{"package_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446","decision_granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446-1","petitioner_identifier":"Virginia Wilt","is_minor":0,"age_at_vaccination":81.0,"age_unit_raw":"years","vaccine_type":"influenza","vaccination_date":"2016-09-30","condition_raw":"right shoulder subdeltoid bursitis and associated pain","condition_category":"SIRVA","autism_spectrum_adjacent":0,"outcome":"compensated","award_amount_usd":110270,"decision_date":"2020-03-26","extraction_version":"gemini-v2","extracted_at":"2026-04-30T00:57:03.906377+00:00","number_of_concurrent_vaccines":1,"dose_number":null,"time_to_onset_days":6,"theory_of_causation":"Virginia Wilt, an 81-year-old female, received an influenza vaccine on September 30, 2016. She alleged a right shoulder injury, diagnosed as right shoulder subdeltoid bursitis and associated pain, consistent with Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA). The respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that the injury was more likely than not caused by the vaccine, although they noted her pain extended beyond the vaccinated shoulder. The case proceeded to damages. The Special Master found the injury was at its most severe for approximately five months, from vaccination until one month post-surgery, with symptoms thereafter nearly gone. The award was based on comparison to prior SIRVA cases, specifically Knudson, which received $110,000.00 for pain and suffering. Petitioner's counsel was Amy A. Senerth, and respondent's counsel was Christine Mary Becer. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarded $110,000.00 for pain and suffering and $270.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, totaling $110,270.00, on March 26, 2020. The theory of causation was off-Table, based on the respondent's concession of a more likely than not link between the vaccine and the injury.","is_death":0,"date_of_death":null,"petition_filed_date":"2018-03-26","case_summary":"On March 26, 2018, Virginia Wilt filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a right shoulder injury as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on September 30, 2016. The case was initially assigned to the Special Processing Unit. On April 15, 2019, the respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Wilt was entitled to compensation, stating that her right shoulder subdeltoid bursitis and associated pain were more likely than not caused by the vaccination. The respondent also agreed that the case was timely filed, the vaccine was administered in the United States, and that Ms. Wilt met the statutory severity requirement of suffering residual effects for more than six months. Based on the respondent's concession and the record, Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey ruled on entitlement on April 19, 2019, finding Ms. Wilt entitled to compensation. Subsequently, the parties proceeded to damages discussions. When they could not agree on damages, the issue was briefed. On March 26, 2020, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a decision awarding damages. Ms. Wilt's pre-vaccination medical history included right shoulder arthritis and pain, neck pain radiating into her right shoulder, and stiffness with minimal pain. Following the September 30, 2016 flu vaccination, she reported bruising and pain at the injection site that radiated to her elbow and neck. Her symptoms progressed, and by October 12, 2016, she reported a burning sensation, sharp pain, and stiffness in her right shoulder, with a pain level of 6/10. She underwent physical therapy, and on February 2, 2017, she had arthroscopic surgery on her right shoulder, including subacromial decompression, biceps tenotomy, and rotator cuff repair. Post-surgery, she continued with physical therapy. By April 6, 2017, sixteen visits later, she was discharged from physical therapy, reporting being pain-free and having returned to her prior level of function with a decreased DASH score. By April 7, 2017, eight weeks post-surgery, her surgeon noted her range of motion was near full and her strength was improving. By July 13, 2017, ten months post-vaccination, she reported intermittent achy discomfort but had full range of motion and good strength. The respondent argued for a pain and suffering award of no more than $77,500.00, while Ms. Wilt sought $140,000.00 for pain and suffering. Chief Special Master Corcoran found that Ms. Wilt's injury was at its most severe for approximately five months, from vaccination until one month after surgery, with symptoms thereafter nearly gone. He compared her case to prior SIRVA decisions, particularly Knudson, which resulted in an award of $110,000.00 for actual pain and suffering. Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded Ms. Wilt $110,000.00 for pain and suffering and $270.00 for past unreimbursable expenses, for a total lump sum payment of $110,270.00. Petitioner's counsel was Amy A. Senerth of Muller Brazil, LLP, and respondent's counsel was Christine Mary Becer of the U.S. Department of Justice.","is_minor_inferred":0,"is_pediatric_broad":0,"special_master":"Nora Beth Dorsey","petitioner_identifier_original":null,"caption_petitioner_name":"Virginia Wilt","petitioner_attorney_name":"Amy A. Senerth","petitioner_attorney_firm":"Muller Brazil, LLP","petitioner_attorney_location":"Dresher, PA","adjudicator_name":null,"caption_people_backfilled_at":"2026-05-05 23:45:16","attorney_canonical_keys":"|amy-senerth|","firm_canonical_key":"muller-brazil","package_title":"WILT v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","canonical_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446","plain_text_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446.txt","json_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446.json","source_documents":[{"granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446-0","title":"WILT v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","docket_text":"PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 04/19/2019) regarding 28 Ruling on Entitlement ( Signed by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. )(mpj) Service on parties made.","date_issued":"2019-09-17","pdf_url":"https://api.govinfo.gov/packages/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446/granules/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446-0/pdf","pdf_bytes":317407,"triage_decision":"keep","triage_reason":"docketText matches keep keyword 'ruling on entitlement'","download_status":"ok","registry_pdf_url":"https://vicp-registry.org/pdf/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446-0"},{"granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-00446-1","title":"WILT v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","docket_text":"PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 02/24/2020) regarding 45 DECISION of Special Master Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. 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