VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01120
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01120
Petitioner: Heather Harvard
Filed: 2018-07-31
Decided: 2020-05-22
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2015-08-10
Condition: left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 109582

AI-assisted case summary:
Heather Harvard filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on July 31, 2018, alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on August 10, 2015. The respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report on May 28, 2019, conceding that petitioner's alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA of the left arm, met the requirements of a Table injury claim for SIRVA stemming from the flu vaccination, and that no other cause was identified for the injury. The respondent further agreed that petitioner suffered sequelae of the injury for more than six months and satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act. Based on the respondent's concession, Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey ruled that petitioner was entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on April 21, 2020, the parties filed a joint stipulation for damages. In this stipulation, the respondent stated there was not a preponderance of evidence demonstrating that petitioner's SIRVA was due to a factor unrelated to her immunization and that petitioner was entitled to compensation for her SIRVA. However, the respondent denied that the flu vaccine caused any other injury, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation as his decision. He awarded Heather Harvard a total of $109,582.59, consisting of a lump sum of $105,000.00 for past and future pain and suffering and $4,586.59 for unreimbursed expenses. The decision was entered on May 22, 2020. Petitioner was represented by Jeffrey Gordon of Maney & Gordon, P.A., and respondent was represented by Darryl R. Wishard of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Theory of causation field:
Petitioner Heather Harvard alleged a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) following an influenza vaccine received on August 10, 2015. The respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that the injury was consistent with SIRVA, met the requirements of a Table injury claim, and that no other cause was identified. The public decision does not describe the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or detailed clinical findings. The parties entered into a joint stipulation for damages, which was adopted by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. The stipulation stated that there was not a preponderance of evidence demonstrating the SIRVA was due to a factor unrelated to the immunization. Petitioner was awarded $109,582.59, comprising $105,000.00 for past and future pain and suffering and $4,586.59 for unreimbursed expenses. The decision date was May 22, 2020. Petitioner was represented by Jeffrey Gordon (Maney & Gordon, P.A.) and respondent by Darryl R. Wishard (U.S. Department of Justice).

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01120-0
Date issued/filed: 2019-08-14
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 05/28/2019) regarding 29 Ruling on Entitlement ( Signed by Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey. )(mpj) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 34 Filed 08/14/19 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1120V
Filed: May 28, 2019
UNPUBLISHED
HEATHER HARVARD,
Petitioner, Special Processing Unit (SPU);
v. Ruling on Entitlement; Concession;
Table Injury; Influenza (Flu) Vaccine;
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
HUMAN SERVICES, Administration (SIRVA)
Respondent.
Donna Ferrell, Maney and Gordon, P.A., Tampa, FL, for petitioner.
Darryl R. Wishard, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
Dorsey, Chief Special Master:
On July 31, 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 she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of her August 10, 2015 influenza (“flu”) vaccination.
Petition at 1-4. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of
Special Masters.
On May 28, 2019, respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that
petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1.
Specifically, respondent “has concluded that petitioner’s alleged injury is consistent with
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.

Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 34 Filed 08/14/19 Page 2 of 2
SIRVA of the left arm and that it meets the requirements of a Table injury claim for
SIRVA stemming from the flu vaccination on August 10, 2015.” Id. at 6. Respondent
further agrees that no other cause was identified for petitioner’s injury, that she suffered
sequela of the injury for more than six months, and that petitioner has satisfied all legal
prerequisites to compensation under the Vaccine Act. Id.
In view of respondent’s position and the evidence of record, the
undersigned finds that petitioner is entitled to compensation.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Nora Beth Dorsey
Nora Beth Dorsey
Chief Special Master

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01120-1
Date issued/filed: 2020-05-22
Pages: 8
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 04/21/2020) regarding 52 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 58 Filed 05/22/20 Page 1 of 8
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1120V
UNPUBLISHED
HEATHER HARVARD, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: April 21, 2020
v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Special Processing Unit (SPU); Joint
HUMAN SERVICES, Stipulation on Damages; Influenza
(Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder Injury
Respondent. Related to Vaccine Administration
(SIRVA)
Jeffrey Gordon, Maney & Gordon, P.A., Tampa, FL, for petitioner.
Darryl R. Wishard, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1
On July 31, 2018, Heather Harvard 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 she suffered a left Shoulder Injury Related to
Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccine on August
10, 2015. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed April 21, 2020, at ¶¶ 1-2. Petitioner further
alleges she sustained the first symptom or manifestation of onset of a left SIRVA within
the Table time period; experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six
months; she had no recent history of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction of her left
shoulder prior to her vaccination. Petition at 1; Stipulation at ¶¶ 4. In the Stipulation,
Respondent states that “[t]here is not a preponderance of evidence demonstrating that
petitioner’s SIRVA is due to a factor unrelated to her immunization” and “[a]ccordingly,
petitioner is entitled to compensation for her SIRVA under the terms of the Act.”
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 “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 58 Filed 05/22/20 Page 2 of 8
Stipulation at ¶ 5, 7. However, Respondent “denies that the flu vaccine caused any
other injury, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.” Stipulation at ¶ 7.
On April 21, 2020, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a
decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable
and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following
compensation:
A lump sum of $109,582.59 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner,
consisting of $105,000.00 for past and future pain and suffering and $4,586.59
for unreimbursed expenses. Stipulation at ¶ 9. This amount represents
compensation for all items of damages that would be available under § 15(a). Id.
I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of
a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the clerk of the court is directed
to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 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.
2

Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 58 Filed 05/22/20 Page 3 of 8
··~-------··----·--··-·~-·-----·-----··
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
)
HEATHER HARV ARD, )
)
Petitioner, ) No. 18-1120V ECF
)
V. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran
)
SECRETARY OF HEAL1H )
AND HUMAN SERVICES, )
____________ )
Respondent. )
)
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
1. Petitioner, Heather Harvard, filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to 34 (the "Vaccine
Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt
of the influenza ("flu") vaccine, which is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42
C.F.R § I00.3(a).
2. On August 10, 2015, petitioner received the flu vaccine in the left arm.
3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.
4. Petitioner sustained the first symptom or manifestation of onset of a left shoulder
injury related to vaccine administration (''SIRVA"), within the Table time period, following
receipt of the flu vaccine, and experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six
months.
S. There is not a preponderance of evidence demonstrating that petitioner's SIRVA is

Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 58 Filed 05/22/20 Page 4 of 8
due to a factor unrelated to her immuniz.ation.
6. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil
action for damages as a result of her alleged injuries.
7. Accordingly, petitioner is entitled to compensation for her SIRVA under the terms
of the Act Respondent denies that the flu vaccine caused any other injury, including Complex
Regional Pain Syndrome ("CRPS").
8. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the
issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the
compensation described in paragraph 9 of this Stipulation.
9. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent
with the tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive
compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(I), the Secretary of Health and Human
Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment:
A lump sum of $109,582.59 ( consisting of $105,000.00 for past and future pain
and suffering; and, $4,586.59 for unreimbursed expenses), in the fonn of a check
payable to petitioner.
This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(a).
l 0. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment on entitlement in this case, and
after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to
42 U.S.C. Section 300aa-2l(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further
proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in
proceeding upon this petition.
2

Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 58 Filed 05/22/20 Page 5 of 8
11. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to
this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable
under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be
expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or
State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
§ 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.
12. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation, and any amounts
awarded pursuant to paragraph 10 of this Stipulation, will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-1 S(i), subject to the av~ilability of sufficient statutory funds.
13. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursed expenses, the money provided
pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner, as contemplated by a
strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C .
§§ 300aa-15(g) and (h).
14. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 9 and I 0, petitioner, in her
individual capacity and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns,
does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and
the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions, causes of action (including
agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever
\
kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in
the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or
3

Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 58 Filed 05/22/20 Page 6 of 8
unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from, or
alleged to have resulted from, the vaccine administered on August 1S , 2015, as alleged by
petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about July 31, 2018, in the United
States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 18-1120V.
15. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofj udgment, this agreement shall be voidable
upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.
16. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confonnity with the terms
of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in confonnity with a
decision !flat is in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation, !hen the parties'
settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.
17. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and
damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 10 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the
parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein e,cpressly stated
and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this
stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the
items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement
18. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the vaccine either caused or significantly
aggravated petitioner's alleged injury or any other injury; however, petitioner has satisfied the
Table criteria to establish entitlement to compensation for her sm.v A.
4

Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 58 Filed 05/22/20 Page 7 of 8
19. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.
END OF STIPULATION
5

Case 1:18-vv-01120-UNJ Document 58 Filed 05/22/20 Page 8 of 8
Respectfully submitted,
PETmONER:
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TIIER HARV ARD
A'ITORNEYOFRECORDFOR AUfBORlZED REPRESENTATIVE
PETMONER: OF THE A'ITORNEY GENERAL:
~ VESLL_ _
- ~
Maney & Gordon, P.A. Deputy Director
101 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1700 Torts Branch
Tampa, FL 33602 Civil Division
Tel: (813) 221-1366 U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR
OFTHESECRETARYOFHEALTH RESPONDENT: •
AND HUMAN SERVICES:
°f;1f~ ~
wtud J',t,
s~~
TAMARA OVERBY DARRYLR WISHARD
Acting Director, Division of Injury Senior Trial Attorney
Compensation Programs Torts Branch
Healthcare Systems Bureau Civil Division
U.S. Department of Health U.S. Department of Justice
and Human Services P.O. Box 146
5600 Fishers Lane Benjamin Franklin Station
Parklawn Building, Mail Stop 08N146B Washington, DC 20044-0146
Rockville, MD 20857 Tel: (202) 616-4357
w
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Dated:
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6