Andrew Finneran v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)

On August 14, 2020, Andrew Finneran filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on November 5, 2018 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Proof of vaccination came through a nurse letter and related records, but the vaccination site was not documented in the vaccine record.

Early records in late 2018 described left shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and concern that symptoms correlated with the flu shot; an MRI showed edema that could fit direct injection into the humerus or tendon footprint. Other records also reflected neck or radicular complaints and unrelated orthopedic issues.

After early treatment and pain management, long gaps appeared in the shoulder-specific record, including periods when Mr. Finneran sought care for other medical problems but not his shoulder.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found that the six-month severity requirement was not met.

He concluded that the treatment gaps began before the pandemic, that home exercises alone did not establish residual effects, and that later records did not show a continuous compensable shoulder course. On January 28, 2026, the petition was dismissed and no compensation was awarded.