VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01129
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01129
Petitioner: Lindsey Austin
Filed: 2020-09-03
Decided: 2022-06-16
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2019-10-01
Condition: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 45000

AI-assisted case summary:
Lindsey Austin filed a petition on September 3, 2020, seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. She alleged that she sustained a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), a condition listed in the Vaccine Injury Table, as a result of an influenza vaccine she received on October 1, 2019. Ms. Austin claimed the vaccination occurred within the United States, that she experienced residual effects of the injury for more than six months, and that she had no prior award or settlement for this condition. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Ms. Austin sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the influenza vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury or any other injury, and denied that her current condition was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Despite these opposing positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation on May 4, 2022, agreeing to settle the case. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding Lindsey Austin $45,000.00 as compensation for all damages. This decision was finalized on June 16, 2022. The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, medical tests, treatments, or expert witnesses involved in this case. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, and respondent was represented by Amanda Pasciuto of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Theory of causation field:
Petitioner Lindsey Austin alleged a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) following an influenza vaccine administered on October 1, 2019. The injury was alleged to be a Table injury, occurring within the United States, with residual effects lasting over six months. Respondent denied the SIRVA Table injury and causation. The parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the stipulation, awarding Petitioner $45,000.00 for all damages. The public text does not detail the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or the clinical progression of the condition. Petitioner was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant and respondent by Amanda Pasciuto. The decision date was June 16, 2022.

Public staged source text:

================================================================================
DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01129-0
Date issued/filed: 2022-06-16
Pages: 7
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 05/05/2022) regarding 35 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Case 1:20-vv-01129-UNJ Document 39 Filed 06/16/22 Page 1 of 7
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-1129V
UNPUBLISHED
LINDSEY AUSTIN, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: May 5, 2022
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU); Joint
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Stipulation on Damages; Influenza
HUMAN SERVICES, (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder Injury
Related to Vaccine Administration
Respondent. (SIRVA)
Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for
Petitioner.
Amanda Pasciuto, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1
On September 3, 2020, Lindsey Austin 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 Table injury – a Shoulder Injury
Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”) – as a result of an influenza (“flu”)
vaccination on October 1, 2019. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed May 4, 2022, ¶¶ 1-2, 4.
Petitioner further alleges the vaccine was administered within the United States, that she
suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and that there has
been no prior award or settlement of a civil action on her behalf as a result of her injury.
Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5; see Petition at ¶¶ 1, 8-9. “Respondent denies that [P]etitioner
sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu vaccine caused [P]etitioner’s alleged
shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequelae of
a vaccine-related injury.” Stipulation at ¶ 6.
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-01129-UNJ Document 39 Filed 06/16/22 Page 2 of 7
Nevertheless, on May 4, 2022, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating
that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation
reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following
compensation:
A lump sum of $45,000.00 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner.
Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages
that would be available under Section 15(a). Id.
I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of
a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to
enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
3 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-01129-UNJ Document 39 Filed 06/16/22 Page 3 of 7
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
LINDSEY AUSTIN,
Petitioner,
v. No. 20-1 I 29V
Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran
SECRETARY OF HEAL TH AND ECF
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
I. Lindsey Austin ("petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34 (the "Vaccine
Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt
of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which is a vaccine contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the
"Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a).
2. Petitioner received the flu vaccine on October I, 20 I 9.
3. The vaccination was administered within the United States.
4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table following administration of the vaccine.
She further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six
months.
5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition.

Case 1:20-vv-01129-UNJ Document 39 Filed 06/16/22 Page 4 of 7
6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu
vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that her
current condition is a sequelae of a vaccine-related injury.
7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the
issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the
compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.
8. As soon as practicable after an entry of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with
the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payment:
A lump sum of$45,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This
amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after
petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before
the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this
petition.
10. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to
this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable
under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be
expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or
State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
§ 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.
2

Case 1:20-vv-01129-UNJ Document 39 Filed 06/16/22 Page 5 of 7
11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation and any amounts awarded
pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-
15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.
12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided
pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a
strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-l 5(g) and (h).
13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her
individual capacity, and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns,
does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and
the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action
(including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands
of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely
brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program, 42 U .S.C. § 300aa-l O et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all
known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting
from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on October l, 2019, , as
alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about September 3, 2020,
in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 20-l 129V.
14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable
upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.
3

Case 1:20-vv-01129-UNJ Document 39 Filed 06/16/22 Page 6 of 7
15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms
of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a
decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties'
settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.
16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and
damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the
parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated
and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this
Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the
items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.
17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder
injury or any other injury or her current condition, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained
in the Vaccine Injury Table.
18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.
END OF STIPULATION
4

Case 1:20-vv-01129-UNJ Document 39 Filed 06/16/22 Page 7 of 7
Respectfully submitted,
PETITIONER:
ATTORNEY OF RECORD AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
FOR PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:
~
L~~
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC Deputy Director
1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Torts Branch
Washington, DC 20006 Civil Division
Tel: (202)775-9200 U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR
OFTHESECRETARYOFHEALTH RESPONDENT:
AND HUMAN SERVICES:
George R. Grimes -
DlgltallyslgnedbyGeorgeR.
Grlmes-S14
S1 4 Date: 2022.04.25 15:36:22 -04'00' ~~hdo
CDR GEORGE GRIMES, MD, MPH A ASC 0
Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney
Compensation Programs Torts Branch
Health Systems Bureau Civil Division .
Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice
Administration P.O. Box 146
U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station
and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0146
5600 Fishers Lane, 08Nl46B Tel: (202) 616-4847
Rockville, MD 20857 Email: amanda.y.pasciuto@usdoj.gov
5/ ~ / B.DdQ\
Dated:
I
5