Donald Watford v. HHS - Influenza, right and left shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2022)

Donald Watford filed a petition for vaccine compensation on September 14, 2020, alleging that he suffered right and left shoulder injuries as a result of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines administered on February 12, 2019. Mr.

Watford alleged that these injuries constituted Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), a condition listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, and that he experienced residual effects for more than six months. He also represented that there had been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages related to his condition.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, denied that Mr. Watford sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the vaccines caused his alleged shoulder injuries or any other injury, and denied that his current condition was a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.

Despite these denials, the parties reached a joint stipulation to settle the case. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran reviewed the stipulation and found it reasonable, adopting it as his decision. Pursuant to the stipulation, Mr.

Watford was awarded $25,000.00 as compensation for all damages. This award represents a settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act.

The decision was issued on April 1, 2022. Bruce William Slane represented the petitioner, and Naseem Kourosh represented the respondent.

The public decision does not describe the specific onset of symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, or the medical experts consulted.