Maricella Garcia v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On October 2, 2019, Maricella Garcia filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on November 2, 2018 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Respondent conceded entitlement, and Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran found her entitled to compensation on March 15, 2021. Damages remained contested.
The record described a significant SIRVA course with severe pain and moderate range-of-motion limitations for at least two years, treatment with physical therapy, arthroscopic surgery in May 2019 that did not bring full relief, and later treatment by Dr. Bodor.
The parties' experts disputed how much of her ongoing pain was vaccine-related because the record also included a SLAP tear, biceps tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's-associated hand pain, and complex regional pain syndrome. Chief Special Master Corcoran found Dr.
Bodor persuasive on the vaccine-related adhesive capsulitis/SIRVA and surgical sequelae, while recognizing unrelated conditions also contributed to symptoms. He awarded $190,000.00 for past pain and suffering.
A later proffer added $9,750.42 in unreimbursed expenses and $145,831.00 in lost wages. On January 8, 2026, Ms.
Garcia received a total lump sum of $345,581.42.
Theory of causation
Influenza vaccine November 2, 2018 causing Table SIRVA; adult, exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. Damages litigated. Key facts: severe pain, moderate ROM limits for at least two years, PT, May 2019 arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Bodor opinion linking adhesive capsulitis/SIRVA and CRPS/surgical sequelae; respondent pointed to SLAP tear, biceps tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's, and CRPS. Award $190,000 pain/suffering + $9,750.42 expenses + $145,831 lost wages = $345,581.42. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition October 2, 2019; final damages January 8, 2026.