Lori Schoonover v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder pain, bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (2020)

Lori Schoonover filed a petition for compensation on October 12, 2016, alleging a left shoulder injury following an influenza vaccination on October 16, 2013. The injury, diagnosed as bursitis and adhesive capsulitis, was considered Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA).

Because SIRVA was not yet on the Vaccine Injury Table at the time of her petition, Ms. Schoonover had to prove causation-in-fact under the Althen test.

The court found that she met the three prongs of the Althen test: a medical theory connecting the vaccine to SIRVA, a logical sequence of cause and effect, and a proximate temporal relationship, with pain onset occurring immediately after the vaccination. Respondent argued against compensation, primarily contesting the timing of the onset of pain, but the court found sufficient evidence of immediate onset.

The court also noted that no alternative causes for the injury were established. On January 30, 2019, the court issued a ruling on entitlement, finding Ms.

Schoonover entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on October 19, 2020, a decision awarding damages was issued, granting a total award of $230,438.95, comprising $200,000.00 for actual pain and suffering and $30,438.95 for future pain and suffering.