{"package_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00025","decision_granule_id":"USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00025-1","petitioner_identifier":"Lexi Kestner","is_minor":0,"age_at_vaccination":26.0,"age_unit_raw":"years","vaccine_type":"influenza","vaccination_date":"2017-10-04","condition_raw":"shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)","condition_category":"SIRVA","autism_spectrum_adjacent":0,"outcome":"compensated","award_amount_usd":115502,"decision_date":"2023-03-10","extraction_version":"gemini-v2","extracted_at":"2026-04-30T05:17:47.621143+00:00","number_of_concurrent_vaccines":1,"dose_number":null,"time_to_onset_days":16,"theory_of_causation":"Petitioner Lexi Kestner, age 26, received an influenza vaccine on October 4, 2017. She alleged a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) occurred as a result of this vaccination. Respondent conceded entitlement, finding the injury met the criteria for a Table injury. The Special Master found the injury to be a moderate SIRVA requiring surgery. The decision does not detail the specific mechanism of injury or name medical experts. The award of $115,502.58 was for pain and suffering ($115,000.00) and unreimbursed mileage expenses ($502.58). Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued the decision on March 10, 2023. Petitioner's counsel was Anne Carrion Toale, and Respondent's counsel was Alexa Roggenkamp.","is_death":0,"date_of_death":null,"petition_filed_date":"2020-01-08","case_summary":"Lexi Kestner, a 26-year-old nurse, filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on January 8, 2020. She alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza vaccine administered on October 4, 2017. The respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report on June 4, 2021, conceding that Ms. Kestner was entitled to compensation because her injury met the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and its Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on June 4, 2021, finding Ms. Kestner entitled to compensation. The parties were unable to agree on damages, leading to a decision awarding damages issued by Chief Special Master Corcoran on March 10, 2023. Ms. Kestner received an influenza vaccine in her left shoulder on October 4, 2017. Sixteen days later, on October 20, 2017, she reported pain with movement that interfered with daily activities and sleep. She was diagnosed with bursitis and received a steroid injection, which provided temporary relief. Her pain returned, and she underwent physical therapy, which aggravated her symptoms. She was prescribed medication and ordered to remain out of work for periods. An MRI on December 8, 2017, revealed a small labral tear and a cyst, with no profound findings of subacromial bursitis or rotator cuff pathology. Ms. Kestner underwent a left shoulder arthroscopy with subacromial bursectomy on February 1, 2018. Following surgery, she attended 29 physical therapy sessions and reported significant improvement. She was discharged from physical therapy approximately eight months after her vaccination, reporting 95% improvement. In September 2018, she reported intermittent shoulder pain, which worsened, and was prescribed a Medrol Dosepak. There are no further treatment records after September 2018, though Ms. Kestner stated she continued to experience tightness and pain. Petitioner sought $135,000.00 for pain and suffering, arguing her injury was severe, required extensive treatment including surgery, and impacted her life, including her wedding planning. Respondent proposed an award of $87,500.00, contending her injury was modest with largely resolved symptoms after eight months. Chief Special Master Corcoran reviewed prior SIRVA cases and arguments from both parties. He found Ms. Kestner's injury to be consistent with a moderate SIRVA requiring surgery. He noted her prompt treatment, pain levels, and the necessity of surgery. While distinguishing her case from the cited Nute case, which awarded $125,000, he found her requested award too high. He also found Respondent's proposed award too low, particularly given the surgery. Considering the Wylie case, which awarded $108,000 for a similar treatment course, and factoring in Ms. Kestner's additional post-surgery physical therapy, return with ongoing symptoms, and impact on her professional and personal life, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $115,000.00 for pain and suffering. The parties agreed to $502.58 for unreimbursed mileage expenses. The total award was $115,502.58, paid as a lump sum check to Lexi Kestner. Petitioner's counsel was Anne Carrion Toale of Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA. Respondent's counsel was Alexa Roggenkamp of the U.S. Department of Justice. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued the decision.","is_minor_inferred":0,"is_pediatric_broad":0,"special_master":"Brian H. Corcoran","petitioner_identifier_original":null,"caption_petitioner_name":"Lexi Kestner","petitioner_attorney_name":"Theodore J. Hong; Anne Carrion Toale","petitioner_attorney_firm":"Maglio Christopher & Toale, PA","petitioner_attorney_location":"Seattle, WA; Sarasota, FL","adjudicator_name":null,"caption_people_backfilled_at":"2026-05-05 23:44:26","attorney_canonical_keys":"|theodore-hong|anne-toale|","firm_canonical_key":"maglio-christopher-and-toale","package_title":"KESTNER v. 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