Jeffrey Balch v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Jeffrey Balch, an adult, received an influenza vaccine on November 13, 2018. Within hours, he developed shoulder pain that worsened over the next two days, and he was diagnosed with shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA).

He sought medical attention within about a month of vaccination. Mr.

Balch submitted medical records and affidavits detailing his pain, which interfered with his ability to play guitar, swim, and bike, activities central to his well-being. He also noted that his SIRVA complicated his later management of a lung cancer diagnosis.

Respondent conceded that Mr. Balch was entitled to compensation, agreeing that his injury met the criteria of the Vaccine Injury Table and that he experienced residual effects for more than six months.

The parties could not agree on damages, leading to a hearing. The court awarded Mr.

Balch $78,906.00, comprising $77,000.00 for pain and suffering and $1,906.00 for past unreimbursable expenses.