Denise Brueggeman v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2021)

Denise Brueggeman filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on September 28, 2018. She stated that she received the vaccination in the United States, suffered residual effects for more than six months, and had not filed a civil action or received other compensation for her alleged vaccine-caused SIRVA.

Respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) Report conceding that Petitioner's alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA and was caused-in-fact by the flu vaccine. The Respondent further agreed that Petitioner had satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation.

Based on the Respondent's concession and the evidence of record, the Chief Special Master found Petitioner entitled to compensation. A subsequent decision awarded Petitioner a lump sum payment of $46,935.80, representing $46,500.00 for her past pain and suffering and $435.80 for her past unreimbursed expenses.