Carmen Teufel v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Carmen Teufel, an 80-year-old woman, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 22, 2016, caused her to develop a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). She reported immediate severe pain at the injection site in her left shoulder, which intensified in the hours following vaccination.

Medical records indicated that while she had a prior episode of neck and shoulder pain in March 2016, it was attributed to neck arthritis and had resolved before the vaccination. Following the flu shot, she experienced persistent left shoulder pain, which was diagnosed as myositis and later rotator cuff tear exacerbated by the vaccine.

She received multiple cortisone injections and physical therapy with limited long-term relief. The respondent initially contested entitlement, arguing that her pain predated the vaccination and did not meet the 48-hour onset requirement for a Table SIRVA.

However, after reviewing the medical records and expert reports, the Chief Special Master found that Ms. Teufel had no prior shoulder condition that would explain her post-vaccination symptoms and that her pain onset occurred within 48 hours of the vaccination.

The court determined that her pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the left shoulder and that no other condition explained her symptoms. Consequently, entitlement to compensation was granted.

The case then proceeded to the damages phase, where the parties stipulated to an award of $75,000.00 for pain and suffering.