Medicine, in 1995. (Ex. 99, p. 6 of 10.) He completed his residency in
pediatrics at Hurley Medical Center in 1997, later completing training in adult neurology at the
University of Cincinnati in 1998. (Id.) In 2000, he completed a fellowship in pediatric neurology
from the Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Id.) Since 2000, Dr. Corbier
has been in private practice as a pediatric neurologist. (Id., p. 8 of 10.) He is a member of
several medical organizations, including the Child Neurology Society, American Academy of
Neurology, the Medical Association of the State of North Carolina, and the American Board of
Medical Specialists. (Id.) Dr. Corbier’s curriculum vitae reflects that he has authored three
books, in addition to co-authoring one research article, and has one research publication
pending.33 (Id., p. 9 of 10.) He has also been invited to give several presentations in his medical
specialty. (Id.)

       2. Summary of Dr. Corbier’s opinion
        Dr. Corbier opined that “it is more likely than not” that C.A.P. “was vaccine injured,” and
that his “immunizations led to a chronic brain disorder” -- a brain disorder he varyingly termed
as “static encephalopathy” or “chronic encephalopathy.” (Ex. 98, p. 3 of 3; Ex. 99, pp. 4-5 of
10.) Regarding C.A.P.’s alleged “static encephalopathy,” Dr. Corbier asserted that “[a]ll of
[C.A.P.]’s problems” were essentially “the expression of his static encephalopathy” that
“manifested within a day of his vaccinations.” (Ex. 99, p. 5 of 10.) At another point in his
reports, Dr. Corbier termed C.A.P.’s alleged brain disorder as “Vaccine Induced Encephalitis,”
defining that term as “an inflammation of the brain caused by vaccines.” (Ex. 98, p. 4.)
        Dr. Corbier’s reports, however, were unclear as to exactly what vaccinations allegedly
caused C.A.P.’s encephalopathy. In his first expert report, Dr. Corbier seemed to point
exclusively to C.A.P.’s vaccinations of July 22, 2002, asserting that the “records show a
significant vaccine reaction” at that time, and opining that that alleged “vaccine reaction” caused
C.A.P. to “become lethargic,” “lifeless,” and “febrile” within 72 hours of his vaccinations. (Ex.
98, pp. 2 and 3 of 3.) In this regard, Dr. Corbier opined that after C.A.P.’s vaccinations of July
22, 2002, at age “7-months,” C.A.P. suffered from a “series of neurological and immune
problems,” which, by “15-18 months” of age, led to C.A.P. developing “clear regressive
symptoms,” and becoming “encephalopathic.” (Id., p. 3 of 3.)
         In his supplemental expert report, however, Dr. Corbier instead seemed to substantially
change his causation opinion. Instead of pointing to all of C.A.P.’s vaccinations of July 22,
2002, he now pointed to the pertussis vaccinations (as part of the DTaP vaccinations)
administered to C.A.P. on several occasions during his first year of life. (Ex. 99, pp. 3, 4 of 10.)
In this regard, Dr. Corbier opined that the pertussis vaccinations caused C.A.P. to experience
numerous symptoms, such as -- “irritability,” “high fever,” “lethargic state,” “decreased
responsiveness,” “rash,” “fussiness,” and “decreased consciousness.” (Ex. 99, p. 4 of 10.)

33
       Dr. Corbier’s research article appears to have been pending as of December 4, 2015, the
date on which his curriculum vitae was submitted in this case.
                                                 30
Moreover, he deemed those alleged symptoms to be “evidence” of an “acute encephalopathy,”
which, according to Dr. Corbier, occurred on the “same day” as C.A.P.’s administered DTaP
vaccinations of “2/5/2002, 4/9/2002, 7/22/2002 and 9/24/2002.” (Id.)
        Dr. Corbier further opined that C.A.P.’s “acute encephalopathy” eventually progressed to
a “chronic encephalopathy,” defining C.A.P.’s “chronic encephalopathy” to be “characterized by
dysfunction in his cognitive and social skills.” (Ex. 99, p. 3 of 10.) Moreover, he alleged that
certain of C.A.P.’s alleged symptoms -- “fever,” “irritability,” “decreased responsiveness,” and
“rash” -- were observed within the “time period after immunization” during which children
experience an “increased risk of encephalopathy.” (Id.) Thus, he ultimately opined that C.A.P.’s
“chronic encephalopathy resulted from his pertussis vaccination.” (Id.)
        Dr. Corbier acknowledged, however, that C.A.P.’s “medical records did not document”
“certain symptoms” that allegedly were suffered by C.A.P. (Ex. 98, p. 3 of 3.) Thus, Dr. Corbier
admitted to relying on parental assertions of C.A.P.’s alleged medical history, in order to
formulate certain factual assumptions upon which his expert opinion is based in this case. (Ex.
98, p. 3 of 3; Ex. 99, p. 3 of 10.)


                                                VI

             SCOPE OF RULING AND FACTUAL ISSUES TO BE DECIDED

        The record in this case includes, as relevant to this Ruling, a large volume of medical
records, affidavits of Petitioners and their family friends, Mrs. Prokopeas’ testimony at the fact
hearing, and the reports of two experts for the Petitioners. Petitioners’ two experts both base
their causation opinions not primarily upon the medical records, but most heavily upon the
additional symptoms allegedly displayed by C.A.P. during his first years of life, as set forth in
the affidavits of the Petitioners and their friends, plus Mrs. Prokopeas’ hearing testimony.
Petitioners, thus, at this time seek my ruling concerning the facts of C.A.P.’s early years of life.
Specifically, I am asked to rule whether the additional facts alleged by C.A.P.’s parents and their
friends concerning C.A.P. -- i.e., those facts that do not appear in C.A.P.’s contemporaneous
medical records -- are accurate descriptions of C.A.P.’s medical history. Because of the absence
from the medical records of most of the symptoms alleged by the parents and family friends,
Petitioners’ counsel requested that I conduct a fact hearing, and rule upon whether the parental
and friend accounts can be credited. (ECF No. 116.)

         To summarize my factual finding below, I do not find, to be reliable, the written and oral
testimony offered by C.A.P.’s parents and family friends, alleging that C.A.P. suffered additional
post-vaccination symptoms after each set of vaccinations administered to C.A.P. in his first year
of life -- i.e., alleged symptoms that are not already reflected in his contemporaneous medical
records. I emphasize that I am not questioning the sincerity or honesty of the Petitioners, or the
other affiants. I simply find the contemporaneous medical records, reflecting C.A.P.’s condition
at the time his parents sought medical care during his first year of life, to be more reliable.
        To summarize my discussion below, I first set forth, in Section VII, my general reasons
for relying on the contemporaneous medical records from C.A.P.’s first year of life over the

                                                31
written and oral testimony of the Petitioners and additional affiants, alleging that C.A.P. suffered
additional post-vaccination symptoms after each set of vaccinations. Thereafter, in Section VIII,
I set forth my reasons as to why I find two specific parental narratives of C.A.P.’s medical
history, as relayed to C.A.P.’s medical care providers at Ex. 5, pp. 2-3, and Ex. 69, pp. 4-5, to be
inconsistent with C.A.P.’s earlier contemporaneous medical records, and thus, I find them to be
unreliable. Next, in Section IX, in order to provide clarity, I list some of the critical assertions of
the Petitioners and their close family friends that I specifically reject. Thereafter, in Section X, I
list the incorrect assumptions of fact found in Petitioners’ expert reports from Drs. Bellanti and
Corbier. Finally, in Section XI, I issue a warning to Petitioners’ counsel to carefully assess the
reasonableness of moving forward with this case.


                                                 VII

  GENERAL REASONS FOR MY FINDING THAT C.A.P.’S MEDICAL RECORDS
FROM HIS FIRST YEAR OF LIFE ARE MORE RELIABLE THAN LATER PARENTAL
   AND FRIEND STATEMENTS ALLEGING ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS NOT
               REFLECTED IN THOSE MEDICAL RECORDS

         In the discussion below, I highlight several reasons as to why I find C.A.P.’s medical
records from his first year of life, reflecting C.A.P.’s symptoms as contemporaneously reported
by his parents to his medical care providers, to be much more reliable than the parental and
friend narratives, made later in time, concerning his alleged post-vaccination symptomatology.
Specifically, I reject the statements made by Petitioners and their friends in the course of this
litigation, alleging additional symptoms purportedly suffered by C.A.P. after each set of
vaccinations administered to him in his first year of life -- i.e., alleged symptoms that are not
reflected in his contemporaneous medical records.
A. The stark contrast between the contemporaneous medical records and the affidavits and
fact hearing testimony of Petitioners and friends

        The chief reason why I must credit the contemporaneous medical records over the
proffered affidavits and the fact hearing testimony of Mrs. Prokopeas is simply that there was
such a stark contrast between the contemporaneous medical records and the affidavits/fact
hearing testimony. The affidavits and fact hearing testimony allege that C.A.P. suffered a
number of very dramatic and serious symptoms, in close proximity to each of his 2002
vaccinations. Yet those serious or dramatic symptoms were not recorded at all in the
contemporaneous medical records. This stark contrast simply makes the parents’ and friends’
later recollections seem unbelievable. That is, if in fact C.A.P.’s symptoms took place as the
parents and friends later alleged, then his parents, as concerned, caring parents, would certainly
have reported those symptoms during their many contacts with C.A.P.’s medical care providers
throughout his first year of life. The absence of those symptoms in the contemporaneous
medical records indicates that the parents and friends are not remembering C.A.P.’s symptoms
accurately. Some examples of this stark contrast are detailed below.




                                                  32
       1. Example one: Alleged symptoms after vaccinations of February 5, 2002
         As the first example, Mrs. Prokopeas testified that “within a few minutes” of C.A.P.’s
first set of vaccinations, on February 5, 2002, he began to scream and cry uncontrollably,
followed by a “deep sleep for many hours.” (Ex. 58, p. 1; Tr. 11-14.) She alleged that even after
C.A.P. woke up he was screaming and crying, rejected nursing, had lost his appetite, appeared
“very weak,” and ran a fever of 103.9 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. (Tr. 14-15.) Mrs. Prokopeas
added that she called C.A.P.’s pediatrician the next morning (i.e., on February 6, 2002), to report
those symptoms. (Tr. 15.) Additionally, Mrs. Prokopeas alleged that C.A.P. rejected nursing for
five days after February 5. (Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 4.)
        The contemporaneous medical records, however, present an entirely different story. The
record of the visit of February 5 indicates that several vaccinations were given, but does not
indicate any reaction at all to them. (Ex. 34, p. 34 of 39.) Further, while other phone calls on
other days by C.A.P.’s parents to his pediatricians were explicitly recorded in the pediatrician’s
records (e.g., Ex. 34-2, pp. 31, 36, 37; Ex. 10, p. 4 of 15), there is no mention in the medical
records of any call on February 6, 2002. (Ex. 34-2, pp. 34-35.) Finally, during C.A.P.’s next
regular visit on April 9, 2002, no mention is made of any unusual behavior by C.A.P. after the
February 5 vaccinations. (Ex. 34-2, p. 35.)
        Thus, if after the February 5 vaccinations, C.A.P. really had screamed uncontrollably, run
a fever of 103.9 degrees, and stopped nursing for five days, it seems extremely likely to me that
C.A.P. would have been taken back to the pediatrician, and such symptoms would have been
recorded in the medical records.

       2. Example two: Alleged symptoms after vaccinations of April 9, 2002
        Mrs. Prokopeas also asserted that after receiving his vaccinations of April 9, 2002, C.A.P.
experienced symptoms “very similar” to those that he had after his first set of vaccinations (i.e.,
screaming, uncontrollable crying, rejecting nursing, falling into a deep sleep, and developing a
fever). (Tr. 16-17; Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 5.) She stated that she called C.A.P.’s pediatrician after that
incident, but was assured that C.A.P.’s symptoms were normal. (Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 5.)
        However, again the contemporaneous records of C.A.P.’s pediatrician contradict Mrs.
Prokopeas’ testimony. The record of April 9, 2002, does not indicate any immediate reaction by
C.A.P. to his vaccinations (Ex. 34-2, p. 35 of 39), and there is no mention anywhere in the
contemporaneous medical records of any symptoms in C.A.P. around this time period, or of any
phone call or visit by C.A.P.’s parents to the practice on or soon after April 9. Further, on the
same page as the record of the pediatric visit of April 9, 2002, there is a note concerning another
pediatric visit later that month. (Ex. 34-2, p. 35 of 39.) The date of that visit was miswritten on
the medical chart, recorded as “04/300/2.” But it seems clear that the actual visit date was April
30, 2002, with the second “slash” having been accidentally misplaced -- the apparent intent was
to write “04/30/02.” And that record of April 30, 2002, makes no mention of any symptoms by
C.A.P. in the several days after the vaccinations on April 9, 2002, much less the serious,
dramatic symptoms reported by Petitioners in this litigation. The April 30 notation states only
that C.A.P. had suffered from a cough, a runny nose, and a “rash throughout body,” for one week
prior to the April 30 visit, or since April 23, 2002.


                                                33
       3. Example three: Alleged symptoms after vaccinations of July 22, 2002

         Describing C.A.P.’s alleged symptomatology after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002,
Mrs. Prokopeas indicated that his third set of vaccinations “seemed to do the most harm so far.”
(Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 6.) She stated that C.A.P. had “[v]ery much the same symptoms” as he had after
his first two rounds of vaccinations (i.e., screaming, uncontrollable crying, rejecting nursing,
falling into a deep sleep, and developing a fever). (Tr. 20; Ex. 58, pp. 1-2.) She testified that
C.A.P. had a fever of 103.9 degrees Fahrenheit on the night of July 22 -- a temperature that she
alleged lasted “for days.” (Ex. 58, pp. 1-2; Tr. 20-21.)

        Mrs. Prokopeas testified that she called C.A.P.’s pediatrician’s office on July 23, 2002,
and spoke with a nurse, reporting that C.A.P. had a fever, was miserable, could not open his
eyes, rejected nursing, seemed to be “very weak,” and “appeared lifeless.” (Tr. 21-22.) She
further testified that when C.A.P.’s pediatrician called her back later that same day, she told the
pediatrician that C.A.P. had the “same symptoms” as earlier that day. (Id.)

        However, again the contemporaneous records paint quite a different picture. Those
records indicate a call from Mrs. Prokopeas on July 23, 2002, reporting a fever of 102-103
degrees, and that C.A.P. had been “fussy,” but that he was feeling better after taking Motrin, and
was “eating ok.” (Ex. 34-2, p. 36 of 39.) The records indicate a second phone call that day
between Mr. Prokopeas and the office, recording that C.A.P. still had a fever of 102-103 degrees,
but that he was also “playful,” and had no other symptoms beside the fever. (Id., p. 37.) The
records further reflect that C.A.P. was taken back to his pediatrician on July 24, with a fever of
up to 103 degrees, with his parents then describing him as “not himself.” (Id.) C.A.P. was also
taken to another pediatrician, Dr. Porter, on July 25, with a brief history of fever, vomiting, and
diarrhea; but at that visit C.A.P. was also reported to have breastfed three times that day with no
further diarrhea, and Dr. Porter observed C.A.P. to be “happy” and “playful.” (Ex. 10, p. 4 of
15.)

        In other words, the medical records tell a distinctly different story from that told by
Petitioners’ proffered affidavits and testimony, concerning the time period immediately after the
vaccinations of July 22, 2002. There was no mention whatsoever in the medical records of the
screaming, uncontrollable crying, or an extended refusal to nurse, as alleged by Petitioners in this
Program proceeding. Instead, in the phone call records of July 23, C.A.P. is described as “eating
ok,” and as having no other symptoms except for fever. (Ex. 34-2, p. 36 of 39.) And in the
records of July 24 and 25, C.A.P. is described not as miserable, but as “playful” (Ex. 34-2, p. 37
of 39; Ex. 10, p. 4) and “happy” (Ex. 10, p. 4).

       4. Example four: Symptoms after vaccination of September 24, 2002
        Mrs. Prokopeas stated that after C.A.P.’s Hepatitis B vaccination of September 24, 2002,
C.A.P. experienced symptoms “almost identical” to those that he had experienced after his prior
rounds of vaccinations. (Tr. 32-34; Ex. 58, p. 2.) She alleged that immediately after that
vaccination, C.A.P. started crying, was screaming, was “very upset,” rejected nursing, was
unhappy, and slept for “many hours.” (Id.) She further testified that those symptoms continued
for a week, and she noticed him “getting worse,” prompting her to take C.A.P. to the pediatrician
on September 30, 2002. (Tr. 34; Ex. 58, p. 2.) Mrs. Prokopeas recalled reporting to the

                                                 34
pediatrician that C.A.P. was “just very, very sick,” additionally reporting that he was not nursing
and was screaming. (Tr. 34.)
       However, the actual record of the visit on September 30 states only that C.A.P. had
congestion and a runny nose for three days, plus sneezing, vomiting, teething, and poor sleep.
(Ex. 10, p. 3 of 15.) No mention was made of screaming, uncontrollable crying, or fever. (Id.)

       5. Summary concerning this “stark contrast”
        As these four examples demonstrate, the very stark contrast between (1) the allegations of
the Petitioners’ proffered affidavits and testimony, and (2) the actual contemporaneous medical
records, are a strong reason why I find the contemporaneous medical records to be much more
reliable than the allegations of the parents and friends made in this litigation.

       6. Additional reason for finding the stark contrast to be problematic
        This is especially true since the medical records, taken as a whole, indicate that C.A.P.’s
parents were not shy about communicating with C.A.P.’s health care providers by telephone, or
through office visits, during C.A.P.’s first year of life. See “patient phone call records” of:
December 27, 2001 (Ex. 34-2, p. 31); July 23, 2002 (Ex. 34-2, p. 36); July 23, 2002 (Ex. 34-2, p.
37.); and August 13, 2002 (Ex. 10, p. 4 of 15). See also C.A.P.’s office visits of: December 11,
2001 (Ex. 34-2, p. 30); December 20, 2001 (id., p. 32); December 27, 2001 (id., pp. 31-32);
January 8, 2002 (id., p. 33); February 5, 2002 (id., p. 34); April 9, 2002 (id., p. 35); April 30,
2002 (id., p. 35); July 22, 2002 (id., p. 36); July 24, 2002 (id., p. 37); July 25, 2002 (Ex. 10, p. 4
of 15); August 14, 2002 (id.); September 24, 2002 (id., p. 3 of 15); and September 30, 2002 (id.).
Therefore, since C.A.P.’s parents were quick to report by phone relatively minor symptoms of
C.A.P., and to bring him in to the doctor with relatively minor ailments, it seems extremely
unlikely that they would have failed to bring C.A.P. in, or even to report the symptoms during
C.A.P.’s next visit, if in fact C.A.P. actually displayed the dramatic and serious symptoms
reported in the affidavits and testimony of the parents and friends.

B. Other reasons for rejecting the Petitioners’ and friends’ allegations of symptoms that are
not reported in the contemporaneous medical records

       1. Mrs. Prokopeas’ fact hearing testimony suffered from several flaws, and was
       unpersuasive overall.

        As part of my reasons for my general conclusion set forth in this Section VII, I note
specifically that I cannot credit the fact hearing testimony, of Mrs. Prokopeas, for additional
reasons as well. Her testimony suffered from extensive flaws, rendering her entire testimony to
be unpersuasive overall. Specifically, Mrs. Prokopeas’ testimony (1) appeared to be mainly a
recitation of her written notes, and (2) was compromised by Petitioners’ counsel’s strategy of
asking leading questions throughout the fact hearing -- both of which led me to question whether
Mrs. Prokopeas, by the time of hearing (14 years after the vaccinations in question), had an
accurate, independent recollection of C.A.P.’s early months of life.




                                                 35
               a. Mrs. Prokopeas’ fact hearing testimony appeared to be a recitation of her
                  written notes.

        I highlight that for the majority of her fact hearing testimony, Mrs. Prokopeas appeared to
be reading from prepared written notes that she had with her on the witness stand. Hence,
instead of relying on her memory to offer an accounting of C.A.P.’s alleged post-vaccination
symptoms, Mrs. Prokopeas’ oral testimony was, in essence, a reading of her prepared notes.
(E.g., Tr. 11-12 (reading from a “piece of paper”); Tr. 14 (Mrs. Prokopeas stating that “looking
at my records,” C.A.P. had a fever of “103.9” degrees Fahrenheit after his vaccinations of
February 5, 2002); Tr. 17 (after Mrs. Prokopeas stated that she was “looking at my notes,” she
proceeded to testify about C.A.P.’s symptoms after his vaccinations of April 9, 2002); Tr. 26-27
(Mrs. Prokopeas appeared to be reading from her notes while testifying about C.A.P.’s
symptoms after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002); Tr. 28-29 (Mrs. Prokopeas appeared to be
reading from her notes while testifying about C.A.P.’s alleged lack of eye contact after his
vaccinations of July 22, 2002); Tr. 33-34 (Mrs. Prokopeas appeared to be reading from her
prepared notes while testifying about C.A.P.’s symptoms after his vaccination of September 24,
2002).)
         I further note that at the fact hearing, Petitioners’ counsel acknowledged that at least one
of those prepared records relied upon by Mrs. Prokopeas during her testimony was Exhibit 58 --
i.e., Petitioners’ joint affidavit. (Tr. 26-27.) Moreover, I then requested that Mrs. Prokopeas
discontinue reading from that affidavit, encouraging her to rely instead upon her memory to
testify about C.A.P.’s post-vaccination symptoms during his first year of life. (Tr. 26-27.)
However, even after I made several requests that she discontinue reading from her prepared
notes (e.g., Tr. 27-29), Mrs. Prokopeas failed to comply, and continued reading from those notes
(Tr. 33-34). Thus, for that reason alone, I found Mrs. Prokopeas’ testimony at the fact hearing to
be unpersuasive, and I cannot give it any substantial weight.34
               b. Petitioners’ counsel asked leading questions throughout the fact hearing.
        Another reason why I afford little weight to Mrs. Prokopeas’ testimony during the fact
hearing is that Petitioners’ counsel used a strategy of asking leading questions throughout that
hearing. In this regard, Petitioners’ counsel was blatantly obvious in asking leading questions in
order to elicit certain testimony to substantiate critical factual assumptions relied upon in the
Petitioners’ expert reports submitted in this case. I highlight two examples below.

       In one such instance, Petitioners’ counsel asked repeated leading questions. (Tr. 18-19.)
Specifically, Petitioners’ counsel asked the following leading questions while questioning Mrs.
Prokopeas about C.A.P.’s visit to the pediatrician in April of 2002:


34
        I am sympathetic to the fact that fourteen years after the events in question, Mrs.
Prokopeas could not reasonably be expected to remember all details of the events in question.
But since the entire purpose of the fact hearing was to buttress, by oral testimony, the
previously-filed affidavits, then it seemed pointless to me for Petitioners’ counsel to simply have
the witness read from the very affidavit that her testimony was intended to support. (Of course, I
fault Petitioners’ counsel, not Mrs. Prokopeas, for this flawed trial strategy.)
                                                 36
       Q: Okay. And that’s your recollection, that you took him in because he was having these
       symptoms after the vaccinations, is that correct?

       A: Well, I took him in because he still had the same symptoms. He was coughing; he had
       a runny nose. It had been close to a week now. He didn’t have a fever, but he did have the
       rash throughout his body.
       Q: And that was – that rash had started shortly after the vaccinations; is that correct?

       A: Yes. All of this has been going on since Tuesday. Since the day he was vaccinated.

(Tr. 18-19, emphasis added.)

         Similarly, Petitioners’ counsel asked another clearly leading question in an attempt to
elicit testimony by Mrs. Prokopeas, specifically regarding C.A.P.’s alleged loss of eye contact
after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002 -- i.e., a critical alleged fact at variance with C.A.P.’s
contemporaneous medical records from his first year of life. In this regard, Petitioners’ counsel
attempted to elicit an answer from Mrs. Prokopeas to the following question at the fact hearing:

       Q: Did you notice anything after those vaccines with regard to his eye contact and his
       responding to you?
(Tr. 28, emphasis added.) At that point, I explicitly asked Petitioners’ counsel to discontinue
asking leading questions critical to substantiating Petitioners’ expert reports submitted in this
case. (Tr. 28-29.) However, Petitioners’ counsel continued to ask such leading questions to elicit
answers from Mrs. Prokopeas. (E.g., Tr. 33.)
       Thus, this behavior -- i.e., Petitioners’ counsel’s repeated leading questioning at the fact
hearing -- added another reason for me to discount the accuracy of the testimony of Mrs.
Prokopeas at the fact hearing.

               c. Phone log of C.A.P.’s pediatrician
         Moreover, I highlight that Mrs. Prokopeas alleged that she made a telephone call to
C.A.P.’s pediatrician on February 6, 2002, to complain of C.A.P.’s symptoms after his
vaccinations of February 5, 2002. (Tr. 15.) Similarly, she also testified to making a telephone
call to the pediatrician on April 9, 2002, to complain of C.A.P.’s symptoms after his vaccinations
earlier that day. (Ex. 58, p. 1, ¶ 5.) However, the records from C.A.P.’s pediatrician at the time --
i.e., Pediatric Associates of Dallas -- do not reflect that his parents made contact with the office
on those dates. (See Ex. 34-2 generally.) In this regard, I note that the records from Pediatric
Associates of Dallas reflect that that pediatrician’s office kept relatively detailed records of
parental phone calls, prior to and after the dates upon which C.A.P.’s parents alleged they called
the pediatrician’s office. (See “patient phone call records” of December 27, 2001 (Ex. 34-2, p.
31)); July 23, 2002 (Ex. 34-2, pp. 36-37) (two separate call notes); and August 13, 2002 (Ex. 10,
p. 4 of 15). Thus, I find that it would be unlikely that a staff member from that pediatrician’s
office would not have documented the alleged phone calls on February 6 and April 9, 2002, if in
fact Mrs. Prokopeas had made those calls.



                                                 37
               d. Inconsistencies between affidavits and fact hearing testimony
        I additionally note that were several internal inconsistencies between Mrs. Prokopeas’
written statements in the joint affidavit (Ex. 58) and her fact hearing testimony. I discuss a few
of those instances below.

                       i. C.A.P.’s alleged high fever after his vaccinations of February 5,
                          2002, and allegations of a phone call made to his pediatrician on
                          February 6, 2002

        At the fact hearing, Mrs. Prokopeas asserted that after C.A.P.’s vaccinations of February
5, 2002, (1) C.A.P. ran a fever of 103.9 degrees that night, and (2) she called C.A.P.’s
pediatrician the morning of February 6, 2002, to report his fever symptoms. (Tr. 14-15.) I note,
however, that that oral testimony was inconsistent with written testimony provided by Mrs.
Prokopeas in her previously-filed affidavits.
        For example, none of the affidavits submitted by Mrs. Prokopeas previously alleged that
C.A.P. had any type of high fever, much less a temperature of 103.9 degrees, after his
vaccinations of February 5, 2002. (See Ex. 58, p. 1 of 5 (discussing C.A.P.’s condition after his
vaccinations of February 5, 2002).) Additionally, another of her allegations at the fact hearing,
that she phoned the pediatrician’s office on February 6, 2002, was never mentioned in any of her
previous affidavits. (See generally Exs. 58, 91, and 101.)
                       ii.     Allegations regarding the severity of certain of C.A.P.’s
                               symptoms after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002

        In one of her affidavits, Mrs. Prokopeas asserted that C.A.P. experienced numerous
symptoms after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002. (Ex. 58, p. 2.) Specifically commenting on
some of those symptoms -- vomiting, fever, failure to nurse, and diarrhea -- Mrs. Prokopeas
stated that those symptoms were “still going on even three weeks later” (i.e., three weeks after
his vaccinations of July 22, 2002). (Id., emphasis added.) Moreover, Mrs. Prokopeas also
described additional symptoms as occurring in late July or August, including crying, being
miserable, only sleeping two hours per night, having intermittent “high fevers,” being difficult
and demanding, having a “lack of eye contact,” and developing “random outbursts” for no
apparent reason. (Id.)
        At the fact hearing, however, Mrs. Prokopeas’ described C.A.P.’s symptoms after his
vaccinations of July 22, 2002, as being far less severe than those stated in her affidavit. (See Tr.
20-31 generally.) Notably, at the hearing, Mrs. Prokopeas did not describe C.A.P. having a lack
of eye contact,35 or having random outbursts in the period following his vaccinations of July 22,
2002. (Id.) Moreover, regarding C.A.P.’s symptoms of vomiting, inability to nurse, and diarrhea,
Mrs. Prokopeas did not state at the fact hearing that those symptoms were continuously ongoing

35
         At this point in the fact hearing, I admonished Petitioners’ counsel for attempting to ask a
leading question, regarding C.A.P.’s alleged lack of eye contact immediately after his
vaccinations of July 22, 2002, in an attempt to elicit testimony from Mrs. Prokopeas concerning
that critical allegation of fact in this case. (Tr. 28-29.) However, Mrs. Prokopeas did not give an
answer to that leading question. (Id.)
                                                 38
for three consecutive weeks after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002, as the Petitioners had alleged
in their joint affidavit. (Tr. 29-30; compare Ex. 58, p. 2.) In this regard, although Mrs.
Prokopeas testified about C.A.P. having symptoms on or about July 25, 2002, she also testified
that, after his sick visit on July 25, C.A.P. “seemed to have been getting better” (Tr. 29-30)
(although apparently he did “have some” symptoms again in the days prior to August 13, 2002
(Ex. 10, p. 4 of 15).)

C. Summary of Section VII
         For all of the reasons outlined above in this Section VII, I find that C.A.P.’s medical
records from his first year of life, reflecting C.A.P.’s symptoms as contemporaneously reported
by his parents to his medical care providers for the purposes of seeking treatment, to be far more
reliable than the parental and friend narratives of his alleged post-vaccination symptomatology
made later in time, for the purposes of advancing this litigation. In this regard, I do not find
sufficient indicia of reliability in the written and oral testimony of Mr. and Mrs. Prokopeas, and
their friends, to credit their testimony over the evidence found in the contemporaneous records.
Thus, I generally reject allegations made by Petitioners and their close family friends of
additional post-vaccination symptoms purportedly suffered by C.A.P. after each set of
vaccinations -- i.e., alleged symptoms that are not reflected in C.A.P.’s contemporaneous
medical records from his first year of life.


                                                VIII
I REJECT TWO SPECIFIC RETROSPECTIVE PARENTAL NARRATIVES GIVEN TO
C.A.P.’S MEDICAL CARE PROVIDERS CONCERNING HIS PURPORTED MEDICAL
                 HISTORY IN HIS EARLY MONTHS OF LIFE
         In regard to the issue of determining an accurate medical history of C.A.P.’s first months
of life, I add that while I credit the contemporaneous medical records, I do not credit two specific
parental narratives given much later to C.A.P.’s medical care providers, concerning his medical
history from his early months of life. Those two unacceptable narratives are: (1) the medical
history reported by the Petitioners to Dr. Kotsanis during C.A.P.’s telephonic phone consultation
of January 6, 2004 (Ex. 5, pp. 2-4); and (2) the medical history reported by Mr. Prokopeas to Dr.
Brasted during C.A.P.’s psychological evaluation of October 11, 2004 (Ex. 69, pp. 4-5).
       At the outset, I point out that in this case, as in most Program cases, I generally afford the
most weight to those medical histories that represent the contemporaneous recitation of
symptoms then taking place. In this case, however, the two particular medical histories listed
above do not contemporaneously describe symptoms then happening, or that happened in the
previous several days, but instead describe symptoms that allegedly happened more than a year
beforehand.36 And those two histories are so drastically inconsistent with the contemporaneous
medical records, as well as with the majority of the other medical histories contained in C.A.P.’s
medical records, that I cannot rely upon those two histories as accurate. In the discussion below,


36
       Respondent’s expert, Dr. Judith Miller, also seemed skeptical of Dr. Kotsanis’ report, for
the same reason. (Ex. H, pp. 7-8 of 9.)
                                                 39
I highlight the specific problems I have with each of those two purported medical histories, and
why I ultimately find them to be unreliable.

A. Parental narrative of C.A.P.’s medical history relayed to Dr. Kotsanis in the phone
consultation of January 6, 2004

       1. The parental narrative of C.A.P.’s medical history, provided by Petitioners to Dr.
          Kotsanis in January of 2004, is drastically at variance with the contemporaneous
          accounts of C.A.P.’s symptomatology, given by Petitioners to his medical care
          providers during his first year of life.

        After carefully comparing the parental narrative of C.A.P.’s medical history given to Dr.
Kotsanis37 in January of 2004 with their other histories made to C.A.P.’s medical care providers
during his early years of life, I find that the medical history reported by the parents to Dr.
Kotsanis in January of 2004 is drastically at variance with the large majority of the medical
histories contained throughout C.A.P.’s medical records, as well as with all the medical records
made during C.A.P.’s first year of life.
        In January of 2004, Petitioners recounted to Dr. Kotsanis a history of C.A.P.’s
developmental milestones, reporting that “C.A.P. had met all his developmental milestones until
July 2002, but that they started noticing problems after his vaccinations administered that
month.” (Ex. 5, pp. 2-3, emphasis added.) Thus, in January of 2004, C.A.P.’s parents reported
that they first noticed issues with C.A.P.’s development as early as July of 2002 (i.e., when
C.A.P. was approximately seven months of age). However, that accounting of the approximate
timeframe of when the Petitioners started noticing C.A.P.’s developmental problems is
inconsistent with prior and subsequent accounts given by the Petitioners to various other medical
care providers.
        First, in statements made by Petitioners to C.A.P.’s various medical care providers prior
to January of 2004 -- i.e, from October 2003 to December 2003 -- the parents reported that they
started noticing problems with C.A.P.’s development (specifically with his verbalization skills),
after C.A.P.’s head injury in September or October of 2003. (E.g., Ex. 67, p. 3; Ex. 54-1, p. 3;
Ex. 54-1, p. 4; Ex. 54-2, pp. 43-44.)


37
         I once again highlight that Dr. Kotsanis’ role in providing care for C.A.P. is unclear in
this case. Moreover, Ex. 25, p. 52 reveals that Dr. Kotsanis is a founding member of Defeat
Autism Now (“DAN”), an organization that promotes “alternative” theories concerning autism.
(Ex. 25, p. 52.) In this regard, I note that in his phone consultation note of January 6, 2004, Dr.
Kotsanis recorded that “[i]n the summer/fall of 2002,” C.A.P.’s parents attended one of Dr.
Kotsanis’ “public lectures” during which he advised them to “do a comprehensive pediatric
evaluation with a pediatrician that is aware of possible postvaccination injury.” (Ex. 5, p. 3.)
Thus, at the very least, it seems that as early as 2002, Dr. Kotsanis was actively advocating for
Petitioners to seek out pediatricians who believed in the idea of “possible postvaccination injury”
in relation to autistic children, and may have played some role in the parents’ decisions to
withhold future vaccinations. (Id.)


                                                40
        Second, in several accounts given by C.A.P.’s parents after January of 2004, they once
again reported that they started noticing problems with C.A.P.’s development after his head
injury in September or October of 2003. (E.g., Ex. 16, p. 1; Ex. 9, p. 1.) For instance, in an
audiological evaluation of February 2004, Mrs. Prokopeas reported that her concerns about
C.A.P.’s development had “began in October of 2003, when [C.A.P.] had an injury to his
forehead.” (Ex. 16, p. 1, emphasis added.) Similarly, in a psychological evaluation of July of
2004, Mrs. Prokopeas gave the following accounting of C.A.P.’s developmental history:
       This past November [of 2003] [C.A.P.]’s parents noted a substantial change in his
       behavior. He began fussing and crying much more than previously had been the case, his
       eye contact, reported as previously typical, became briefer and less consistent, he
       responded less consistently to people speaking to him, and his attention span shortened
       considerably, as well as he became more insistent upon things and activities being as he
       preferred.
(Ex. 9, p. 1, emphasis added.)
        Thus, in the time period surrounding the phone consultation of January 6, 2004, I can
point to six separate instances during which the Petitioners relayed to C.A.P.’s various medical
care providers that they first started noticing problems with C.A.P.’s development after his head
injury in September or October of 2003. (E.g., Ex. 67, p. 3; Ex. 54-1, p. 3; Ex. 54-1, p. 4; Ex. 54-
2, pp. 43-44; Ex. 16, p. 1; Ex. 9, p. 1.) In this regard, I highlight that the approximate timeline
provided by Petitioners to Dr. Kotsanis in January of 2004, specifically regarding when the
parents first started noticing C.A.P.’s developmental problems, is drastically inconsistent and at
variance with the majority of such timelines provided to other of C.A.P.’s medical care
providers.
       Thus, for the reasons stated above, I find Petitioners’ observations to Dr. Kotsanis in
January of 2004, concerning C.A.P.’s developmental history, to be so inconsistent with the
majority of the other medical histories relayed by them, that I do not rely on the medical history
found on Ex. 5, pages 2-3.
B. C.A.P.’s purported medical history reported by Mr. Prokopeas during C.A.P.’s
psychological evaluation in October of 2004

       I additionally note that the medical history provided by Mr. Prokopeas during C.A.P.’s
psychological evaluation of October 2004, was also substantially different from the majority of
the medical histories contained in the record of this case. Specifically, on October 11, 2004,
C.A.P. underwent a psychological evaluation by William Brasted, Ph.D. (Ex. 69.) At that time,
Mr. Prokopeas reported an oral history of C.A.P.’s development to Dr. Brasted. In relevant part,
Dr. Brasted recorded the following about C.A.P.’s developmental history:
       At 9-12 months, the family noticed that [C.A.P.] was not achieving developmental
       milestones within normal limits. He [sic] speech appeared delayed. At 9 months of age,
       [C.A.P.] appeared to have a reaction to his immunization shots. He began having temper
       tantrums and banging his head at 12 to 14 months of age and was easily irritated.



                                                41
(Ex. 69, p. 4 of 5, emphasis added.) In other words, in October of 2004, Mr. Prokopeas relayed
to Dr. Brasted that the parents noticed C.A.P.’s developmental problems as early as September
of 2002 -- a time frame which is drastically inconsistent with the majority of the observations
provided to other of C.A.P.’s medical care providers. In fact, the large majority of the medical
histories given by Petitioners in the medical records submitted in this case reflect that the parents
started noticing problems with C.A.P.’s development after his head injury in September or
October of 2003. (E.g., Ex. 67, p. 3; Ex. 54-1, p. 3; Ex. 54-1, p. 4; Ex. 54-2, pp. 43-44; Ex. 16, p.
1; Ex. 9, p. 1.)
        Moreover, as alleged in Dr. Brasted’s evaluation of October 2004, Mr. Prokopeas’ report
that C.A.P.’s alleged temper tantrums and head-banging started as early as when C.A.P. was “12
to 14 months” of age, is greatly at variance with other medical histories provided of C.A.P. (Ex.
69, pp. 4-5.) In fact, in numerous medical histories provided to C.A.P.’s medical care providers
prior to C.A.P.’s evaluation in October of 2004, C.A.P.’s parents make no mention of his temper
tantrums and head-banging symptoms as having started as early as when he was twelve months
of age. (E.g., Ex. 67, p. 3; Ex. 54-1, p. 3; Ex. 54-1, p. 4; Ex. 54-1, pp. 29-31; Ex. 54-2, pp. 43-44;
Ex. 16, p. 1; Ex. 9, p. 1; Ex. 18, p. 7.)
       Similarly, in medical histories contained in C.A.P.’s medical records subsequent to his
evaluation of October 2004, his parents again reported a version of C.A.P.’s medical history that
contradicts Mr. Prokopeas’ statements in October of 2004. For instance, on November 8, 2004,
C.A.P. was examined by Dr. Tardo for a possible autism diagnosis. (Ex. 75, p. 2.) At that time,
Dr. Tardo recorded an oral history of C.A.P.’s development, as reported to her by Mrs.
Prokopeas. (Id.) In that history, Mrs. Prokopeas made no mention of C.A.P.’s head-banging
symptoms. (Id.) Moreover, during Dr. Tardo’s evaluation of November 8, 2004, Mrs. Prokopeas
reported that she became concerned about C.A.P.’s development “when he was approximately
20 months of age,” but that she initially thought that C.A.P. was “just a late talker.” (Id.,
emphasis added.)
        Because of the inconsistencies mentioned above, I find Mr. Prokopeas’ observations to
Dr. Brasted in October of 2004, concerning C.A.P.’s neurodevelopmental medical history, to be
drastically inconsistent with the majority of the other medical histories relayed by the Petitioners
in the medical records submitted in this case. Thus, I do not rely on the medical history found on
Ex. 69, pages 4-5 of 5.

C. Summary of Section VIII
        As highlighted above, upon my close examination of C.A.P.’s medical records, I do not
credit two specific medical histories reported to C.A.P.’s medical care providers concerning
C.A.P’s medical history concerning his early months of life. I find Petitioners’ observations (1)
to Dr. Kotsanis in January of 2004, as reflected in Ex. 5, pp. 2-3, and (2) to Dr. Brasted in
October of 2004, as reflected in Ex. 69, pp. 4-5 of 5, to be drastically inconsistent with the
majority of the other medical histories reported by them in the medical records submitted in this
case. Hence, I do not find those two medical histories to be reliable.




                                                 42
                                                 IX
                                  SPECIFIC FACT FINDINGS
        In this section, for the purpose of providing clarity to the record of this case, I summarize
some of the critical allegations made by C.A.P.’s parents that I specifically reject in this ruling
on the facts, for reasons explained above in Sections VII and VIII of this Ruling.

A. C.A.P.’s alleged additional symptoms after his vaccinations of February 5, 2002
        Specifically, I do not find that on February 5, 2002, C.A.P. screamed and cried
uncontrollably, followed by a deep sleep. I also do not find that C.A.P.’s parents contacted his
pediatrician’s office on February 6, 2002, as later alleged by the Petitioners.

B. C.A.P.’s alleged additional symptoms after his vaccinations of April 9, 2002
       I reject the Petitioners’ allegations that soon after his vaccinations of April 9, 2002,
C.A.P. suffered symptoms similar to those he allegedly experienced after his February 5
vaccinations, such as screaming and crying uncontrollably, and rejecting nursing. I reject Mrs.
Prokopeas’ testimony that the date of C.A.P.’s second visit to the pediatrician in April of 2002,
was on April 13 -- I find that it was April 30.

C. C.A.P.’s alleged additional symptoms after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002.
         I reject the Petitioners’ allegation that shortly after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002,
C.A.P. had uncontrollable screaming and crying, and failed to nurse. I reject that C.A.P.’s
sleeping difficulties began soon after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002. I also reject Petitioners’
allegations that C.A.P.’s lack of eye contact began in the time period immediately after his
vaccinations of July 22, 2002. Further, I credit the notation in the record of the second phone
call of July 23, 2002, that C.A.P. was “playful,” and that he had no additional symptoms at that
time other than his fever.

D. Symptoms allegedly occurring after vaccination of September 24, 2002
       I reject the Petitioners’ contention that after the vaccination of September 24, 2002,
C.A.P. had any symptoms other than the minor symptoms reported in the record of the visit of
September 30, 2002.

E. C.A.P.’s parents’ developmental concerns
       I reject Petitioners’ allegations that they first noticed developmental problems with
C.A.P. at any time prior to his head injury in September or October of 2003.
F. The medical history recorded by Dr. Kotsanis during his telephone consultation of January
6, 2004
       I reject, as inaccurate, the medical history recorded by Dr. Kotsanis in January of 2004,
as contained in Ex. 5, pp. 2-3.




                                                 43
G. C.A.P.’s psychological evaluation of October 11, 2004
       I specifically reject the medical history recorded by Dr. Brasted in October of 2004, as
contained in Ex. 69, pp. 4-5 of 5.


                                                  X
PETITIONERS’ EXPERTS RELIED ON NUMEROUS MISASSUMPTIONS OF FACT IN
         FORMULATING THEIR RESPECTIVE EXPERT OPINIONS
       Based on my factual findings above, I necessarily also find that Petitioners’ experts relied
on numerous misassumptions of fact in formulating their respective expert reports. I detail each
experts’ critical misassumptions of fact below.

A. Dr. Bellanti’s misassumptions of fact
        In his expert report of July 8, 2013, Dr. Bellanti set forth the factual assumptions upon
which he based his expert opinion in this case. (Ex. 87, pp. 1-3) Specifically, Dr. Bellanti
heavily relied on the joint affidavit of Mr. and Mrs. Prokopeas, filed as Exhibit 58, to assume
certain facts concerning C.A.P.’s condition after each set of vaccinations administered to C.A.P.
during his first year of life. (E.g., Ex. 87, p. 1, ¶¶ 2, 4; Ex. 87, p. 2, ¶¶ 1, 3-7.)38
       Additionally, in his expert report of July 8, 2013, Dr. Bellanti relied upon Dr. Kotsanis’
recorded medical history contained in Exhibit 5, deeming that recorded medical history as being
“an excellent history of what was going on at that time.” (Ex. 87, p. 2, ¶ 8.) Moreover, Dr.
Bellanti stated the following regarding the medical history recorded by Dr. Kotsanis in January
of 2004:
        The history he recorded (Ex. 5, at 1-3) is entirely consistent with the narrative of
        [C.A.P.]’s parents.
(Ex. 87, p. 3, parenthesis in the original.)
        As discussed in Section VII above, however, I specifically reject Petitioners’ written and
oral statements in this case, testifying to additional post-vaccination symptoms allegedly suffered
by C.A.P. -- alleged symptoms that are not reflected in C.A.P.’s contemporaneous medical
records -- during his first year of life. Moreover, as also discussed above, I also specifically


38
        See Ex. 87, p. 1, ¶ 4 (assuming as fact parental assertions of C.A.P.’s condition after his
vaccinations of February 5, 2002); Ex. 87, p. 2, ¶ 1 (assuming as fact parental assertions of
C.A.P.’s condition after his vaccinations of April 9, 2002); Ex. 87, p. 2, ¶¶ 3-4 (assuming as fact
parental assertions of C.A.P.’s condition immediately following his vaccinations of July 22,
2002); Ex. 87, p. 2, ¶ 5 (assuming as fact parental assertions as to the start of certain of C.A.P.’s
symptoms, including his lack of eye contact, following his vaccinations of July 22, 2002); Ex.
87, p. 2, ¶ 6 (assuming as fact parental assertions of C.A.P.’s condition after his vaccination of
September 24, 2002).


                                                 44
reject the medical history recorded by Dr. Kotsanis in January of 2004, as contained in Ex. 5, pp.
2-3.
        Thus, I emphasize that the majority of the factual assumptions reflected in both of the
expert reports of Dr. Bellanti submitted in this case (Exs. 87 and 89) are clearly erroneous.39

B. Dr. Corbier’s misassumptions of fact
        Dr. Corbier relied on the assumptions that shortly after his vaccinations of February 5,
2002, C.A.P. “lost his appetite and slept for long hours at a time” (Ex. 98, p. 2 of 3), and that
soon after his vaccinations of July 22, 2002, C.A.P. became “lifeless” and “lethargic,” and was
“crying inconsolably” (Ex. 98, pp. 2-3 of 3). Dr. Corbier also assumed that C.A.P. had
“irritability” and a “lethargic state” after each of his vaccination sets on February 5, April 9, and
July 22. (Ex. 99, p. 3 of 10.)
      However, as I have set forth above, I find that those were erroneous assumptions of fact,
upon which Dr. Corbier based his opinion.

C. Summary of my conclusions concerning Dr. Bellanti’s and Dr. Corbier’s expert opinions
       For the reasons described in detail above, I find that the expert opinions of Drs. Bellanti
and Corbier in this case are based upon numerous flawed assumptions, with those erroneous
assumptions being strongly contradicted by C.A.P.’s medical records. Hence, I find that the
expert opinions of both Drs. Bellanti and Corbier40 are fatally flawed, and thus, wholly
unreliable.41

39
        I note that, in serving as an expert witness for petitioners in prior Vaccine Act cases, Dr.
Bellanti has a history of basing his causation opinion on clearly faulty factual assumptions. In a
prior case before me in which Dr. Bellanti served as Petitioners’ expert witness, Brook v. HHS,
No. 04-405V, 2015 WL 3799646 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 14, 2015), I found that Dr. Bellanti’s
causation opinion in that case was “premised on assumptions that run contrary to the clinical
history presented by the medical records.” 2015 WL 3799646 at *11, emphasis in original.
40
        Dr. Corbier also opined that C.A.P. suffered a “Table Injury encephalopathy” after his
vaccinations of July 22, 2002. (Ex. 99, p. 4 of 10.) However, after studying the medical records
of July 23, 24, and 25, 2002, it is absolutely clear that C.A.P. did not suffer such a Table Injury.
(That conclusion by Dr. Corbier, indeed, was, in my view, quite absurd.)
41
        “To the extent that it relies on the testimony of the petitioners’ witnesses as to the
occurrence and timing of events, [expert medical opinion] must stand or fall with the fact
testimony.” (Murphy v. HHS, 90-882V, 1991 WL 74931, at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. April 25,
1991) (aff’d, 23 Cl. Ct. 726 (1991), aff’d, 968 F.2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1992), cert. denied, 113 S. Ct.
463 (1992).) Thus, because I decline to credit Petitioners’ testimony with regard to C.A.P.
allegedly suffering from additional post-vaccination symptoms after each set of vaccinations,
including allegations that some of those post-vaccination symptoms constituted severe reactions
to his vaccinations in the immediate time period following his vaccinations, I likewise decline to
accept Drs. Bellanti’s and Corbier’s opinions based upon that testimony.

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                                                 XI
 WARNING TO PETITIONERS’ COUNSEL CONCERNING “REASONABLE BASIS”
        In several cases before myself and other special masters hearing cases involving children
with diagnoses on the autism spectrum, petitioners’ experts have relied upon parental testimony,
as opposed to the minor child’s medical records, in formulating factual assumptions upon which
they based their expert opinions. In many of those cases, parental testimony offered in the
course of litigation, alleging that the child suffered certain severe post-vaccination symptoms not
reflected in his/her medical records, is the exclusive or predominant evidence supporting the
factual assumptions of the petitioners’ experts. But in many of those cases, as in this case, a
careful examination of the record of the case has revealed that the child’s medical records
strongly contradicted the petitioners’ assertions that their child suffered any kind of serious
symptoms soon after his/her vaccinations in question. See, e.g., Hardy v. HHS, supra; Brook v.
HHS, supra; Hooker v. HHS, supra; Dempsey v. HHS, supra; Hashi v. HHS, No. 08-307V, 2015
WL 4626089 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 1, 2015). In certain of those cases, I have found that
petitioners’ proffered expert opinions were so divorced from the actual facts contained in the
child’s medical records, that in effect petitioners’ case, as presented, was simply frivolous. See,
e.g., Hardy v. HHS, supra; Hooker v. HHS, supra.

         This case clearly fits such a fact pattern, as explained above. Therefore, I hereby notify
Petitioners’ counsel in this case, that if Petitioners choose to continue to pursue any further
proceedings in this case, after this point in time, I would be unlikely to conclude that there was a
“reasonable basis” for such further proceedings, and therefore would be unlikely to compensate
Petitioners for any further attorneys’ fees and/or costs incurred concerning this petition. (I think
it likely that any special master that might succeed me in this case would probably reach the
same conclusion.)
        Further, I strongly advise petitioners’ counsel in all pending Vaccine Act cases that such
counsel should carefully scrutinize, for credibility, any cases in which an expert witness, opining
that vaccines caused or aggravated a minor child’s ASD or other neurologic disorder, bases an
expert opinion in a case in substantial part on parental allegations of the child undergoing certain
severe post-vaccination symptoms; if, as in this case, such alleged symptoms are not reflected in
the contemporaneous medical records of the child, I (or any special master) will be unlikely to
find that the use of such expert was reasonable, and thus compensable.


                                                XII
                                         CONCLUSION
       Petitioners’ counsel is hereby ordered to carefully study these findings of fact. Expert
opinion inconsistent with these findings of fact is not likely to be persuasive. See Burns v. HHS,
3 F.3d 415, 417 (1993) (holding that the special master did not abuse his discretion in refraining
from conducting a hearing when the petitioner’s expert “based his opinion on facts not




                                                 46
substantiated by the record”); Brooke Group Ltd. v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., 509
U.S. 209, 242 (1993) (“When an expert opinion is not supported by sufficient facts to validate it
in the eyes of the law, or when indisputable record facts contradict or otherwise render the
opinion unreasonable, it cannot support a jury’s verdict.”); Perreira v. HHS., 33 F.3d 1375, 1376
n.6 (Fed. Cir. 1994) (“An expert opinion is no better than the soundness of the reasons
supporting it.”); see also Bradley v. HHS, 991 F.2d 1570, 1574 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (the assumption
of an expert about the accuracy of a fact witness’s testimony does not “substantiate” the fact
witness’s testimony).
        Moreover, I also strongly urge Petitioners’ counsel to comprehensively study C.A.P.’s
medical records, and this ruling on the facts, as discussed in Section X of this Decision above,
prior to proceeding further with this case.

IT IS SO ORDERED.
                                                             /s/ George L. Hastings, Jr.
                                                             George L. Hastings, Jr.
                                                             Special Master




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