Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare neurological disorder that has been linked to multiple vaccines. While CIDP is rare, it greatly impacts the lives of those who are diagnosed, and coping with CIDP’s effects can be a lifelong process.  

With this in mind, individuals who are coping with the effects of CIDP should speak with a vaccine attorney about their legal rights. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in many cases. Here, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant discusses the costs of living with CIDP and explains the process of filing a claim under the VICP.

Living with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy has primarily been linked to four vaccines: the annual flu shot; hepatitis B vaccine; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine; and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, the precise cause of CIDP remains unknown. Since the cause remains unknown, there is also currently no known cure, and since CIDP is inherently a chronic condition, it impacts many people for the rest of their lives.

While pain that doesn’t go away is often the first sign of CIDP linked to a vaccination, CIDP can have a variety of long-term effects. Along with chronic pain, other possible long-term effects of CIDP include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Paralysis
  • Sensory impairments
  • Vision impairments (including double vision)

Individuals who have been diagnosed with CIDP may also have to live their lives facing the daily risk of respiratory failure. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath protecting the peripheral nerves (those extending away from the spinal cord), and severe peripheral nerve damage can cause serious respiratory complications in some cases.

Given CIDP’s effects and the lack of a known cure, treatment focuses on symptom management. One specific form of treatment used to manage the symptoms of CIDP is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. According to a study published in the journal American Health & Drug Benefits, the average cost of IVIG treatment for CIDP is between $111,406 and $117,233.

This, of course, is far more than most people can afford to pay.

Although there are other more affordable treatment options (including steroidal treatment), these options often aren’t as effective. Additionally, as discussed below, individuals who are diagnosed with vaccine-related CIDP will be able to have their costs covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in many cases. When living with CIDP, getting the treatment you need should be your priority—and it is well worth speaking with a vaccine attorney to find out if you can file a VICP claim to recover your long-term medical expenses.

Pain, Suffering and Emotional Trauma from CIDP

Along with physical symptoms and financial costs, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy can also cause psychological pain, suffering and emotional trauma. Finding out that you have been diagnosed with a life-altering illness is a big deal, and it can truly impact all aspects of your life. For many people, the physical pain caused by CIDP prevents them from going to work, doing chores around the house, and spending meaningful time with friends and family. The effects of CIDP can also lead to emotional trauma, anxiety, depression and other psychological conditions.

These are very real concerns that should not be ignored. Here, too, treatment options are available. Therapy is hugely beneficial for many patients, and learning to cope effectively with a CIDP diagnosis can provide a new lease on life.

Recovering Financial Compensation for the Lifetime Costs of CIDP

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program serves as a source of compensation for the financial and non-financial costs of vaccine-related CIDP. While there are eligibility criteria under the program, most individuals who are diagnosed with vaccine-related CIDP will be eligible to file—as long as they take action in time. The VICP provides unlimited coverage for eligible claimants’ medical expenses and lost wages, and it provides up to $250,000 in compensation for vaccine recipients’ pain, suffering and other non-financial losses.

While many people assume that they need to be able to prove a vaccination error or a vaccine defect in order to file a claim, this is not the case. The VICP pays compensation for covered vaccine-related conditions without proof of fault. As a result, if you have been diagnosed with CIDP after receiving an immunization, you will want to speak with a vaccine attorney about your legal rights. Even if there were no issues with your vaccination or the vaccine itself, you may still have a claim under the VICP.

If you have a VICP claim, a vaccine attorney will be able to help you seek just compensation for the lifetime costs of your CIDP. This includes both financial and non-financial costs, as noted above. Since CIDP is a chronic condition, many claimants’ future costs far exceed the costs they incur through the date they file their claims—and this makes it especially important to work with an experienced vaccine attorney who can accurately assess the long-term effects and costs of your diagnosis.

The basic steps involved in filing a VICP claim for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy are:

  • Collect your vaccination and medical records
  • Schedule a free initial consultation with a vaccine attorney
  • Work with your attorney to prepare your petition
  • File your petition in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (also known as the vaccine court)
  • Rely on your attorney to negotiate with the government attorneys who handle VICP claims
  • If you receive a settlement offer, make an informed decision about whether to accept
  • If you do not receive a fair settlement offer, rely on your attorney to argue for just compensation in the Vaccine Court on your behalf

Get Started with a Free, No-Obligation Consultation About Your CIDP Claim

If you would like to know more about the process of seeking financial compensation for vaccine-related CIDP, we invite you to get in touch. Please call 202-775-9200 or contact us online to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant.