VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00353
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00353
Petitioner: Lisa Blunt
Filed: 2021-07-22
Decided: 2023-11-21
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2018-09-28
Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 125000

AI-assisted case summary:
Lisa Blunt filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving the influenza vaccine on September 28, 2018. The Chief Special Master issued a fact ruling on April 5, 2021, finding that the onset of her alleged shoulder injury occurred within the 48-hour Table time frame for SIRVA. Based on this finding, the respondent filed a Rule 4 report on July 14, 2021, conceding that Ms. Blunt had satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation. Consequently, a ruling on entitlement was issued on July 22, 2021, finding Ms. Blunt entitled to compensation for her SIRVA. The case then proceeded to damages. On October 19, 2023, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, recommending an award of $125,000.00 for pain and suffering, which Ms. Blunt agreed to. The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding this lump sum payment on November 21, 2023. The case was treated as a Table injury claim, and the outcome was compensation.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00353-0
Date issued/filed: 2021-05-06
Pages: 8
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 04/05/2021) regarding 24 Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 25 Filed 05/06/21 Page 1 of 8
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-0353V
UNPUBLISHED
LISA BLUNT, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: April 5, 2021
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Findings of Fact; Onset; Influenza
HUMAN SERVICES, (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder Injury
Related to Vaccine Administration
Respondent. (SIRVA)
Heather Varney Menezes, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., Manchester, NH, for Petitioner.
Mallori Browne Openchowski, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for
Respondent.
FINDINGS OF FACT1
On March 27, 2020, Lisa Blunt filed a petition for compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine
Act”). Petitioner alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”), a defined Table Injury, after receiving the influenza (“flu”)
vaccine on September 28, 2018. Petition at 1, ¶ 3. The case was assigned to the Special
Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
1 Because this unpublished fact ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am
required to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-
Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic
Government Services). This means the fact ruling will be available to anyone with access to the
internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact
medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from
public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 25 Filed 05/06/21 Page 2 of 8
For the reasons discussed below, I find there is preponderant evidence
establishing that the onset of Petitioner’s SIRVA occurred within 48 hours of vaccination.
Specifically, Petitioner likely suffered pain immediately upon vaccination.
I. Relevant Procedural History
Along with the Petition, Ms. Blunt filed her affidavit and some of the medical records
required by the Vaccine Act. Exhibits 1-10, ECF No. 1. Included in these exhibits was a
letter from Dr. Campbell at Orchard Surgical Center, where Petitioner was working when
she received the flu vaccine, indicating that he was aware of Petitioner’s injury and
administered a cortisone injection to her shortly after vaccination. Exhibit 3. Approximately
ten days later, Petitioner filed medical records requests and certification, additional
medical records, a supplemental affidavit, and a statement of completion. Exhibits 11-13,
ECF Nos. 7-8.
Following the initial status conference, held on May 18, 2020, Respondent filed a
status report requesting medical records or additional documentation regarding the
cortisone injection administered by Dr. Campbell. ECF No. 13. In response, Petitioner
filed a letter from the office manager at Orchard Surgical Center indicating there were no
records for Petitioner, including any documentation regarding the cortisone injection
administered by Dr. Campbell. Exhibit 14, ECF No. 14.
On October 14, 2020, Respondent filed another status report indicating that, given
the lack of documentation regarding the cortisone injection administered to Petitioner
several weeks after vaccination, additional factual development on the issue of onset may
be needed. ECF No. 17. On February 8, 2021, Petitioner filed a status report providing
further explanation regarding onset and her current condition, an affidavit from the office
manager at Orchard Surgical Center, her third affidavit, and another statement of
completion. ECF Nos. 20-23.
I have determined that a factual finding regarding the onset of Petitioner’s SIRVA
is required in this case, and will assist in its ultimate disposition.
II. Issue
At issue is whether Petitioner’s first symptom or manifestation of onset after
vaccine administration (specifically pain) occurred within 48 hours as set forth in the
Vaccine Injury Table and Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (“QAI”) for a Table
SIRVA. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a) XIV.B. (2017) (influenza vaccination); 42 C.F.R. §
100.3(c)(10)(ii) (required onset for pain listed in the QAI).
2

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 25 Filed 05/06/21 Page 3 of 8
III. Authority
Pursuant to Vaccine Act Section 13(a)(1)(A), a petitioner must prove, by a
preponderance of the evidence, the matters required in the petition by Vaccine Act
Section 11(c)(1). A special master must consider, but is not bound by, any diagnosis,
conclusion, judgment, test result, report, or summary concerning the nature, causation,
and aggravation of petitioner’s injury or illness that is contained in a medical record.
Section 13(b)(1). “Medical records, in general, warrant consideration as trustworthy
evidence. The records contain information supplied to or by health professionals to
facilitate diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. With proper treatment hanging in
the balance, accuracy has an extra premium. These records are also generally
contemporaneous to the medical events.” Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs.,
993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
The United States Court of Federal Claims has recognized that “medical records
may be incomplete or inaccurate.” Camery v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 42 Fed.
Cl. 381, 391 (1998). The Court later outlined four possible explanations for
inconsistencies between contemporaneously created medical records and later
testimony: (1) a person’s failure to recount to the medical professional everything that
happened during the relevant time period; (2) the medical professional’s failure to
document everything reported to her or him; (3) a person’s faulty recollection of the events
when presenting testimony; or (4) a person’s purposeful recounting of symptoms that did
not exist. La Londe v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 110 Fed. Cl. 184, 203-04 (2013),
aff’d, 746 F.3d 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2014).
The Court has also said that medical records may be outweighed by testimony that
is given later in time that is “consistent, clear, cogent, and compelling.” Camery, 42 Fed.
Cl. at 391 (citing Blutstein v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 90-2808, 1998 WL
408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998). The credibility of the individual offering
such testimony must also be determined. Andreu v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 569
F.3d 1367, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2009); Bradley v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 991 F.2d
1570, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
A special master may find that the first symptom or manifestation of onset of an
injury occurred “within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury Table even though
the occurrence of such symptom or manifestation was not recorded or was incorrectly
recorded as having occurred outside such period.” Section 13(b)(2). “Such a finding may
be made only upon demonstration by a preponderance of the evidence that the onset [of
the injury] . . . did in fact occur within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury
Table.” Id.
3

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 25 Filed 05/06/21 Page 4 of 8
The special master is obligated to fully consider and compare the medical records,
testimony, and all other “relevant and reliable evidence contained in the record.” La
Londe, 110 Fed. Cl. at 204 (citing Section 12(d)(3); Vaccine Rule 8); see also Burns v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 3 F.3d 415, 417 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (holding that it is within
the special master’s discretion to determine whether to afford greater weight to medical
records or to other evidence, such as oral testimony surrounding the events in question
that was given at a later date, provided that such determination is rational).
IV. Finding of Fact
I make the findings after a complete review of the record to include all medical
records, affidavits, and additional evidence filed. Specifically, I base the findings on the
following evidence:
• Prior to receiving the flu vaccine, Petitioner visited her primary care provider
(“PCP”) for annual physicals and common illnesses. Exhibit 10 at 49-91.
There is nothing in the medical records to suggest Petitioner suffered prior
shoulder problems.
• Petitioner received the flu vaccine alleged as causal in her right deltoid on
September 28, 2018. Exhibit 2 at 1. According to Petitioner, the vaccination
was required by her employer, Orchard Surgical Center, LLC. Exhibit 5 at
¶¶ 1-2.
• In her affidavit, Petitioner described “immediate discomfort in [her] right arm
after vaccination.” Exhibit 5 at ¶ 4. She added that “[w]ithin a few hours
following the September 28, 2018 vaccination, [she] could barely lift [her]
arm.” Id. Reporting that she received the vaccination on Friday, Petitioner
indicated that she took Aleve throughout the weekend. Id.
• While she did not specify the exact timing of her complaints, Petitioner
stated that she informed her supervisor Karen Belanger of her right shoulder
injury, who then consulted the Chief Operating Officer Cathy D’Entremont.
Exhibit 5 at ¶ 5. In her affidavit, Ms. Belanger indicated Petitioner informed
her of the right shoulder pain she was experiencing the next day, on
Saturday, October 1, 2018. Affidavit of Karen Belanger (“Belanger Aff.”) at
¶ 3. Ms. Belanger added that she informed Ms. D’Entremont of Petitioner’s
injury on Monday, October 3. Id. at ¶ 4.
4

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 25 Filed 05/06/21 Page 5 of 8
• Both Petitioner and Ms. Belanger reported that, when Petitioner’s
symptoms failed to improve, Ms. D’Entremont arranged for Dr. Campbell,
an orthopedic surgeon at Orchard Surgical Center, to administer a cortisone
injection to Petitioner. Exhibit 5 at ¶ 6; Belanger Aff. at ¶ 4. Petitioner
submitted a letter from Dr. Crawford Campbell, confirming that he
administered the cortisone injection as described, at the request of Ms.
D’Entremont. Exhibit 3.
• Dr. Campbell indicated that the cortisone injection “was given informally in
the facility, approximately a week and a half to two weeks after [Petitioner]
received the flu shot, due to increasing pain in [Petitioner’s] right shoulder.”
Exhibit 3. Petitioner recalled the injection occurred slightly later, two to three
weeks after vaccination. Exhibit 5 at ¶ 7. According to Ms. Belanger, the
cortisone injection was administered by Dr. Campbell in mid-October.
Belanger Aff. at ¶ 4. These time periods translate to the following dates:
October 8 to 12, October 12 to 19, and October 15, 2018.
• Ms. Belanger indicated that Petitioner “was not charged for the cortisone
injection [which] was done as a favor, informally by the surgeon, with no
formal record created.” Belanger Aff. at ¶ 4. She adds that “[t]he fact that
there are no records of this injection is not unusual or unexpected.” Id. In
the submitted letter, dated July 21, 2020, Ms. Belanger reported “there are
no medical records or bills at [Orchard Surgical Center] regarding Lisa
Blunt.” Exhibit 14.
• Petitioner’s medical records show she visited her PCP for a physical and
labs on October 23 and 30, 2018, and for a cough on December 18, 2018
and January 8, 2019. Exhibit 2 at 36-48. There is no mention of right
shoulder pain in the records from these visits.
• In her affidavit, Petitioner claimed that her symptoms returned “[a] few
weeks after the cortisone injection” which would have been early November
2018. Exhibit 5 at ¶ 7. However, when seen on March 19, 2019, she
indicated the cortisone injection “relieved her pain up until a few weeks ago,”
in early March 2019. Exhibit 6 at 2. The March 19, 2019 record also
indicates the cortisone injection occurred in January 2019. Id.
• According to the medical records, Petitioner next complained of her right
shoulder pain when she presented for evaluation for a workers’
compensation claim on March 19, 2019. Exhibit 6 at 1-4. Petitioner and Ms.
5

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 25 Filed 05/06/21 Page 6 of 8
Belanger both indicated this visit was at Ms. Belanger’s suggestion. Exhibit
5 at ¶ 8; Belanger Aff. at ¶ 5.
• In the history Petitioner provided at the March 19, 2019 visit, she indicated
that her right shoulder pain occurred on September 28, 2018 when she
received the flu shot. Exhibit 6 at 2. She described her current level of pain
as seven out of ten, indicating it was associated with radiation or tingling
down her fingers. Id. Upon examination, tenderness in the bicipital groove
was observed. Id. at 3. Petitioner exhibited pain with shoulder movement
but normal range of motion (“ROM”) and strength. Petitioner’s symptoms
were found to be work related. Physical therapy (“PT”) was prescribed, but
no work restrictions were needed. Id.
• At her first PT session, Petitioner reported that she got a flu shot in
September which produced soreness and an inability to move her arm by
the next morning. Exhibit 7 at 1. Petitioner reported a cortisone injection in
December or January “which helped,” but a return of pain which was now
“tingling down into [her] fingers.” Id.
• Petitioner returned for re-evaluation of her workers’ compensation claim on
April 2, 17, and 26, 2019. Exhibit 6 at 5-13. Her right arm pain continued to
be attributed to the flu shot she received. Id. at 5, 8, 11. The onset of
Petitioner’s right shoulder issues was listed as September 28, 2018. Id. at
9, 12.
• On September 27, 2019, Petitioner sought a second orthopedic opinion
regarding her shoulder injury. Exhibit 4 at 1-3. At this visit, Petitioner again
reported “that she immediately had significant discomfort that got
progressively worse within 24 hours, during which she really could not lift
her arm at all and was quite miserable.” Id. at 2.
• Petitioner returned to the same orthopedist on November 8 and 11, 2019
and January 8, 2020. Exhibit 4 at 5-27. At these appointments, Petitioner
again attributed her right shoulder pain to the flu vaccine she received
approximately one year ago. Id. at 7, 17-18, 24. The orthopedist opined that
it was possible the flu vaccine was injected deeply enough to have caused
direct irritation of Petitioner’s rotator cuff. Id. at 13, 19, 21.
6

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 25 Filed 05/06/21 Page 7 of 8
The record as a whole supports Petitioner’s description of immediate pain which
was temporarily relieved by a cortisone injection administered by Dr. Campbell in early to
mid-October 2018, not long after the relevant vaccination. While there are minor
differences, the accounts provided by Ms. Belanger and Dr. Campbell mirror Petitioner’s
claims. Additionally, the lack of documentation regarding the cortisone injection Petitioner
received in October 2018 is not unreasonable, given that 1) Petitioner was required to
receive the flu vaccine at the clinic where she was employed, 2) the cortisone injection
was provided informally and at no cost, in an effort to address pain resulting from the
vaccination, and 3) Petitioner received her usual medical care from another provider.
Thus, I find these events likely occurred as Petitioner described.
Although Petitioner now claims she obtained only a few weeks relief from this
cortisone injection, the record as a whole indicates she gained more significant relief. It
appears Petitioner’s symptoms did not return until late February or early March 2019.
However, several months of temporary relief is often experienced in response to a
cortisone injection.
When Petitioner again sought treatment in conjunction with her worker’s
compensation claim, she consistently reported that her right shoulder pain began
immediately upon vaccination. Without fail, she attributed her injury to the flu vaccine she
received on September 28, 2018. On multiple occasions she identified the date of onset
specifically as September 28, 2018. While these entries were based upon information
provided by Petitioner, they still should be afforded greater weight than more current
representations, as they were uttered contemporaneously with Petitioner’s injury for the
purposes of obtaining medical care.
The Federal Circuit has stated that “[m]edical records, in general, warrant
consideration as trustworthy evidence . . . [as they] contain information supplied to or by
health professionals to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.” Cucuras,
993 F.2d at 1528 (emphasis added). Thus, the Circuit has instructed that greater weight
should be accorded to this information even when the information is provided by
Petitioner.
Furthermore, Petitioner’s assertions are supported by the opinions of both
orthopedists who treated her during 2019 and 2020. Both orthopedists determined that,
for the purposes of Petitioner’s workers’ compensation claim, the right shoulder pain she
was experiencing was due to the flu vaccine she received on September 28, 2018.
7

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 25 Filed 05/06/21 Page 8 of 8
Accordingly, I find there is preponderant evidence to establish the onset of
Petitioner’s pain occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. Specifically, I find the onset of
petitioner’s pain immediately upon vaccination.
V. Scheduling Order
Petitioner should convey her finalized demand and supporting documentation to
Respondent as soon as possible. Petitioner shall file a status report regarding her
demand and supporting documentation by no later than Friday, May 07, 2021, a
status report indicating how he intends to proceed in this case. The status report
shall indicate the date by which Petitioner provided, or intends to provide, a demand and
supporting documentation to Respondent.
Respondent shall file a status report indicating how he intends to proceed
or providing an updated estimate for the performance of his review by no later than
Friday, June 04, 2021.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
8

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00353-1
Date issued/filed: 2021-08-24
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 07/22/2021) regarding 32 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 35 Filed 08/24/21 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-0353V
UNPUBLISHED
LISA BLUNT, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: July 22, 2021
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Ruling on Entitlement; Table Injury;
HUMAN SERVICES, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder
Injury Related to Vaccine
Respondent. Administration (SIRVA)
Heather Varney Menezes, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., Manchester, NH, for Petitioner.
Mallori Browne Openchowski, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for
Respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On March 27, 2020, Lisa Blunt filed a petition for compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine
Act”). Petitioner alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”), a defined Table Injury, after receiving the influenza (“flu”)
vaccine on September 28, 2018. Petition at 1, ¶ 3, ECF No. 1. Petitioner further alleged
that she received the vaccination in the United States, that she suffered the residual
effects of her SIRVA for more than six months, and that neither she nor any other party
1 Because this unpublished Ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action in this case, I am required
to post it on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website in accordance with the E-Government Act
of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2012) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government
Services). This means the Ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance
with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information,
the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that
the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa
(2012).

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 35 Filed 08/24/21 Page 2 of 2
has filed a civil action or received compensation for her SIRVA. Id. at ¶¶ 17-18, 20. The
case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
On April 5, 2021, I made a factual finding, determining there is preponderant
evidence to establish that Petitioner’s manifestation of onset after vaccine administration
occurred within 48 hours. Fact Ruling at 2, 8, ECF No. 24.
On July 14, 2021, Respondent filed his Rule 4 report indicating that, in light of my
fact ruling, he “has concluded that [P]etitioner suffered SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine
Injury Table . . . [and] does not dispute that [P]etitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites
for compensation under the Act.” Rule 4 Report at 6, ECF No. 30. Respondent adds that
he “does not waive his right to a potential appeal of [my April 5, 2021 ruling].” Id. at 6 n.4.
In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that
Petitioner is entitled to compensation.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
2

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DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00353-2
Date issued/filed: 2023-11-21
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 10/19/2023) regarding 59 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer ( Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. )(mpj) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 63 Filed 11/21/23 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-0353V
LISA BLUNT, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: October 19, 2023
v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Heather Varney Menezes, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., Manchester, NH, for Petitioner.
Mallori Browne Openchowski, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for
Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On March 27, 2020, Lisa Blunt filed a petition for compensation under the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine
Act”). Petitioner alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”), a defined Table Injury, after receiving the influenza (“flu”)
vaccine on September 28, 2018. Petition at 1, ¶ 3, ECF No. 1. The case was assigned to
the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
On July 22, 2021, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to
compensation for her SIRVA. On October 19, 2023, Respondent filed a proffer on award
of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $125,000.00 for pain
1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made
publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or
at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government
Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government
Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In
accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other
information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I
agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access.
2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease
of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2018).

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 63 Filed 11/21/23 Page 2 of 5
and suffering.3 Proffer at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner
agrees with the proffered award. Id. at 2. Based on the record as a whole, I find that
Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump
sum payment of $125,000.00, for pain and suffering, in the form of a check payable
to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be
available under Section 15(a).
The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 The Proffer does not specify whether this total amount was for past pain and suffering or involved a portion
awarded for future pain and suffering.
4 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice
renouncing the right to seek review.
2

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 63 Filed 11/21/23 Page 3 of 5
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
LISA BLUNT,
Petitioner, No. 20-353V
Chief Special Master Corcoran
v. SPU
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
I. Procedural History and Items of Compensation
On April 5, 2021, the Chief Special Master issued a Fact Ruling, finding that the onset of
petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury occurred within the 48-hour Table time frame for a Shoulder
Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”). ECF No. 24. On July 14, 2021,
respondent filed his Vaccine Rule 4(c) report, and requested that the Court issue a ruling on the
record. Thereafter, on July 22, 2021, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement
finding that petitioner was entitled to vaccine compensation for her right Shoulder Injury Related
to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”). ECF Nos. 30, 32. Based on the evidence of record,
respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $125,000.00, which is comprised of

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 63 Filed 11/21/23 Page 4 of 5
damages for pain and suffering.1 This amount represents all elements of compensation to which
petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).2 Petitioner agrees.
II. Form of the Award
The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner should be made through
a lump sum payment of $125,000.00, in the form of a check payable to petitioner. Petitioner
agrees.
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN M. BOYNTON
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
ALEXIS B. BABCOCK
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
1 The parties have no objection to the amount of the proffered award of damages. However,
respondent reserves his right, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(e), to seek review of the Chief
Special Master’s July 22, 2021 entitlement decision, incorporating the April 5, 2021 Fact Ruling.
2 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court
for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost earnings
and future pain and suffering.

Case 1:20-vv-00353-UNJ Document 63 Filed 11/21/23 Page 5 of 5
s/ Mallori B. Openchowski
MALLORI B. OPENCHOWSKI
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146, Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146
Tel.: (202) 305-0660
mallori.b.openchowski@usdoj.gov
DATED: October 19, 2023