VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00446
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00446
Petitioner: Christina Wells
Filed: 2020-04-16
Decided: 2022-01-06
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2018-10-25
Condition: left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 55190

AI-assisted case summary:
Christina Wells filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on April 16, 2020, alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine received on October 25, 2018. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report on September 17, 2021, conceding that Ms. Wells met the criteria for a Table injury and was entitled to compensation. The respondent stated that Petitioner "has satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table (“Table”) and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (“QAI”) for SIRVA." Respondent also stated that no other causes for Petitioner's SIRVA were identified and that Petitioner met the statutory requirement of suffering the condition for more than six months. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement on September 17, 2021, finding Petitioner eligible for compensation. Subsequently, on December 7, 2021, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation. The parties agreed to an award of $55,190.21, comprising $55,000.00 for pain and suffering and $190.21 for medical expenses paid by Medicaid. The decision dated January 6, 2022, awarded Ms. Wells this amount, noting she is a competent adult. The award was to be paid via two lump sum payments: one check for $55,000.00 payable to Petitioner, and a second payment of $190.21 payable jointly to Petitioner and South Country Health Alliance to satisfy a Medicaid lien. Petitioner was represented by Bridget Candace McCullough of Muller Brazil, LLP, and the respondent was represented by Mark Kim Hellie of the U.S. Department of Justice. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued the final decision.

Theory of causation field:
Christina Wells filed a petition alleging a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 25, 2018. The respondent conceded that Petitioner met the criteria for a Table injury and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for SIRVA, and identified no other causes for the injury. Petitioner satisfied the statutory requirement of suffering the condition for more than six months. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement on September 17, 2021, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation. A subsequent decision on January 6, 2022, awarded Petitioner $55,190.21, consisting of $55,000.00 for pain and suffering and $190.21 for medical expenses paid by Medicaid. The theory of causation is based on the Vaccine Injury Table (Table) for SIRVA. Petitioner was represented by Bridget Candace McCullough, and Respondent was represented by Mark Kim Hellie. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran presided over the case.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00446-0
Date issued/filed: 2021-10-20
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 09/17/2021) regarding 27 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-00446-UNJ Document 30 Filed 10/20/21 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-0446V
UNPUBLISHED
CHRISTINA WELLS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: September 17, 2021
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Ruling on Entitlement; Concession;
HUMAN SERVICES, Table Injury; Influenza (Flu) Vaccine;
Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine
Respondent. Administration (SIRVA)
Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner.
Mark Kim Hellie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On April 16, 2020, Christina Wells 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 alleges that she suffered from a left shoulder injury related to
vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered on
October 25, 2018. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of
the Office of Special Masters.
On September 17, 2021, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he states
that he does not contest that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case.
Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1. Specifically, it is Respondent’s position that
Petitioner “has satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table (“Table”) and the
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 section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. §
300aa (2012).

Case 1:20-vv-00446-UNJ Document 30 Filed 10/20/21 Page 2 of 2
Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (“QAI”) for SIRVA.” Id. at 4. Respondent “[has]
not identif[ied] any other causes for [P]etitioner’s SIRVA,” and agreed that “[P]etitioner
meets the statutory requirements by suffering the condition for more than six months.” Id.
Therefore, based on the record as it now stands, Petitioner has satisfied all legal
prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act.
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 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-00446-1
Date issued/filed: 2022-01-06
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 12/07/2021) regarding 33 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-00446-UNJ Document 37 Filed 01/06/22 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-0446V
UNPUBLISHED
CHRISTINA WELLS, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: December 7, 2021
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Damages Decision Based on Proffer;
HUMAN SERVICES, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder
Injury Related to Vaccine
Respondent. Administration (SIRVA)
Bridget McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner.
Mark Hellie, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On April 16, 2020, Christina Wells 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 alleges that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (SIRVA) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine received on October 25,
2018. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office
of Special Masters.
On September 17, 2021, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner
entitled to compensation for a left SIRVA. ECF 27. On December 7, 2021, Respondent
filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be
awarded $55,190.21. Proffer at 1. The award is comprised of the following: (1) $55,000.00
1 Because this unpublished Decision 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 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 (2012).

Case 1:20-vv-00446-UNJ Document 37 Filed 01/06/22 Page 2 of 5
for pain and suffering and (2) $190.21 for medical expenses paid by Medicaid.3 Id. 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
compensation through two lump sum payments as follows:
1. A check made payable to Petitioner in the amount of $55,000.00 for pain and
suffering; and
2. A payment of $190.21, representing compensation for satisfaction of the
South Country Health Alliance Medicaid lien, payable jointly to Petitioner and
to:
South Country Health Alliance4
2300 Park Dr, Ste 100
Owatonna, MN 55060
ID#: G0585616501
Id. These amounts represent compensation for all damages that would be available under
Section 15(a).
The clerk of the court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this
decision.5
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 Respondent avers “Th[is] lump sum payment represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation,
assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the State of Minnesota or the South Country Health Alliance
may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid payments . . . made to or on behalf of
petitioner from the date of her eligibility for benefits through the date of judgment in this case as a result of
her alleged vaccine-related injury suffered on or about October 25, 2018, under Title XIX of the Social
Security Act.” Proffer at 1 n.1.
4 Petitioner agrees to endorse this payment to the South Country Health Alliance. Proffer at 2.
5 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-00446-UNJ Document 37 Filed 01/06/22 Page 3 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
CHRISTINA WELLS,
Petitioner,
Case No. 20-446V (ECF)
v. CHIEF SPECIAL MASTER
CORCORAN
SECRETARY OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
I. Procedural History
On September 17, 2021, respondent filed a Vaccine Rule 4(c) report concluding
that Christina Wells (“petitioner”) suffered an injury that is compensable under the
National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to
-34 (“the Act”). Accordingly, on September 17, 2021, the Chief Special Master issued a
Ruling on Entitlement, finding that petitioner was entitled to compensation under the Act.
II. Items of Compensation and Form of the Award
Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be
awarded $55,190.21. The award is comprised of the following: $55,000.00 for pain and
suffering and $190.21 for medical expenses paid by Medicaid.1 This amount represents
1 The $190.21 lump sum payment represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation,
assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the State of Minnesota or the South Country

Case 1:20-vv-00446-UNJ Document 37 Filed 01/06/22 Page 4 of 5
all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under
42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) regarding her October 25, 2018, influenza vaccination.
Petitioner agrees.2
III. Form of the Award
Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner be made
through two lump sum payments as described below:
(1) The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner
should be made through a lump sum payment of $55,000.00, in the
form of a check payable to petitioner. Petitioner agrees.
(2) A lump sum payment of $190.21, representing compensation for
satisfaction of the South Country Health Alliance Medicaid lien,
payable jointly to petitioner and to:
South Country Health Alliance
2300 Park Drive, Suite 100
Owatonna, MN 55060
ID#: G0585616501
Petitioner agrees to endorse this payment to the South Country Health
Alliance.
Health Alliance may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid payments
the State of Minnesota or the South Country Health Alliance made to or on behalf of
petitioner from the date of her eligibility for benefits through the date of judgment in this
case as a result of her alleged vaccine-related injury suffered on or about October 25,
2018, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act.
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 medical expenses, future lost earnings, and future pain and suffering.
2

Case 1:20-vv-00446-UNJ Document 37 Filed 01/06/22 Page 5 of 5
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this
case.
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN M. BOYNTON
Acting Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
TRACI R. PATTON
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
s/ Mark K. Hellie
MARK K. HELLIE
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146, Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
T: (202) 616-4208
E: mark.hellie@usdoj.gov
DATED: December 7, 2021
3