VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01005
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01005
Petitioner: David Ramos
Filed: 2018-11-07
Decided: 2021-02-23
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2016-09-24
Condition: left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 40758

AI-assisted case summary:
David Ramos filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on November 7, 2018, alleging he suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine received on September 24, 2016. A fact ruling on September 30, 2019, established that the onset of his shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. Respondent conceded entitlement on November 6, 2019, recognizing the injury as a Table injury. A ruling on entitlement was issued on November 7, 2019. The parties were unable to agree on damages, leading to a decision awarding damages on February 23, 2021. Mr. Ramos sought compensation for pain and suffering and a Medicaid lien. The court awarded $40,000.00 for pain and suffering and $757.91 for the Medicaid lien, totaling $40,757.91. The court found that Mr. Ramos experienced a mild SIRVA with a duration of approximately 13 months, treated conservatively, and that his injury was less severe than comparable cases cited by the petitioner.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01005-0
Date issued/filed: 2019-11-27
Pages: 6
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 09/30/2019) regarding 26 Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law Signed by Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 30 Filed 11/27/19 Page 1 of 6
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1005V
Filed: September 30, 2019
UNPUBLISHED
DAVID RAMOS,
Petitioner, Special Processing Unit (SPU);
v. Finding of Fact; Onset; Influenza
(Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder Injury
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Related to Vaccine Administration
HUMAN SERVICES, (SIRVA)
Respondent.
Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for petitioner.
Linda Sara Renzi, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
FINDING OF FACT1
Dorsey, Chief Special Master:
On July 12, 2018, petitioner filed a petition for compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the “Vaccine
Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered on
September 24, 2016. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing
Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
1 The undersigned intends to post this ruling on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website. This
means the ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine
Rule 18(b), petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the
disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, the undersigned
agrees that the identified material fits within this definition, the undersigned will redact such material from
public access. Because this unpublished ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this
case, undersigned is required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in
accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management
and Promotion of Electronic Government Services).
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for
ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 30 Filed 11/27/19 Page 2 of 6
For the reasons discussed below, the undersigned finds that the onset of
petitioner’s left shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination.
I. Relevant Procedural History
Following the initial status conference held on August 23, 2018, respondent was
ordered to file a status report indicating how he intends to proceed in this case. ECF
No. 8. On April 4, 2019, respondent filed a status report confirming that he intends to
defend this case and requesting a deadline for the filing of his Rule 4(c) Report. ECF
No. 19.
Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) Report (“Res. Report”) on May 20, 2019. ECF
No. 20. In his report, respondent asserted that petitioner has not established all of the
elements necessary for a Table injury for SIRVA, including onset of shoulder pain within
48 hours of the vaccination. Res. Report at 8-9. Respondent noted that petitioner’s
medical records first reflect complaints of left shoulder pain on January 23, 2017—
approximately four months following the September 24, 2016 vaccination. Id.
Furthermore, respondent observed that the records in this case document four
intervening medical appointments between September 24, 2016 and January 23, 2017
that do not specifically reference pain or left shoulder complaints. Id. at 8.
On June 10, 2019, a scheduling order was issued noting that the undersigned
had reviewed respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report and the evidence filed to date in this case.
ECF No. 21. The undersigned stated that briefing and a hearing were not necessary to
make a finding of fact regarding the onset of petitioner’s alleged injury. Id. The
undersigned set a deadline for the parties to file any additional relevant evidence they
wished to have considered regarding this issue. Id.
On August 5, 2019, petitioner filed a supplemental affidavit and affidavits from
Gloria Ramos (his mother) and Beckie Wilbur (his sister). Petitioner’s Exhibits (“Pet.
Exs.”) 13-15.
On August 20, 2019, respondent filed a status report (“Res. Status Report”)
asserting that petitioner has “failed to prove a compensable SIRVA claim” and
requesting that the undersigned dismiss the petition. Res. Status Report at 3.
Respondent reiterated that, at four medical appointments following his vaccination,
petitioner either did not report any pain or specifically complain of left shoulder
symptoms. Id. at 1-3. Respondent contended that petitioner’s affidavits do not
“overcome the presumption of accuracy of symptoms set forth in the contemporaneous
medical records.” Id. at 3.
II. Issue
At issue is whether petitioner’s first symptom or manifestation of onset after
vaccine administration was within 48 hours as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table. 42
C.F.R. § 100.3(a) XIV.B. (2017) (influenza vaccination). Additionally, the Qualifications
2

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 30 Filed 11/27/19 Page 3 of 6
and aids to interpretation (“QAI”) for a Table SIRVA requires that a petitioner’s pain
occur within this same time frame, 48 hours. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10).
III. Authority
Pursuant to Vaccine Act § 13(a)(1)(A), a petitioner must prove, by a
preponderance of the evidence, the matters required in the petition by Vaccine Act
§ 11(c)(1). A special master may find that the first symptom or manifestation of onset of
an injury occurred “within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury Table even
though the occurrence of such symptom or manifestation was not recorded or was
incorrectly recorded as having occurred outside such period.” Vaccine Act § 13(b)(2).
“Such a finding may be made only upon demonstration by a preponderance of the
evidence that the onset [of the injury] . . . did in fact occur within the time period
described in the Vaccine Injury Table.” Id.
A special master must consider, but is not bound by, any diagnosis, conclusion,
judgment, test result, report, or summary concerning the nature, causation, and
aggravation of petitioner’s injury or illness that is contained in a medical record.
Vaccine Act § 13(b)(1). “Medical records, in general, warrant consideration as
trustworthy evidence. The records contain information supplied to or by health
professionals to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. With proper
treatment hanging in the balance, accuracy has an extra premium. These records are
also generally contemporaneous to the medical events.” Curcuras v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
IV. Finding of Fact
For the reasons discussed below, the undersigned finds that the onset of
petitioner’s left shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. The undersigned
makes this finding after a complete review of the record to include all medical records,
affidavits, respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report, and the additional evidence filed. Specifically,
the undersigned bases the finding on the following evidence:
• On September 24, 2016, petitioner was administered a flu vaccine
intramuscularly in his left deltoid. Pet. Ex. 1 at 2.
• On January 23, 2017, petitioner presented to his primary care physician
with a chief complaint of left arm pain. Pet. Ex. 2 at 55. Petitioner stated
that “[s]ince September when he got a flu shot in his left deltoid,” he had
been unable to raise his left shoulder above 90 degrees due to pain. Id. at
56. He reported that his pain had been getting progressively worse and
denied any trauma or inciting event other than the flu shot. Id. On
examination, petitioner was unable to abduct his shoulder above 90
degrees. Id. at 57.
3

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 30 Filed 11/27/19 Page 4 of 6
• On January 24, 2017, petitioner completed a Vaccine Adverse Event
Reporting System report in connection with the September 24, 2016 flu
vaccination. Pet. Ex. 11 at 1. Petitioner noted that he had experienced
post-vaccination limitation of his left arm range of motion in addition to
“perpetual sharp-stabbing pain in left arm.” Id. The “Adverse event onset”
section of the report reflects an entry of September 24, 2016. Id.
• On January 31, 2017, petitioner presented to the emergency room with
complaints of left shoulder pain. Pet. Ex. 2 at 170. The “duration” of pain
was entered as September 24, 2016. Id. Petitioner rated his current pain
as “10” out of “10” with movement. Id. Petitioner was diagnosed with left
rotator cuff injury in September 2016 with worsening pain over four
months. Id.
• On February 2, 2017, petitioner underwent an occupational therapy
evaluation for treatment of left rotator cuff injury and shoulder pain. Id. at
166-67. The date of injury was noted as September 24, 2016. Id. at 167.
On examination, petitioner was observed to have 87 degrees of active
flexion, 38 degrees of extension, 50 degrees of abduction, 0 degrees
adduction, 30 degrees of internal rotation, normal external rotation, and
reduced grip strength. Id.
• On September 18, 2017, petitioner underwent a physical therapy
evaluation for treatment of left shoulder pain. Pet. Ex. 5 at 5. Petitioner
stated that he had received a flu vaccination in September 2016 and had
experienced pain since that time. Id.
• On July 12, 2018, petitioner filed an affidavit stating that he received a flu
vaccination in his left shoulder on September 24, 2016 and had begun to
experience pain and stiffness in his left shoulder “[t]hat same day.” Pet.
Ex. 7 at ¶¶ 2-3. In a supplemental affidavit filed on August 5, 2019,
petitioner averred that he experienced pain and reduced range of motion
on the evening of the September 24, 2016 flu vaccination. Pet. Ex. 13 at ¶
3. Petitioner stated that he “firmly believed that it was normal to be
experiencing pain at the injection site for a few weeks.” Id. at ¶ 5. For this
reason, petitioner explained that he “did not immediately raise the issue to
[his] doctors.” Id. at ¶¶ 5-6.
• On August 5, 2019, petitioner filed an affidavit from Gloria Ramos, his
mother. Pet. Ex. 14. Ms. Ramos recalled that she was present with
petitioner at the pharmacy when he received the September 24, 2016 flu
vaccination. Id. at ¶ 3. On the drive home from the pharmacy, Ms. Ramos
averred that petitioner told her that his September 24, 2016 flu vaccination
had been more painful than his previous flu vaccination. Id. at ¶ 4. Ms.
Ramos stated that petitioner reported shoulder pain on the evening of the
vaccination and over the subsequent days and weeks. Id. at ¶¶ 5-7.
During this time, Ms. Ramos averred that she had encouraged petitioner
to speak with his doctors regarding his shoulder pain; however, petitioner
4

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 30 Filed 11/27/19 Page 5 of 6
insisted that it was normal to have pain following a flu vaccination. Id. at ¶
7. Ms. Ramos explained that petitioner did not bring up his shoulder pain
at post-vaccination medical appointments in the Fall of 2016 because the
purpose of these appointments was for treatment of his lung condition,
which was petitioner’s “main concern.” Id. at ¶ 9.
• On August 5, 2019, petitioner filed an affidavit from Beckie Wilbur, his
sister. Pet. Ex. 15. Ms. Wilbur recalled that her mother had called her on
September 25, 2016 and stated that petitioner’s shoulder was hurting from
a flu shot that he had received the previous day. Id. at ¶ 4. At a
subsequent birthday party on October 8, 2016, Ms. Wilbur averred that
she asked petitioner regarding his shoulder. Id. at ¶ 5. Ms. Wilbur stated
that petitioner told her that his left shoulder had been hurting “ever since
he received the flu vaccine two weeks prior.” Id. Ms. Wilbur advised
petitioner to inform his medical providers regarding his shoulder pain;
however, petitioner replied that he was “more worried about his lungs.” Id.
The above medical evidence is consistent with petitioner’s affidavit testimony that
his left shoulder pain began immediately following the flu vaccine on September 24,
2016. The undersigned finds the sworn testimony of petitioner’s witnesses to be
credible and in agreement with the contemporaneously created treatment records.
The undersigned has considered respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report and his status
report filed on August 20, 2019. As noted by respondent, the records in this case reflect
four intervening medical appointments between September 24, 2016 and January 23,
2017 that do not specifically reference pain or left shoulder complaints. Res. Report at
8; Res. Status Report at 1-3. However, the undersigned finds that the relevant medical
records, when reviewed in conjunction with petitioner’s affidavits, provide a plausible
and credible explanation for this omission.
Indeed, as described above, petitioner and Ms. Ramos emphasized that
petitioner did not initially seek dedicated treatment for his left shoulder pain or reference
this issue at medical appointments because he believed that it was normal to
experience extended post-vaccination arm pain. Pet. Exs. 13 at ¶¶ 5-6; 14 at ¶ 7.
Moreover, as noted in petitioner’s affidavits, the four intervening medical appointments
between September 24, 2016 and January 23, 2017 were primarily for treatment of
medical conditions unrelated to petitioner’s left shoulder.3 Pet. Exs. 13 at ¶¶ 6-7; 14 at
¶ 9. During this period, Ms. Ramos and Ms. Wilbur explained that petitioner was more
3 At an October 27, 2016 appointment, petitioner reported “shoulders and knees ache associated with
fatigue.” Pet. Ex. 2 at 212. As noted by respondent, the associated medical record does not reflect a
specific complaint of left shoulder pain, and petitioner’s shoulder was not mentioned in the physical
examination section. Res. Report at 3. However, as with petitioner’s other medical appointments
between September 24, 2016 and January 23, 2017, the primary purpose of this visit appears to have
concerned treatment for petitioner’s respiratory impairments. Indeed, the visit was conducted at the
“Chest Clinic” at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and petitioner was treated by a pulmonologist. Pet.
Ex. 2 at 212-13. Additionally, the majority of the medical record pertains to petitioner’s respiratory
complaints and prior treatment for respiratory impairments. Id.
5

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 30 Filed 11/27/19 Page 6 of 6
concerned about his pulmonary condition than his shoulder pain. Pet. Exs. 14 at ¶ 9; 15
at ¶ 5.
In the undersigned’s experience, petitioner’s sworn affidavits and medical
records together reflect a pattern of treatment consistent with, and similar to, other
SIRVA claims. See, e.g., Dhanoa v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 15-1011V, 2017
WL 6276468, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Apr. 19, 2017) (noting a lack of shoulder
complaints at post-vaccination medical appointments because petitioner believed her
symptoms represented normal post-vaccination pain); Williams v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 17-830V, 2019 WL 1040410, at *9 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Jan. 31, 2019)
(noting a delay in seeking treatment because petitioner underestimated the severity of
her shoulder injury); Tenneson v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 16-1664V, 2018 WL
3083140, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 30, 2018), mot. for rev. denied, 142 Fed. Cl.
329 (2019) (finding that petitioner’s denial of pain in the context of treatment for a
urological condition did not signify a lack of shoulder pain).
As such, the undersigned finds preponderant evidence that the onset of
petitioner’s left shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of his September 24, 2016 flu
vaccination.
V. Scheduling Order
Respondent shall file a status report, by no later than Wednesday, October
30, 2019, indicating whether he is interested in exploring an informal resolution of
petitioner’s claim.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Nora Beth Dorsey
Nora Beth Dorsey
Chief Special Master
6

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01005-1
Date issued/filed: 2019-12-26
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 11/07/2019) regarding 28 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ypb) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 33 Filed 12/26/19 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1005V
UNPUBLISHED
DAVID RAMOS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: November 7, 2019
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Ruling on Entitlement; Concession;
HUMAN SERVICES, Table Injury; Influenza (Flu) Vaccine;
Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
Respondent. Administration (SIRVA)
Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for petitioner.
Linda Sara Renzi, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On July 12, 2018, David Ramos filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.,2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered a left shoulder injury related to
vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered
on September 24, 2016. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special
Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
On September 30, 2019, a Fact Ruling was issued finding that there is
preponderant evidence to establish that the onset of Petitioner’s left shoulder pain
1 I intend to post this decision on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website. This means the
decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule
18(b), petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of
which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified
material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. Because this unpublished
decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am required to post it on the United
States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. §
3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services).
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for
ease of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 33 Filed 12/26/19 Page 2 of 2
occurred within 48 hours of the September 24, 2016 flu vaccination. Fact Ruling at 2, 6
(ECF No. 26).
On November 6, 2019, Respondent filed an amended Rule 4(c) Report indicating
that, although he reserves his right to a potential appeal of the factual ruling, he
recognizes the factual finding regarding onset is “the law of the case . . . [and] advises
that he will not defend the case on other grounds during further proceedings before the
Office of Special Masters.” Amended Res. Report at 2 (ECF No. 27).3 Respondent
indicates that “[i]n light of the September 30, 2019 fact ruling and medical record
evidence submitted in this case, DICP has concluded that petitioner suffered SIRVA as
defined by the Vaccine Injury Table.” Id. at 2-3. Respondent additionally concludes that
Petitioner suffered the residual effects of his condition for more than six months. Id. at
3. Respondent adds that “based on the record as it now stands and subject to his right
to appeal the Finding of Fact, respondent does not dispute that petitioner has satisfied
all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act.” Id.
In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that
Petitioner is entitled to compensation.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 Additionally, Respondent clarifies that he is not waiving “any defenses that [he] may assert in the
damages phase.” Amended Res. Report at 3 n.2.
2

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DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01005-2
Date issued/filed: 2021-02-23
Pages: 9
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 01/04/2021) regarding 50 DECISION of Special Master Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 55 Filed 02/23/21 Page 1 of 9
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1005V
UNPUBLISHED
DAVID RAMOS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: January 4, 2021
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Decision Awarding Damages; Pain
HUMAN SERVICES, and Suffering; Influenza (Flu)
Vaccine; Shoulder Injury Related to
Respondent. Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner.
Emilie Williams, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On July 12, 2018, David Ramos filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered on
September 24, 2016. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit
of the Office of Special Masters.
For the reasons described below, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award
of damages in the amount of $40,757.91, representing compensation in the amount
1 Because this unpublished decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am
required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-
Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic
Government Services). This means the decision will be available to anyone with access to the
internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact
medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from
public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 55 Filed 02/23/21 Page 2 of 9
of $40,000.00 for actual pain and suffering and $757.91 for satisfaction of a
Medicaid lien held by the State of California Department of Health Care Services.
I. Relevant Procedural History
This case was initiated on July 12, 2018. ECF No. 1. Following the initial status
conference, Respondent was ordered to file a status report indicating his tentative
position. ECF No. 8. On April 4, 2019, Respondent confirmed that he intended to defend
this case. ECF No. 19.
On May 20, 2019, Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) Report opposing compensation, in
part because he maintained Petitioner had not offered preponderant evidence that the
onset of left shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. ECF No. 20.
Subsequently, the parties were ordered to file additional evidence concerning the onset
of Petitioner’s alleged injury.3 ECF No. 21.
A fact ruling was issued on September 30, 2019, in which it was determined that
the onset of Petitioner’s left shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. ECF
No. 26. In light of this ruling, Respondent filed an Amended Rule 4(c) Report conceding
entitlement on November 6, 2019. ECF No. 27. The following day, I issued a ruling finding
Petitioner entitled to compensation.4 ECF No. 28.
Over the next six months, the parties attempted to informally resolve the issue of
damages. See generally ECF Nos. 31, 34-37. However, the parties confirmed on May 6,
2020 that they had reached an impasse concerning the appropriate amount of
compensation to be awarded for Petitioner’s pain and suffering (although they agreed on
the amount of a Medicaid lien to be included in the total damages sum). ECF No. 38. I
subsequently set a briefing schedule to resolve this issue. ECF No. 39.
Petitioner filed his brief (“Br.”) in support of damages on August 6, 2020 (ECF No.
42), and Respondent responded (“Opp.”) on October 13, 2020. ECF No. 43. I thereafter
proposed that the parties be given the opportunity to argue their positions at a motions
hearing, at which time I would decide the disputed damages issues. ECF No. 44. The
parties confirmed that they were amenable to this proposal (ECF No. 46), and the hearing
3 Petitioner filed additional affidavits providing information regarding the onset of his alleged injury on August
5, 2019 (ECF No. 24), and Respondent filed a status report on August 20, 2019, supplementing the
arguments raised in his Rule 4(c) Report regarding the issue of onset. ECF No. 25.
4 This case had been reassigned to me for all further proceedings on October 1, 2019.
2

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 55 Filed 02/23/21 Page 3 of 9
was held on December 11, 2020. This written decision memorializes my resolution of the
matter.5
The parties are in agreement as to Petitioner’s entitlement to $757.91 for
satisfaction of a Medicaid lien, leaving only the determination of a pain and suffering
award in dispute.
II. Relevant Medical History
A complete recitation of the facts can be found in the Petition, the parties’
respective pre-hearing briefs, and in Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report. In brief summary,
on September 24, 2016, Mr. Ramos was administered a flu vaccine intramuscularly in his
left deltoid. Ex. 1 at 2. Petitioner had no previous history of shoulder impairment.
Approximately four months later, on January 23, 2017, Petitioner presented to his
primary care physician with a chief complaint of left arm pain.6 Ex. 2 at 55-56. He stated
that “[s]ince September when he got a flu shot in his left deltoid,” he had been unable to
raise his left shoulder above 90 degrees due to pain. Id. at 56. Mr. Ramos rated his current
pain as “3” out of “10,” and noted that it had been getting progressively worse. Id. at 55-
56. Petitioner denied any trauma or inciting event other than the flu shot. Id. at 56. On
examination, he was unable to abduct his shoulder above 90 degrees. Id. at 57.
Eight days later, Mr. Ramos presented to the emergency room with complaints of
left shoulder pain. Id. at 170. Petitioner rated his pain as “10” out of “10” with movement,
and he was assessed on intake with left rotator cuff injury in September 2016 with
worsening pain over four months. Id. He left the emergency room without being examined.
Id.
On February 2, 2017, Petitioner underwent an occupational therapy evaluation for
treatment of left rotator cuff injury and shoulder pain. Id. at 166-67. The date of injury was
noted as September 24, 2016. Id. at 167. Petitioner rated his pain as “10/10” with activity
but “5/10” at rest. Id. He presented with signs of shoulder impingement, and he was noted
5 At the end of the hearing, I issued an oral ruling from the bench on damages in this case. That ruling is
set forth fully in the transcript from the hearing, which is yet to be filed with the case’s docket. The transcript
from the hearing is, however, fully incorporated into this Decision.
6 Prior to receiving the vaccination, Petitioner was hospitalized from September 12 through September 16,
2016 for treatment of COPD exacerbation and community-acquired pneumonia. Ex. 9 at 842-43. During
the intervening period between the relevant vaccination and his January 23, 2017 medical appointment,
Mr. Ramos had four follow-up appointments for treatment of COPD and cavitary lesion of the lung with
associated respiratory symptoms. Ex. 2 at 43-54, 212-17.
3

Case 1:18-vv-01005-UNJ Document 55 Filed 02/23/21 Page 4 of 9
to exhibit “rotator cuff dysfunction.” Id. at 166. Mr. Ramos subsequently attended three
additional therapy sessions through February 27, 2017. Id. at 163-64. Petitioner stated
that he discontinued therapy due to pain. Exs. 2 at 61; 13 at ¶ 9.
The next month, on March 7, 2017, Petitioner had a follow-up appointment with his
primary care physician. Ex. 2 at 59-63. He rated his current shoulder pain as “4” out of
“10,” and his physician advised him that he could use over-the-counter pain medication
for symptom relief. Id. at 59, 62. Mr. Ramos had another follow-up appointment with his
primary care physician on April 4, 2017. Id. at 64. At that time, he reported current pain
of “0” out of “10,” and he stated that his overall shoulder pain had improved. Id. at 64-65.
He complained of left shoulder pain at subsequent medical visits on June 19 and July 5,
2017; however, the associated records are largely illegible. Id. at 10-11.
On September 18, 2017, Mr. Ramos underwent an initial physical therapy
evaluation. Ex. 5 at 5. Petitioner now rated his pain as “2” out of “10” and confirmed that
he was not taking any pain medication. Id. He also reported difficulty with sleeping,
dressing, reaching, showering, and lifting due to shoulder pain and stiffness. Id. Petitioner
presented with positive impingement sign as well as reduced range of motion and
strength. Id. Mr. Ramos subsequently underwent six additional physical therapy sessions
through October 16, 2017. Id. at 3-4. At his final appointment, Petitioner rated his current
pain as “2-3” out of “10,” and he was discharged to a home exercise program at his
request. Id. at 3. There are no records of any subsequent medical treatment.
III. Legal Standard
Compensation awarded pursuant to the Vaccine Act shall include “[f]or actual and
projected pain and suffering and emotional distress from the vaccine-related injury, an
award not to exceed $250,000.” Section 15(a)(4). Additionally, a petitioner may recover
“actual unreimbursable expenses incurred before the date of judgment award such
expenses which (i) resulted from the vaccine-related injury for which petitioner seeks
compensation, (ii) were incurred by or on behalf of the person who suffered such injury,
and (iii) were for diagnosis, medical or other remedial care, rehabilitation . . . determined
to be reasonably necessary.” Section 15(a)(1)(B). The petitioner bears the burden of proof
with respect to each element of compensation requested. Brewer v. Sec’y of Health &
Hum. Servs., No. 93-0092V, 1996 WL 147722, at *22-23 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 18,
1996).
There is no mathematic formula for assigning a monetary value to a person’s pain
and suffering and emotional distress. I.D. v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 04-1593V,
2013 WL 2448125, at *9 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 14, 2013) (“[a]wards for emotional
distress are inherently subjective and cannot be determined by using a mathematical
formula”); Stansfield v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 93-0172V, 1996 WL 300594,
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at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 22, 1996) (“the assessment of pain and suffering is
inherently a subjective evaluation”). Factors to be considered when determining an award
for pain and suffering include: 1) awareness of the injury; 2) severity of the injury; and 3)
duration of the suffering. I.D., 2013 WL 2448125, at *9 (quoting McAllister v. Sec’y of
Health & Hum. Servs., No 91-1037V, 1993 WL 777030, at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar.
26, 1993), vacated and remanded on other grounds, 70 F.3d 1240 (Fed. Cir. 1995)).
I may also consider prior pain and suffering awards to aid my resolution of the
appropriate amount of compensation for pain and suffering in this case. See, e.g., Doe
34 v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 87 Fed. Cl. 758, 768 (2009) (finding that “there is
nothing improper in the chief special master’s decision to refer to damages for pain and
suffering awarded in other cases as an aid in determining the proper amount of damages
in this case.”). And I may of course rely on my own experience (along with my predecessor
Chief Special Masters) adjudicating similar claims.7 Hodges v. Sec’y of Health & Hum.
Servs., 9 F.3d 958, 961 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (noting that Congress contemplated the special
masters would use their accumulated expertise in the field of vaccine injuries to judge the
merits of individual claims).
Although pain and suffering in the past was often determined based on a
continuum, as Respondent argues, that practice was cast into doubt by the Court several
years ago. Graves v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 109 Fed. Cl. 579, 489-90 (2013). In
Graves, Judge Merrow rejected a special master’s approach of awarding compensation
for pain and suffering based on a spectrum from $0.00 to the statutory $250,000.00 cap.
Judge Merrow maintained that to do so resulted in “the forcing of all suffering awards into
a global comparative scale in which the individual petitioner’s suffering is compared to the
most extreme cases and reduced accordingly.” Graves, 109 Fed. Cl. at 590. Instead,
Judge Merrow assessed pain and suffering by looking to the record evidence, prior pain
and suffering awards within the Vaccine Program, and a survey of similar injury claims
outside of the Vaccine Program. Id. at 595. Under this alternative approach, the statutory
cap merely cuts off higher pain and suffering awards – it does not shrink the magnitude
of all possible awards as falling within a spectrum that ends at the cap.
IV. Appropriate Compensation in this SIRVA Case
Mr. Ramos’s awareness of his injury is not disputed, leaving only its severity and
duration to be considered. In determining an appropriate pain and suffering award, I have
carefully reviewed and considered the complete record in this case. I have also
7 From July 2014 until September 2015, the SPU was overseen by former Chief Special Master Vowell. For
the next four years, until September 30, 2019, all SPU cases, including the majority of SIRVA claims, were
assigned to former Chief Special Master Dorsey, now Special Master Dorsey. In early October 2019, the
majority of SPU cases were reassigned to me as the current Chief Special Master.
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considered prior awards for pain and suffering in both SPU and non-SPU SIRVA cases,
and relied upon my experience adjudicating such cases.8 However, my determination is
ultimately based upon the specific circumstances of this case.
In his brief, Respondent argues that the records reflect Petitioner experienced a
mild SIRVA, and he submits that an award of $27,000.00 is appropriate for pain and
suffering. Opp. at 2, 7-8. Respondent cites to H.S., a syncope case, to support his
recommended proffer.9 Id. at 9. I find, however, that SIRVA damages decisions provide
a more appropriate framework for analyzing Petitioner’s pain and suffering for the obvious
reason that Petitioner’s symptoms, course of treatment, and outcome are most similar to
those commonly found in SIRVA cases.
Respondent also asserts that pain and suffering awards outside the Program
(often arising in state court tort actions) should be considered (and in particular the fact
that they tend to be lower in magnitude). Id. at 8-9. However, I find that awards issued
within the Program (especially as set forth in reasoned decisions) are most persuasive. It
is important to bear in mind the policy purposes of the Program—that it is a no-fault
system intended to be generous in many regards, resulting in a slightly different scale
(that admittedly may produce higher award values than the non-Program comparables
pointed to by Respondent). Thus, other reasoned decisions in the Vaccine Program
provide the most useful guidance in reaching an award amount in this case.10
8 Statistical data for all SIRVA cases resolved in SPU from inception through January 2020 as well as a
brief description of any substantive decisions can be found in the following decisions: Vinocur v. Sec’y of
Health & Hum. Servs., No. 17-0598V, 2020 WL 1161173 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Jan. 31, 2020); Wilt v. Sec’y
of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 18-0446V, 2020 WL 1490757 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb. 24, 2020); Smallwood
v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 18-0291V, 2020 WL 2954958 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Apr. 29, 2020).
9 See H.S. v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 14-1057V, 2015 WL 6155891 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Sept.
25, 2015) (Petitioner was a junior-high student who experienced syncope following a Tdap vaccination.
Petitioner was awarded $60,000.00 in pain and suffering.)
10 I reject Respondent’s argument, however, that the amounts awarded in proffered cases are a more
accurate gauge of the appropriate amount to be awarded than reasoned decisions from the court and
special masters. A proffer is simply Respondent’s assessment of the appropriate amount to be awarded,
and a special master’s approval of an award at a proffered level does not provide a reasoned instance,
produced by a judicial neutral that can be looked to when evaluating the damages to be awarded—even if
settled cases and proffers provide some evidence of the kinds of awards received overall in comparable
cases.
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Citing Bartholomew,11 Dagen,12 and Knauss,13 Mr. Ramos requests an award of
$65,000.00 in pain and suffering. Br. at 1, 7-8. His brief asserts that the severity of his
injury is comparable to those of the petitioners in the above cases, although the overall
duration of his pain and suffering extended for a longer period. Id. Petitioner further argues
that his SIRVA injury and symptoms should not be discounted because he was
contemporaneously receiving treatment for other serious medical conditions. Id. at 8.
Pursuant to my oral ruling on December 11, 2020 (which is fully adopted herein), I
find that $40,000.00 represents a fair and appropriate amount of compensation for
Petitioner’s actual pain and suffering. My decision arises from several determinations.
First, the overall severity of the injury at issue is not high enough to warrant the
magnitude of the award requested by Petitioner. Indeed, the evidence in this case
establishes that he experienced a mild SIRVA which did not necessitate immediate care,
surgery, or lengthy overall treatment. As detailed above, Petitioner first sought treatment
for left shoulder pain on January 23, 2017—121 days following his vaccination. Mr.
Ramos attempts to explain the delay by pointing out that he was during this four-month
period undergoing treatment related to COPD, pneumonia, and a lung cavitary lesion. But
had Petitioner’s initial pain been notably severe, he would have undoubtedly sought
medical care sooner (especially since he was at this time regularly obtaining medical
services). Petitioner also reported pain of only “3” out of “10” at his initial medical
appointment, further underscoring the mild nature of the injury. Ex. 2 at 55-56.
Although it is true Petitioner thereafter reported an increase of pain while seeking
emergent care on January 31, 2017, and at occupational therapy appointments in
February 2017, the overall period of symptom exacerbation appears to have been short-
lived. Indeed, by April 2017, Mr. Ramos reported that his overall pain had improved, and
he rated his current pain as “0” out of “10.” Ex. 2 at 64-65. And at subsequent medical
appointments, he continued to report generally mild pain.
I also note that Petitioner’s injury lasted only approximately 13 months, and that
he underwent entirely conservative treatment. Petitioner did not receive any cortisone
injections and there is no imaging (e.g., MRI) to confirm post-vaccination shoulder
pathology. In terms of the treatment Mr. Ramos did receive, he underwent only 11
11 Bartholomew v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 18-1570V, 2020 WL 3639805 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
June 5, 2020) (awarding $67,000.00 for pain and suffering).
12 Dagen v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 18-442V, 2019 WL 7187335 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Nov. 6.
2019) (awarding $65,000.00 for pain and suffering).
13 Knauss v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 16-1372V, 2018 WL 3432906 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May
23, 2018) (awarding $60,000.00 for pain and suffering).
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occupational/physical therapy sessions, and his medical providers advised him to use
over-the-counter medication for pain relief. Although Petitioner describes ongoing
limitations as a result of his injury (Ex. 16), I find that he was significantly recovered at the
time of his discharge from physical therapy on October 16, 2017, as reflected by his
records and the lack of any subsequent treatment.
Second, the comparable cases Petitioner references – Bartholomew, Dagen, and
Knauss – are largely distinguishable. Most notably, the petitioners in these cases sought
post-vaccination treatment earlier than Petitioner, underwent MRIs confirming shoulder
pathology, received cortisone injections, and had more physical therapy. See
Bartholomew, 2020 WL 3639805, at *2-3; Dagen, 2019 WL 7187335, at *2-4; and
Knauss, 2018 WL 3432906, at *2-4. The overall facts of this case in comparison suggest
a less severe SIRVA.
By contrast, a different pain and suffering determination – Rayborn v. Sec’y of
Health & Hum. Servs., No. 18-0226V, 2020 WL 5522948 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Aug. 14,
2020) (awarding $55,000.00 for pain and suffering) – is far more relevant to this case.
The Rayborn petitioner delayed seeking treatment for 119 days following her vaccination,
and subsequently underwent a comparable number of occupational therapy
appointments (14 sessions) and had a total injury duration lasting approximately nine
months. Rayborn, 2020 WL 5522948, at *2-3. As in this case, the Rayborn petitioner also
generally reported mild-to-moderate pain throughout her treatment and exhibited reduced
shoulder range of motion. Id. And at the conclusion of her treatment, the Rayborn
petitioner experienced improved symptoms. Id. at *3. However, that claimant received
additional treatment in comparison to Petitioner, including an MRI which confirmed
shoulder pathology (mild tendinosis and thickening of the joint capsule at the axillary
recess) and a cortisone injection. Id. at *2. The above differences warrant a lower award
for Petitioner’s pain and suffering in this case.
V. Conclusion
For all of the reasons discussed above and based on consideration of the record
as a whole, I find that $40,000.00 represents a fair and appropriate amount of
compensation for Mr. Ramos’s actual pain and suffering.14 I also find that Petitioner
is entitled to $757.91 for satisfaction of a Medicaid lien held by the State of
California Department of Health Care Services.
14 Since this amount is being awarded for actual, rather than projected, pain and suffering, no reduction to
net present value is required. See § 15(f)(4)(A); Childers v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 96-0194V,
1999 WL 159844, at *1 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 5, 1999) (citing Youngblood v. Sec’y of Health & Hum.
Servs., 32 F.3d 552 (Fed. Cir. 1994)).
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Based on the record as a whole and arguments of the parties, I award the
following:
• A lump sum payment of $757.91, representing full satisfaction of a
Medicaid lien held by the State of California Department of Health Care
Services, in the form of a check payable jointly to Petitioner and
Department of Health Care Services
Recovery Branch - MS 4720
P.O. Box 997421
Sacramento, CA 95899-7421
DHCS Account Number: C91514044D-VAC03
Petitioner shall endorse this payment to the State of California Department
of Health Care Services.
• A lump sum payment of $40,000.00 in the form of a check payable to
Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all remaining
damages that would be available under Section 15(a).
The Clerk of the Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this
decision.15
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
15 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice
renouncing the right to seek review.
9