Debra Brackeen v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (2019)

Debra Brackeen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccination on October 5, 2016. She claimed the residual effects of her condition lasted for more than six months and that she had not received any prior award or settlement for this injury.

Respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused her alleged left shoulder injuries or any other condition. Despite the denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that compensation should be awarded.

The Chief Special Master found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as the decision of the Court. Ms.

Brackeen was awarded a lump sum of $60,114.00, representing compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. This award was to be paid in the form of a check payable to Ms.

Brackeen.