VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01316
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01316
Petitioner: Elbert Compton
Filed: 2018-08-28
Decided: 2022-01-11
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2016-12-28
Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 50000

AI-assisted case summary:
Elbert Compton filed a petition on August 28, 2018, alleging he suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine he received on December 28, 2016. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit. On March 5, 2021, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement, finding that Mr. Compton was entitled to compensation for a SIRVA. The ruling determined that the onset of his shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination and was limited to his left shoulder, based on medical records indicating complaints of left shoulder pain starting as early as January 2, 2017, and consistently reported thereafter. Respondent initially argued that the medical records did not establish the required onset timeframe or that the pain was limited to the left shoulder. However, the Chief Special Master found the evidence supported Mr. Compton's claim for entitlement. On December 10, 2021, Respondent filed a proffer of compensation, recommending an award of $50,000.00 for pain and suffering. Mr. Compton, identified as a competent adult, agreed with this proffered award. On January 11, 2022, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding Mr. Compton a lump sum payment of $50,000.00, representing compensation for all available damages. Petitioner was represented by Jerome A. Konkel of Samster, Konkel & Safran, S.C., and later Samster Konkel and Safran. Respondent was represented by Colleen Clemons Hartley and later Mitchell Jones of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Theory of causation field:
Petitioner Elbert Compton filed a petition on August 28, 2018, alleging a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) caused by an influenza vaccine administered on December 28, 2016. The claim was processed under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. A ruling on entitlement issued on March 5, 2021, by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran, found that Petitioner was entitled to compensation. This ruling was based on a preponderance of the evidence showing that the onset of Petitioner's shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination and was limited to his left shoulder, as supported by medical records from January 2017 onwards. Respondent initially contested the onset timeframe and the limitation of pain to the left shoulder. Following the entitlement ruling, Respondent filed a proffer of compensation on December 10, 2021, recommending an award of $50,000.00 for pain and suffering, which Petitioner accepted. On January 11, 2022, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding Petitioner a lump sum of $50,000.00. Petitioner was represented by Jerome A. Konkel and Respondent by Colleen Clemons Hartley and Mitchell Jones. The theory of causation was based on the Vaccine Injury Table for SIRVA.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01316-0
Date issued/filed: 2021-04-06
Pages: 6
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 03/05/2021) regarding 47 Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law, Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 49 Filed 04/06/21 Page 1 of 6
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1316V
UNPUBLISHED
ELBERT COMPTON, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: March 5, 2021
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Findings of Fact; Onset; Influenza
HUMAN SERVICES, (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder Injury
Related to Vaccine Administration
Respondent. (SIRVA)
Jerome A. Konkel, Samster, Konkel & Safran, S.C., Milwaukee, WI, for petitioner.
Colleen Clemons Hartley, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On August 28, 2018, Elbert Compton 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 a Table claim - that he suffered a shoulder injury related
to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) caused by an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered
on December 28, 2016. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing
Unit of the Office of Special Masters. The parties have now sought a determination of
facts bearing on the adequacy of Petitioner’s showing on certain elements of his claim.
1 Because this unpublished fact ruling 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 fact 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, 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-01316-UNJ Document 49 Filed 04/06/21 Page 2 of 6
For the reasons discussed below, I find that there is a preponderance of evidence
that the onset of Petitioner’s injury, specifically shoulder pain, was within 48 hours of his
vaccine and his pain was limited to his left shoulder. Further, I find that Petitioner is
entitled to compensation for a left SIRVA.
I. Relevant Procedural History
Approximately one year after the case’s initiation, Respondent filed a status report
in July 2019 indicating that he wished to engage in informal settlement discussions. ECF
No. 23. A demand was accordingly provided to Respondent on September 13, 2019. EF
No. 28. This case was then stayed from January 10, 2020 through August 20, 2020. ECF
No. 31, 37. Respondent subsequently filed a Rule 4(c) Report on September 4, 2020,
recommending that compensation be denied. ECF No. 38. Respondent argued that
Petitioner failed to establish a Table claim because the medical records did not establish
his pain began within 48 hours of his vaccination and Petitioner’s complaints were not
limited to his left shoulder. Rule 4 Report at 6.3
During a status conference held on September 22, 2020, I provided my initial
thoughts regarding this claim, and ordered Petitioner to file a motion for a ruling on the
record with regard to onset. Petitioner did so on October 26, 2020, arguing that his
symptoms began within 48 hours of receiving the flu vaccine. ECF No. 42. Respondent
filed a response on November 9, 2020, maintaining his position that this case should be
dismissed, and that I should issue a finding of fact to that end. ECF No. 43. This issue is
now ripe for resolution.
II. Issue
At issue is whether the onset of Petitioner’s pain occurred within 48 hours, and
also whether his pain was limited to his left shoulder as set forth in the Vaccine Injury
Table and Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (“QAI”) for a Table SIRVA claim. 42
C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(ii) (required onset for pain listed in the QAI); § 100.3(c)(10)(iii)
(requiring pain and reduced range of motion be limited to the shoulder in which the
vaccine was administered).
III. Authority
Pursuant to Vaccine Act Section 13(a)(1)(A), a petitioner must prove, by a
preponderance of the evidence, the matters required in the petition by Vaccine Act
Section 11(c)(1). A special master must consider, but is not bound by, any diagnosis,
3 Respondent also argued that Petitioner failed to show causation-in-fact. Rule 4 Report at 6-7.
2

Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 49 Filed 04/06/21 Page 3 of 6
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.
Section 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.” Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs.,
993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
Accordingly, where medical records are clear, consistent, and complete, they
should be afforded substantial weight. Lowrie v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 03-
1585V, 2005 WL 6117475, at *20 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 12, 2005). However, this rule
does not always apply. In Lowrie, the special master wrote that “written records which
are, themselves, inconsistent, should be accorded less deference than those which are
internally consistent.” Lowrie, 2005 WL 6117475, at *19.
The United States Court of Federal Claims has recognized that “medical records
may be incomplete or inaccurate.” Camery v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 42 Fed.
Cl. 381, 391 (1998). The Court later outlined four possible explanations for
inconsistencies between contemporaneously created medical records and later
testimony: (1) a person’s failure to recount to the medical professional everything that
happened during the relevant time period; (2) the medical professional’s failure to
document everything reported to her or him; (3) a person’s faulty recollection of the events
when presenting testimony; or (4) a person’s purposeful recounting of symptoms that did
not exist. La Londe v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 110 Fed. Cl. 184, 203-04 (2013),
aff’d, 746 F.3d 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2014).
The Court has also said that medical records may be outweighed by testimony that
is given later in time that is “consistent, clear, cogent, and compelling.” Camery, 42 Fed.
Cl. at 391 (citing Blutstein v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 90-2808, 1998 WL
408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998). The credibility of the individual offering
such testimony must also be determined. Andreu v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 569
F.3d 1367, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2009); Bradley v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 991 F.2d
1570, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
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.” Section 13(b)(2). “Such a finding may
be made only upon demonstration by a preponderance of the evidence that the onset [of
3

Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 49 Filed 04/06/21 Page 4 of 6
the injury] . . . did in fact occur within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury
Table.” Id.
The special master is obligated to fully consider and compare the medical records,
testimony, and all other “relevant and reliable evidence contained in the record.” La
Londe, 110 Fed. Cl. at 204 (citing Section 12(d)(3); Vaccine Rule 8); see also Burns v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 3 F.3d 415, 417 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (holding that it is within
the special master’s discretion to determine whether to afford greater weight to medical
records or to other evidence, such as oral testimony surrounding the events in question
that was given at a later date, provided that such determination is rational).
IV. Finding of Fact
A. Onset of Petitioner’s Injury was within Forty-eight Hours of his Flu
Vaccination
The following fact finding is based on a complete review of the record, including all
medical records, affidavits, and additional evidence filed. Specifically, I highlight the
following:
• Petitioner received a flu vaccine in his left deltoid on December 28, 2016 at
Waupun Correctional Facility. Ex. 2 at 315.
• On January 2, 2017, Petitioner requested an appointment at his Health
Services Unit. In the request form, Petitioner reported that he had a flu
vaccine on December 28, 2016, and had tenderness, weakness, muscle
fatigue, and a very painful shoulder after five days. Ex. 2 at 362.
• On January 5, 2017, Petitioner presented for care at the Health Services
Unit of the Waupun Correctional Facility with left arm tenderness, muscle
fatigue, sharp pain, and weakness. Ex. 2 at 29.
• On January 6, 2017, Petitioner was seen for left shoulder pain “since flu
shot.” Ex. 2 at 29.
• A record from January 11, 2017 states that Petitioner saw “RN Garlock” on
January 5, 2017 “due to my flu shot I got on the 28th of Dec which she stated
I had inflammatory reactive tissue in and around my rotator cuff and I still
have tenderness, weakness and muscle fatigue and I’m in discomfort pain”.
Ex. 2 at 361.
4

Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 49 Filed 04/06/21 Page 5 of 6
• On January 20, 2017 Petitioner continued to report left shoulder pain “since
flu shot.” Ex. 2 at 31. Another record from that same date states Petitioner
was seen for “shoulder pain from flu shot.” Id. at 29.
• On February 1, 2017 Petitioner reported discomfort and sharp pain “due to
the flu vaccine”. Ex. 2 at 360.
• A record from February 25, 2017 notes that Petitioner “saw the nurse on
2/5/17 and reported pain from flu shot (12/28/16).” Ex. 2 at 358.
• On June 12, 2017, Petitioner reported that he experienced “sudden onset
of L[eft] shoulder pain and loss of [range of motion] following flu shot.” The
onset was noted as December of 2016. Ex. 2 at 97.
Based on the above medical entries, the preponderance of the evidence supports
a finding that onset of Petitioner’s injury occurred within 48 hours of his December 28,
2016 vaccination. Petitioner complained of left shoulder pain on January 2, five days after
he received the flu vaccine. Ex. 2 at 315. Further, the contemporaneous medical records
continually and consistently indicate that Petitioner reported shoulder pain since his flu
vaccine. See Ex. 2 at 29 (record from January 6, 2017 stating left shoulder pain “since flu
shot”); Ex. 2 at 31 (record from January 20, 2017 reporting left shoulder pain since flu
shot); Ex. 2 at 97 (June 12, 2017 record stating Petitioner’s pain and loss of motion was
sudden following a flu vaccination). These records are sufficient to establish onset
consistent with the Table’s requirements.
B. Pain was limited to Petitioner’s Left Shoulder
I also find that there is a preponderance of evidence that Petitioner’s pain was
limited to his left shoulder. As the medical records establish:
• On January 2, 2017, Petitioner reported tenderness, weakness, muscle
fatigue, and a very painful shoulder following a December 28, 2016
vaccination. Ex. 2 at 362.
• On January 6, 2017, Petitioner reported left shoulder pain. Ex. 2 at 29.
• On January 20, 2017, Petitioner was seen again for left shoulder pain. Ex.
2 at 29.
5

Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 49 Filed 04/06/21 Page 6 of 6
• On February 1, 2017 a Nursing Encounter Progress Notes lists the primary
complaint as “Pain to L-shoulder”. Ex. 2 at 28. The record also states that
the location of the pain is Petitioner’s left shoulder and describes it as tight,
tender, and achy. Id.
• On June 12, 2017, Petitioner reported that he experienced “sudden onset
of L[eft] shoulder pain and loss of [range of motion].” The onset was noted
as December of 2016. Ex. 2 at 97.
Based on the above medical entries, the preponderance of the evidence supports
a finding that Petitioner’s injury was more likely than not limited to his left shoulder.
Records from early January and February of 2017 consistently report shoulder pain and
loss of range of motion, which are specific, contemporaneous evidence and consistent
with other SIRVA cases. Admittedly, there are at least two records reporting pain through
Petitioner’s neckline. Ex. 2 at 29, Ex. 5 at 79. However, the majority of other records
support a finding that Petitioner’s pain was limited to his left shoulder, and Respondent
has not offered sufficient other evidence to rebut the overall conclusion that the pain was
mostly limited to Petitioner’s left shoulder.
V. Conclusion
In view of the evidence of record, I find that there is preponderant evidence that
the onset of Petitioner’s injury, specifically shoulder pain, was within 48 hours of his
vaccine and his pain was limited to his left shoulder. Since Respondent challenges no
other elements of Petitioner’s claim, and I find they are also met,4 on 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
4 The other elements of Petitioner’s SIRVA claim include that he had no history of pain, inflammation, or
dysfunction of the affected shoulder prior to his vaccination and that no other condition or abnormality is
present that would explain Petitioner’s symptoms. C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(i) and (iv). Respondent also does
not dispute that the vaccination was administered within the United States, that Petitioner suffered the
residual effects of this injury for more than six months, and that there has been no prior award or
settlement of a civil action for damages on his behalf as a result of his condition.
6

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01316-1
Date issued/filed: 2022-01-11
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 12/10/2021) regarding 61 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 65 Filed 01/11/22 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1316V
UNPUBLISHED
ELBERT COMPTON, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: December 10, 2021
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Damages Decision Based on Proffer;
HUMAN SERVICES, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder
Injury Related to Vaccine
Respondent. Administration (SIRVA)
Jerome A. Konkel, Samster Konkel and Safran, Wauwatosa, WI, for Petitioner.
Mitchell Jones, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On August 28, 2018, Elbert Compton 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”) caused by an influenza vaccination on December 28, 2016.
Petition at 1, 3. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of
Special Masters.
On March 5, 2021, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to
compensation for a SIRVA.3 On December 10, 2021, Respondent filed a proffer on award
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).
3 In the proffer, respondent waived his right to seek review of a damages decision, however he reserved
his right, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(e), to seek review of the March 5, 2021, entitlement decision.

Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 65 Filed 01/11/22 Page 2 of 5
of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $50,000.00. Proffer
at 2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered
award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as
stated in the Proffer.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump
sum payment of $50,000.00 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount
represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a).
The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this
decision.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
4 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-01316-UNJ Document 65 Filed 01/11/22 Page 3 of 5
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
)
ELBERT COMPTON, )
)
Petitioner, )
) No. 18-1316V
v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran
) ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN )
SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
)
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
On August 28, 2018, Elbert Compton (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation
under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34
(“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), alleging that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
Administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table, following administration of
an influenza vaccine he received on December 28, 2016. Petition at 1, 3. On September 24,
2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report
indicating that this case is not appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a
SIRVA Table injury. ECF No. 38.
On October 9, 2020, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Scheduling Order settin g
forth the parties’ options for further proceedings. ECF No. 41 at 1. On October 26, 2020,
petitioner filed a Motion for a Finding of Fact Regarding Onset. ECF No. 42. On November 9,
2020, respondent filed a Response to Petitioner’s Motion for a Finding of Fact Regarding Onset,
requesting that Chief Special Master Corcoran issue a finding of fact regarding onset and a ruling
on the record regarding entitlement. ECF No. 43. On March 5, 2021, the Chief Special Master

Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 65 Filed 01/11/22 Page 4 of 5
issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding that onset of petitioner’s condition occurred within 48
hours of his vaccination, and further finding that petitioner is entitled to compensation for a
Table SIRVA injury.1 ECF No. 47; ECF No. 248.
I. Item of Compensation
A. Pain and Suffering
Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $50,000.00 in pain and suffering.
See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). The above amount represents all elements of compensation to
which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
Petitioner agrees.
II. Form of the Award
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.
Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a
lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and
the Court’s judgment award the following: a lump sum payment of $50,000.00 in the form of a
check payable to petitioner.
III. Summary of Recommended Payments Following Judgment
Lump sum payable to petitioner, Elbert Compton: $50,000.00
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN M. BOYNTON
Acting Assistant Attorney General
1 Respondent has no objection to the amount of the proffered award of damages set forth herein.
Assuming the Chief Special Master issues a damages decision in conformity with this proffer,
respondent waives his right to seek review of such damages decision. However, respondent
reserves his right, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(e), to seek review of the Chief Special
Master’s March 5, 2021, entitlement decision.

Case 1:18-vv-01316-UNJ Document 65 Filed 01/11/22 Page 5 of 5
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
ALEXIS B. BABCOCK
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
/s/ Mitchell Jones
MITCHEL JONES
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
Tel: (202) 305-1748
mitchell.jones@usdoj.gov
DATED: December 17, 2021