Heather Ryan v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2018)

Heather Ryan filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that her influenza vaccination on September 30, 2015, caused her to suffer a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit.

Respondent conceded that petitioner was entitled to compensation, determining that the alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA caused by the vaccination and that no other cause had been identified. A ruling on entitlement was issued on May 26, 2017, finding petitioner entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, on November 29, 2017, respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, proposing an award of $115,000.00 for past and future pain and suffering, $8,500.00 for past and future wage loss, $700.00 for past unreimbursed medical expenses, and $615.06 for a Medicaid lien. Petitioner agreed with the proffered award.

The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding damages on March 9, 2018, granting a total of $124,815.06, comprising a lump sum of $124,200.00 to petitioner and a lump sum of $615.06 payable jointly to petitioner and Optum for the Medicaid lien.