Jeffrey E. Olson v. HHS - Tdap, Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Jeffrey E. Olson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging he suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) after receiving a tetanus vaccination in his left arm on July 1, 2019.

The respondent initially contested entitlement, arguing that Mr. Olson failed to demonstrate that his pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the shoulder where the vaccine was administered.

However, after reviewing Mr. Olson's medical records and his expert report from Dr.

Marko Bodor, the respondent amended their position, stating they would not continue to defend the case and requested a ruling on the record. Mr.

Olson's medical records indicated increasing soreness, stiffness, and limited range of motion in his left shoulder starting the day after vaccination, with pain radiating to his neck and upper back. Dr.

Bodor opined that Mr. Olson's symptoms were consistent with SIRVA and met the criteria for a Table Injury.

The Special Master reviewed the evidence, finding that Mr. Olson had no prior history of shoulder issues, that his pain began within 48 hours of vaccination, that the pain and reduced range of motion were primarily limited to his left shoulder despite some radiation, and that no other condition explained his symptoms.

The Special Master concluded that Mr. Olson established by preponderant evidence that he suffered a SIRVA Table Injury and is entitled to compensation.

A separate damages order will be issued.