VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01792
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01792
Petitioner: Steven Lewis
Filed: 2018-11-20
Decided: 2021-04-23
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2016-10-22
Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 41133

AI-assisted case summary:
Steven Lewis filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on November 20, 2018, alleging he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 22, 2016. The ruling on entitlement, issued on November 13, 2020, found that Mr. Lewis's shoulder pain began within 48 hours of the vaccination and determined he was entitled to compensation. The respondent agreed that Mr. Lewis satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation, acknowledging the injury as a Table injury and noting that the residual effects lasted more than six months. Subsequently, on April 23, 2021, a decision awarding damages was issued. The parties stipulated to an award of $41,133.50, comprising $40,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,133.50 for past unreimbursed medical expenses. Mr. Lewis is a competent adult, and the award was made as a lump sum payment.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01792-0
Date issued/filed: 2020-11-10
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 10/08/2020) regarding 48 Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01792-UNJ Document 52 Filed 11/10/20 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1792V
UNPUBLISHED
STEVEN LEWIS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: October 8, 2020
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)
Bruce William Slane, Law Office of Bruce W. Slane, P.C., White Plains, NY, for
Petitioner.
Mollie Danielle Gorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
FINDINGS OF FACT1
On November 20, 2018, Steven Lewis 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”) vaccination administered on
October 22, 2016. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of
the Office of Special Masters.
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-01792-UNJ Document 52 Filed 11/10/20 Page 2 of 5
For the reasons set forth below, and as I announced during the October 2, 2020
motions hearing,3 I find the onset of Petitioner’s shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours
of vaccination, consistent with the Table requirements for a SIRVA claim.
I. Relevant Procedural History
As noted above, the case was initiated on November 20, 2018. After reviewing
Petitioner’s medical records, Respondent filed a status report stating that he was not
amenable to engaging in settlement discussions, and requesting until January 6, 2020,
to file his report pursuant to Vaccine Rule 4(c). ECF No. 24. This request was granted.
On January 6, 2020, Respondent filed the Rule 4(c) Report maintaining that the
case was not appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Vaccine Act. ECF No.
29. Respondent argued that “Petitioner first sought treatment for his alleged left shoulder
injury on March 3, 2017, more than four months after his vaccination.” Id. at 6.
Respondent further argued that Petitioner’s medical records failed to specify the
timeframe in which his symptoms began. Id. Finally, Respondent asserted that Petitioner
otherwise failed to establish causation-in-fact. Id. at 6-8.4
The parties’ arguments regarding the onset of Petitioner’s injury were based on
briefing completed prior to the motions day hearing. Thus, on June 3, 2020, Petitioner
filed two witness affidavits as well as his brief. ECF Nos. 39, 41. Respondent filed his
response on July 6, 2020. ECF No. 42.
II. Issue
At issue is whether the onset of Petitioner’s left shoulder pain was within 48-hours
after vaccination, as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table for a SIRVA injury after receipt
of the flu vaccine. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a) XIV.B. (2017) (influenza vaccination). The Table’s
“Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation” (“QAI”) for a SIRVA-based claim also require
that a petitioner’s pain have occurred within this same 48-hour time frame. 42 C.F.R. §
100.3(c)(10).
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 as set forth in Section
11(c)(1). I have discussed the factors to be considered in determining whether a petitioner
3 See Minute Entry dated October 2, 2020. The transcript of this hearing, which was not yet filed as of the
date of this Ruling, is hereby incorporated into my Findings of Fact by reference.
4 Respondent also questioned whether Petitioner had a history of left shoulder pain and dysfunction prior
to vaccination, but has since indicated that he is no longer challenging this issue. See Scheduling Order,
issued February 25, 2020 (ECF No. 33).
2

Case 1:18-vv-01792-UNJ Document 52 Filed 11/10/20 Page 3 of 5
has met their burden in several recent decisions. I fully adopt and hereby incorporate my
prior discussion in section III of the following decisions: Marrow v. Sec’y of Health & Hum.
Servs., No. 17-1964V, 2020 WL 3639775 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 2, 2020); Robinson
v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 17-1050V, 2020 WL 3729432 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
June 5, 2020); Decoursey v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No.18-870V, 2020 WL
4673228 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 9, 2020).
In sum, 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 the petitioner’s injury or illness that is contained in a medical record.
Section 13(b)(1). Moreover, 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 the injury] . . . did in fact occur within the time period
described in the Vaccine Injury Table.” Id.
IV. Finding of Fact
I make the finding regarding onset after a complete review of the record to include
all medical records, affidavits, Respondent’s Rule 4(c) report, additional evidence and
briefing by the parties. Specifically, I base the finding on the following evidence:
• Mr. Lewis was administered a flu vaccine in his left shoulder on October 22,
2016. Ex. 2.
• In his affidavit, Mr. Lewis averred that his symptoms “began almost
immediately upon receiving the vaccination.” Ex. 4 at 1. Mr. Lewis further
stated that although he continued to experience pain and swelling in his left
shoulder in the following days and weeks, he did not immediately seek
treatment because he “thought the pain would go away on its own.” Id. at
1-2.
• On March 3, 2017, four months and twelve days after vaccination, Mr. Lewis
presented to his primary care physician, Dr. Eric Hart, with a complaint of
left shoulder pain “after receiving a flu shot in October.” Ex. 6 at 77. Mr.
Lewis also complained of left should pain that occurred “after receiving a flu
vaccine” in a subsequent appointment with Dr. Hart on June 28, 2017. Id.
at 4. On August 23, 2017, Dr. Hart noted that Mr. Lewis attributed his left
shoulder pain to the “flu vaccine that he received.” Ex. 5 at 9.
• On March 16, 2017, Mr. Lewis presented to orthopedist, Dr. William Kesto.
Ex. 3 at 49. Dr. Kesto noted “[p]atient is here today for his left shoulder that
he states was injured when he received a flu shot 5 months ago.” Id.
3

Case 1:18-vv-01792-UNJ Document 52 Filed 11/10/20 Page 4 of 5
• Mr. Lewis underwent a physical therapy evaluation on April 3, 2017. Ex. 3
at 45. He reported that his left shoulder pain “started . . . after getting a flu
shot in Oct[ober].” Id. The date of injury was noted as October 3, 2016. Id.
• Mr. Lewis presented to orthopedist, Dr. James Bolz, on July 26, 2017. Ex.
3 at 2. Mr. Lewis stated that “he was given a flu vaccine in October and his
left shoulder has been hurting every since.” Id.
• On October 2, Mr. Lewis reported shoulder pain to Dr. Martin W. Jenter. Ex.
5 at 1. Mr. Lewis reporting having had left shoulder pain “since he got the
flu injection last year.” Id.
• Arlene Grigsby, Mr. Lewis’s fiancé, submitted an affidavit dated May 18,
2020. Ex. 14. In it, she averred that within a week of Mr. Lewis’s vaccination,
he shared with her that “his arm was still sore after receiving the flu shot.”
Id. at 1.
• Mr. Lewis’s son, Desmon Lewis, submitted an affidavit dated May 27, 2020,
in which he reported a telephone conversation in which his father stated
that “he had just received his flu shot” and his left shoulder was hurting from
the shot. Ex. 15 at 1.
The above items of evidence collectively establish that Mr. Lewis’s shoulder pain
most likely began within 48 hours of receiving the October 22, 2016 flu vaccine. I
recognize that Petitioner’s medical records do not reflect a precise date of onset, and also
that (as Respondent argues) the vague temporal references to onset (i.e., “after receiving
a flu shot . . .”) allow for the possibility that onset occurred more than 48 hours from
vaccination. However, there is no counter-evidence undercutting Petitioner’s contention
that his pain began close-in-time to vaccination, and he consistently attributed his
shoulder symptoms to his flu shot. Indeed, at his first post-vaccination medical
appointment (for this is not a case with intervening records that rebut Petitioner’s
contentions), Mr. Lewis specifically complained of left shoulder pain “after receiving a flu
shot in October.” Ex. 6 at 77. He continued to make such assertions at all subsequent
medical encounters. Furthermore, the affidavits submitted by Mr. Lewis and his witnesses
are consistent with the medical evidence, and I have found no reason not to deem them
credible otherwise.
Although Mr. Lewis did not seek treatment for his left shoulder injury until
approximately four-and-a-half months following the October 22, 2016 vaccination, I do
not find this delay to be dispositive regarding the issue of onset. Indeed, Mr. Lewis’s
medical records and affidavits reflect a pattern similar to other SIRVA claims, in which
injured parties reasonably delay treatment, often based on the assumption that their pain
is likely transitory. See, e.g., Tenneson v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 16-1664V,
2018 WL 3083140, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 30, 2018), review denied, 142 Fed.
Cl. 329 (2019), (finding a 48-hour onset of shoulder pain despite a nearly six-month delay
in seeking treatment); 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
for five-and-a-half months because petitioner underestimated the severity of her shoulder
4

Case 1:18-vv-01792-UNJ Document 52 Filed 11/10/20 Page 5 of 5
injury); Knauss v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 16-1372V, 2018 WL 3432906 (Fed.
Cl. Spec. Mstr. May 23, 2018) (noting a three-month delay in seeking treatment).
Accordingly, I find there is preponderant evidence to establish that the onset of Mr.
Lewis’s left shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of the October 22, 2016 flu
vaccination.
V. Scheduling Order
Given my finding of fact regarding onset – and specifically that it is consistent with
the Table requirements for a SIRVA claim - Respondent should evaluate and provide his
current position regarding the merits of Petitioner’s case.
Respondent shall file, by no later than Monday, November 9, 2020, an amended
Rule 4(c) Report reflecting Respondent’s position in light of the above fact-finding.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
104
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
5

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01792-1
Date issued/filed: 2020-12-15
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 11/13/2020) regarding 53 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01792-UNJ Document 56 Filed 12/15/20 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1792V
UNPUBLISHED
STEVEN LEWIS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: November 13, 2020
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Ruling on Entitlement; Table Injury;
HUMAN SERVICES, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder
Injury Related to Vaccine
Respondent. Administration (SIRVA)
Bruce William Slane, Law Office of Bruce W. Slane, P.C., White Plains, NY, for
Petitioner.
Mollie Danielle Gorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On November 20, 2018, Steven Lewis 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”) vaccination administered on
October 22, 2016. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of
the Office of Special Masters.
On October 8, 2020, I issued Findings of Fact in which I determined that
Petitioner’s “shoulder pain most likely began within 48 hours of receiving the October 22,
1 Because this unpublished 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 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 “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa
(2012).

Case 1:18-vv-01792-UNJ Document 56 Filed 12/15/20 Page 2 of 2
2016 flu vaccine.” ECF No. 48 at 4. In reaction, on November 9, 2020, Respondent filed
an Amended Rule 4(c) Report indicating that while preserving his right to appeal the
October 8, 2020 Fact Finding, he agrees that “[P]etitioner has satisfied all legal
prerequisites for compensation under the Act.” Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 2 (citing
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-13).
Specifically, Respondent stated as follows:
In light of the Chief Special Master’s fact finding, and medical record
evidence submitted in this case, [the Secretary] will not continue to contest
that petitioner suffered SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table . . . In
addition, petitioner suffered the residual effects of his condition for more
than six months. 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-11(c)(1)(D)(i). Therefore, based on the
record as it now stands and subject to his right to appeal the Findings of
Fact, respondent does not dispute that petitioner has satisfied all legal
prerequisites for compensation under the Act. 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-13.
Id. at 5.
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
2

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DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_18-vv-01792-2
Date issued/filed: 2021-04-23
Pages: 4
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 03/24/2021) regarding 65 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:18-vv-01792-UNJ Document 69 Filed 04/23/21 Page 1 of 4
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 18-1792V
UNPUBLISHED
STEVEN LEWIS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: March 24, 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)
Bruce William Slane, Law Office of Bruce W. Slane, P.C., White Plains, NY, for
Petitioner.
Mollie Danielle Gorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On November 20, 2018, Steven Lewis 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
October 22, 2016. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of
the Office of Special Masters.
On November 13, 2020, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner
entitled to compensation for SIRVA. On March 22, 2021, Respondent filed a proffer on
award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $41,133.50
(comprised of $40,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,133.50 for past, unreimbursed
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-01792-UNJ Document 69 Filed 04/23/21 Page 2 of 4
medical expenses). Proffer at 1. 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 $41,133.50 (comprised of $40,000.00 for pain and suffering and
$1,133.50 for past, unreimbursed medical expenses) in the form of a check payable
to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be
available under § 15(a).
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-01792-UNJ Document 69 Filed 04/23/21 Page 3 of 4
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
)
STEVEN LEWIS, )
)
Petitioner, )
) No. 18-1792V
v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran
) ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN )
SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
)
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
I. Items of Compensation
On November 9, 2020, respondent filed an Amended Rule 4(c) Report, following a fact
finding by the Chief Special Master regarding symptom onset, where he chose not to defend this
case under the terms of the Vaccine Act for his shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
(“SIRVA”) Table injury, after receipt of a flu vaccine administered on October 22, 2016. On
November 13, 2020, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement, finding that
petitioner was entitled to compensation for his SIRVA. Based upon the evidence of record,
respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $41,133.50. The award is comprised of
the following: $40,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,133.50 for past, unreimbursed medical
expenses. This 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
The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner should be made through
a lump sum payment of $41,133.50, in the form of a check payable to petitioner. Petitioner

Case 1:18-vv-01792-UNJ Document 69 Filed 04/23/21 Page 4 of 4
agrees.
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN M. BOYNTON
Acting Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Acting Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
DARRYL R. WISHARD
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
/s/ Mollie D. Gorney
MOLLIE D. GORNEY
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington D.C. 20044-0146
(202) 616- 4029
mollie.d.gorney@usdoj.gov
Dated: March 22, 2021