VICP Table Injuries vs Off-Table Claims: Your Complete Guide to Vaccine Injury Compensation

Experienced VICP lawyer explains Table injuries vs off-table claims, causation requirements, and compensation pathways. Nationwide vaccine injury representation.

Bottom Line Up Front: If you've suffered a vaccine injury, understanding whether your condition qualifies as a "Table injury" (with presumed causation) or requires an "off-table claim" (proving causation) is crucial for your compensation case. Both pathways can lead to full compensation, but the legal strategy and timeline differ significantly.

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) operates under a unique two-tier system that determines how vaccine injury cases are evaluated and compensated. As experienced VICP attorneys representing clients nationwide, we help families understand these critical distinctions and pursue the most effective legal strategy for their situation.

What Are VICP Table Injuries?

Table injuries are specific conditions listed on the official Vaccine Injury Table maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services. If you're wondering "What qualifies as a Table injury?" these are conditions that medical science has determined are causally related to vaccination, creating a legal presumption that the vaccine caused your injury.

How Do Table Injuries Work?

For Table injuries, you receive the benefit of presumed causation, meaning you don't need to prove the vaccine caused your injury because the law presumes it did. To qualify for Table injury compensation, three elements must be met:

1. Covered Vaccine: Your injury must be associated with a VICP-covered vaccine

2. Listed Injury: Your condition must appear on the current Vaccine Injury Table

3. Proper Timeframe: Symptoms must develop within the specified time period

Current Vaccine Injury Table (2025): What Injuries Qualify?

DTaP, DTP, DT, Td, or Tdap Vaccines

• Anaphylaxis (0-4 hours after vaccination)

• Brachial neuritis (2-28 days)

• SIRVA - Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (0-48 hours)

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR, MR, or M)

• Anaphylaxis (0-4 hours)

• Encephalopathy or encephalitis (5-15 days)

• Seizure disorder (5-15 days)

Polio Vaccines

• Anaphylaxis (0-4 hours)

• Vaccine-strain polio infection (various timeframes)

Hepatitis B Vaccine

• Anaphylaxis (0-4 hours)

• SIRVA - Shoulder injury (0-48 hours)

Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

• Anaphylaxis (0-4 hours)

• SIRVA - Shoulder injury (0-48 hours)

• Vasovagal syncope (0-1 hour)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines

• Anaphylaxis (0-4 hours)

• SIRVA - Shoulder injury (0-48 hours)

Rotavirus Vaccines

• Intussusception (1-21 days)

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines

• SIRVA - Shoulder injury (0-48 hours)

Hepatitis A Vaccines

• SIRVA - Shoulder injury (0-48 hours)

Meningococcal Vaccines

• Anaphylaxis (0-4 hours)

• SIRVA - Shoulder injury (0-48 hours)

Why Are Table Injury Cases Easier to Win?

Many clients ask us, "What are the advantages of having a Table injury?" Table injury claims offer several significant benefits:

Simplified Legal Process

• No causation proof required - The law presumes the vaccine caused your injury

• Faster case resolution - Typically resolve 6-12 months sooner than off-table claims

• Predictable outcomes - Historical precedent guides compensation expectations

• Lower legal complexity - Reduced need for extensive expert testimony

Financial Benefits

• Quicker compensation - Faster resolution means sooner financial relief

• Same compensation levels - Awards equal to off-table claims for similar injuries

What Are Off-Table Vaccine Injury Claims?

Off-table claims involve injuries not listed on the Vaccine Injury Table or injuries occurring outside specified timeframes. If you're asking "Can I still get compensation if my injury isn't on the Table?" the answer is yes, but you must prove causation through medical evidence.

The Althen Standard: Proving Vaccine Causation

To succeed in off-table claims nationwide, you must establish three elements known as the "Althen standard":

1. Medical Theory A medically plausible and logical theory connecting the vaccine to your injury

2. Logical Sequence Evidence showing appropriate timing and progression from vaccination to injury onset

3. Proximate Temporal Relationship A reasonable timeframe between vaccination and injury that supports causal connection

Most Common Off-Table Vaccine Injuries We Handle

Neurological Conditions

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) - Autoimmune paralysis, often following flu vaccination

• Transverse Myelitis - Spinal cord inflammation causing paralysis and sensory problems

• CIDP - Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy affecting multiple body systems

Autoimmune Disorders

• Multiple Sclerosis onset or exacerbation following vaccination

• Systemic Lupus development after immunization

• Other autoimmune conditions triggered by vaccination

Extended Timeline Injuries

• SIRVA beyond 48 hours - Shoulder injuries with delayed symptom onset

• Seizure disorders occurring outside Table timeframes

• Delayed neurological complications from various vaccines

What Evidence Do You Need for Off-Table Claims?

Off-table cases require substantial medical documentation, including:

Expert Medical Testimony

Board-certified specialists who can explain the causal connection between your vaccination and injury

Published Medical Literature

Peer-reviewed research supporting the theoretical basis for vaccine causation in your specific case

Comprehensive Medical Records

Complete documentation of symptom development, progression, and treatment from all healthcare providers

Timeline Evidence

Clear chronology showing injury onset relative to vaccination, including:

• Vaccination records with exact dates and vaccine lots

• Medical records documenting symptom onset

• Treatment records showing progression

Differential Diagnosis

Medical evidence ruling out other potential causes of your injury

Challenges in Off-Table VICP Cases

Higher Evidence Requirements

Off-table claims face significant challenges that our nationwide legal team helps clients overcome:

• Extensive expert testimony required from multiple medical specialists

• Longer case development timeline of 2-4 years vs. 1-2 years for Table cases

• Government opposition - HHS more likely to contest causation in off-table claims

• Uncertain outcomes depending on strength of medical evidence

Strategic Advantages of Experienced Counsel

Our legal team, serving clients nationwide, provides crucial advantages in off-table cases:

• Medical expert network of specialists familiar with VICP requirements

• Extensive case precedent knowledge from handling hundreds of VICP claims

• Research capabilities to identify supporting medical literature

• Settlement negotiation experience to resolve cases without trial

How We Develop Your VICP Case Strategy

Initial Case Evaluation

When you contact our office, we immediately assess whether your injury might qualify under Table criteria before pursuing off-table theories. This evaluation includes:

• Timing analysis of symptom onset relative to vaccination

• Medical record review to identify documented evidence

• Expert consultation with medical specialists

• Precedent research to understand similar successful cases

Multiple Pathway Approach

Some cases may qualify under both Table and off-table theories, providing alternative routes to compensation. We develop comprehensive strategies that maximize your chances of success.

Recent Trends in VICP Practice

SIRVA Cases Dominating Awards

SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration) has become the most commonly compensated Table injury, representing over 70% of VICP awards in recent years. 

Expanding Off-Table Recognition

Federal courts increasingly recognize certain conditions as vaccine-related, including:

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome following various vaccines

• Transverse Myelitis after multiple vaccine types

• Autoimmune conditions triggered by immunizations

Settlement Preferences

Both VICP petitioners and the government often prefer settlement to avoid uncertain trial outcomes and lengthy litigation costs.

VICP Compensation: What Can You Recover?

Medical Expenses

• Past medical costs - Full reimbursement for reasonable treatment expenses

• Future medical care - Coverage for ongoing treatment needs

• Rehabilitation costs - Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other recovery services

Economic Losses

• Lost wages - Compensation for income lost due to injury

• Reduced earning capacity - Future income losses from permanent disability

• Caregiver costs - Expenses for necessary care assistance

Pain and Suffering

• Up to $250,000 available for physical and emotional damages

• Same amount available for both Table and off-table injuries

Death Benefits

• Up to $250,000 for families in wrongful death cases

• Attorney fees and costs paid separately by the government

Frequently Asked Questions About VICP Claims

How long do I have to file a VICP claim?

You generally have three years from symptom onset (or two years from death) to file your petition. However, specific circumstances can affect this deadline, so contact our office immediately if you suspect a vaccine injury.

Do I need to hire a lawyer for my VICP case?

While you can represent yourself, the complex medical and legal requirements make experienced counsel crucial. We handle all VICP cases on contingency, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win.

What if my injury isn't on the Vaccine Injury Table?

You can still pursue compensation through an off-table claim, but you'll need to prove causation through medical evidence. Our team has extensive experience with off-table cases.

How long do VICP cases take to resolve?

Table injury cases typically resolve in 1-2 years, while off-table claims often take 2-4 years. Complex cases requiring extensive medical development may take longer.

What vaccines are covered by VICP?

VICP covers most routinely administered vaccines, including childhood vaccines, flu shots, and travel vaccines recommended by CDC.

Do I need medical records to file a claim?

Yes, comprehensive medical records are essential for any VICP case. We can help you obtain records from all relevant healthcare providers.

Why Choose Rawls Law Group for Your Nationwide VICP Case

Our law firm has takes vaccine injury cases from all 50 states. Our dedicated VICP team, led by experienced trial attorney Glen Sturtevant, has recovered millions in compensation for families affected by vaccine injuries.

Our VICP Advantages

• Nationwide representation

• VICP focus - We understand the program's unique requirements

• Medical expert network of specialists experienced in vaccine injury cases

• You pay us nothing - we are paid out of the Vaccine Trust Fund after your case is resolved

• Personal attention - Direct access to your legal team

• Proven results - Successful track record in both Table and off-table cases

Areas We Serve

We represent VICP clients nationwide, including:

• All 50 states and territories

• Military families stationed anywhere worldwide

• Federal employees and contractors globally

• Anyone who received covered vaccines in the United States

Take Action: Protect Your Rights Today

Time limits are strict in VICP cases, and developing strong medical evidence takes months or years. If you or a loved one experienced symptoms after vaccination, contact our office immediately for a free case evaluation.

Don't wait—call Rawls Law Group today at 1-877-838-4838 or visit www.rawlslawgroup.com for your free consultation. We'll review your case, explain whether you likely have a Table injury or off-table claim, and outline your path to compensation.

This information provides general guidance about VICP procedures and should not be considered legal advice for any specific case. Individual vaccine injury claims require careful analysis by qualified VICP counsel. Rawls Law Group represents clients nationwide in vaccine injury compensation cases.