VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01430
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01430
Petitioner: Sandra Anzalone
Filed: 2020-10-22
Decided: 2022-07-06
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2017-10-25
Condition: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 95140

AI-assisted case summary:
Sandra Anzalone filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 25, 2017. She stated that she received the vaccine in the United States, suffered residual effects for more than six months, and had not filed a civil action or received other compensation. Respondent conceded that Petitioner was entitled to compensation, agreeing that her injury met the Table definition for SIRVA. A ruling on entitlement was issued on May 23, 2022, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on June 2, 2022, Respondent filed a proffer recommending an award of $95,140.00, which included $95,000.00 for pain and suffering and $140.00 for unreimbursed medical expenses. Petitioner agreed with this proffered award. The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding Petitioner the lump sum of $95,140.00, representing compensation for all damages available under Section 15(a) of the Vaccine Act.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01430-0
Date issued/filed: 2022-03-10
Pages: 9
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 02/07/2022) regarding 24 Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law,, Scheduling Order, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 1 of 9
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-1430V
UNPUBLISHED
SANDRA ANZALONE, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: February 7, 2022
v.
Special Processing Unit (SPU);
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND Findings of Fact; Site of Vaccination
HUMAN SERVICES, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine; Shoulder
Injury Related to Vaccine
Respondent. Administration (SIRVA)
Joseph J. Manna, Lipsitz, Green, et al., Buffalo, NY, for Petitioner.
Jennifer A. Shah, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
FINDINGS OF FACT1
On October 22, 2020, Sandra Anzalone 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”), a defined Table injury, after receiving an influenza (“flu”)
vaccine on October 25, 2017. Petition at 1, ¶ 2. The case was assigned to the Special
Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
1 Because this unpublished Fact 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 Fact 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-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 2 of 9
For the reasons discussed below, I find the flu vaccine was most likely
administered in Petitioner’s left deltoid, as alleged.
I. Relevant Procedural History
Along with the Petition, Ms. Anzalone filed her affidavit and the medical records
usually required under the Vaccine Act. Exhibits 1-11, ECF No. 1; see Section 11 (c). The
case was activated and assigned to SPU on February 26, 2021. ECF No. 8.
During the initial status conference, held on April 22, 2021, Respondent’s counsel
indicated that Respondent would like to review any medical records related to an earlier
left shoulder injury in 2006. Order, issued Apr. 23, 2021, at 1, ECF No. 11. She asked if
there was a related worker’s compensation claim for either the 2006 or current 2017
injury. In response, Petitioner’s counsel indicated that Petitioner was informed that her
current injury did not qualify for worker’s compensation, that she believed Petitioner had
not needed treatment for her 2006 injury, that she would confirm that fact and ask about
a worker’s compensation claim related to the earlier injury, and that Petitioner would file
any additional medical records obtained. Id. The parties then discussed the lack of
documentation regarding the site of vaccination and the potential need for a fact ruling
from me on the issue. Id. at 2.
Three months later, Petitioner filed additional outstanding medical records from
2015 to the present related to treatment she received from specialists such as her
cardiologist. Exhibits 12-17, filed July 22, 2021, ECF No. 14. Petitioner did not file any
medical records related to her 2006 injury. However, she filed a statement of completion
indicating that all medical records had been filed. ECF No. 15.
On September 21, 2021, Respondent filed a status report noting that Petitioner
had not filed medical records related to her 2006 injury, worker’s compensation records
related to her current injury, or further documentation regarding the site of vaccination.
Status Report at 1, ECF No. 17. Respondent further indicated that he assumed those
records did not exist (id. at 2 n.1) and believed that the factual issue regarding site of
vaccination “should be resolved through further record development while the DICP
review is pending” (id. at 2).
On November 19, 2021, Petitioner filed a detailed affidavit, additional medical
records, and documentation regarding her 2006 back and shoulder injury, the site of her
2017 vaccination, and the denial of her worker’s compensation claim for the 2017 injury.
Exhibits 18-20, ECF No. 19. She also filed a status report providing detailed information
regarding medical records related to her 2006 injury which may still be outstanding and
2

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 3 of 9
her efforts to obtain those records. ECF No. 20. On January 6, 2022, she filed a brief
regarding the site of vaccination. ECF No. 22.
In response to an inquiry from court personnel, Respondent’s counsel indicated
that Respondent wished to file a responsive brief. However, on January 28, 2022,
Respondent instead filed a status report indicating that “[a]t this time, [he] takes no
position on the site of administration of the subject vaccination in this case . . . [but]
reserves the right to amend his response once the medical review” is complete. ECF No.
23.
Respondent was informed on several occasions that I wished to address any
factual issues not requiring medical expertise prior to the HHS review. Additionally, all
available documentation related to Petitioner’s October 25, 2017 vaccination has been
filed. The issue is now ripe for adjudication.
II. Issue
At issue is whether Petitioner received the October 25, 2017 flu vaccine in her left
deltoid, as alleged.
III. Authority
Pursuant to Vaccine Act Section 13(a)(1)(A), a petitioner must prove, by a
preponderance of the evidence, the matters required in the petition by Vaccine Act
Section 11(c)(1). A special master must consider, but is not bound by, any diagnosis,
conclusion, judgment, test result, report, or summary concerning the nature, causation,
and aggravation of petitioner’s injury or illness that is contained in a medical record.
Section 13(b)(1). “Medical records, in general, warrant consideration as trustworthy
evidence. The records contain information supplied to or by health professionals to
facilitate diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. With proper treatment hanging in
the balance, accuracy has an extra premium. These records are also generally
contemporaneous to the medical events.” Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 993
F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
Accordingly, where medical records are clear, consistent, and complete, they
should be afforded substantial weight. Lowrie v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 03-
1585V, 2005 WL 6117475, at *20 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 12, 2005). However, this rule
does not always apply. “Written records which are, themselves, inconsistent, should be
accorded less deference than those which are internally consistent.” Murphy v. Sec’y of
Health & Hum. Servs., No. 90-882V, 1991 WL 74931, *4 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. April 25,
3

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 4 of 9
1991), quoted with approval in decision denying review, 23 Cl. Ct. 726, 733 (1991), aff'd
per curiam, 968 F.2d 1226 (Fed.Cir.1992)). And the Federal Circuit recently “reject[ed] as
incorrect the presumption that medical records are accurate and complete as to all the
patient’s physical conditions.” Kirby v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 997 F.3d 1378,
1383 (Fed. Cir. 2021).
The United States Court of Federal Claims has outlined four possible explanations
for inconsistencies between contemporaneously created medical records and later
testimony: (1) a person’s failure to recount to the medical professional everything that
happened during the relevant time period; (2) the medical professional’s failure to
document everything reported to her or him; (3) a person’s faulty recollection of the events
when presenting testimony; or (4) a person’s purposeful recounting of symptoms that did
not exist. La Londe v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 110 Fed. Cl. 184, 203-04 (2013),
aff’d, 746 F.3d 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2014).
The Court has also said that medical records may be outweighed by testimony that
is given later in time that is “consistent, clear, cogent, and compelling.” Camery v. Sec’y
of Health & Hum. Servs., 42 Fed. Cl. 381, 391 (1998) (citing Blutstein v. Sec’y of Health
& Hum. Servs., No. 90-2808, 1998 WL 408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998).
The credibility of the individual offering such fact testimony must also be determined.
Andreu v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 569 F.3d 1367, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2009); Bradley
v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 991 F.2d 1570, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
A special master may find that the first symptom or manifestation of onset of an
injury occurred “within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury Table even though
the occurrence of such symptom or manifestation was not recorded or was incorrectly
recorded as having occurred outside such period.” Section 13(b)(2). “Such a finding may
be made only upon demonstration by a preponderance of the evidence that the onset [of
the injury] . . . did in fact occur within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury
Table.” Id.
The special master is obligated to fully consider and compare the medical records,
testimony, and all other “relevant and reliable evidence contained in the record.” La
Londe, 110 Fed. Cl. at 204 (citing Section 12(d)(3); Vaccine Rule 8); see also Burns v.
Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 3 F.3d 415, 417 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (holding that it is within
the special master’s discretion to determine whether to afford greater weight to medical
records or to other evidence, such as oral testimony surrounding the events in question
that was given at a later date, provided that such determination is rational).
4

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 5 of 9
IV. Finding of Fact
I make the finding regarding site of vaccination after a complete review of the
record to include all medical records, affidavits, documentation, briefing, and additional
evidence filed. Specifically, I base the finding on the following evidence:
• The vaccine record filed by Petitioner, consisting of the one-page insurance
consent form, shows she was administered a full dose of the flu vaccine on
October 25, 2017. Exhibit 2 at 1. The section indicating site of injection is
blank – no option is checked. Id.
• The vaccine record contains the signature of the nurse administering the
vaccine. Exhibit 2 at 1. In her affidavit, Petitioner indicated she received the
vaccine at her place of employment - the Ford Motor Company in Buffalo,
New York. Exhibit 6 at ¶ 2. Employment records indicate these vaccinations
were provided by a separate agency visiting the plant. Exhibit 19 at 3
(indicating Petitioner “tried contacting the agency that gave her the injection
to report the incident”).
• Petitioner’s employment records show when she returned to work the next
day, Petitioner visited the occupational nurse on duty, complaining of left
arm pain due to the flu shot she received the previous day. Exhibit 19 at 3.
She reported that the shot did not hurt when administered but that she was
unable to raise her left arm by 10pm that evening. Id.
• The nurse who treated Petitioner observed ecchymosis3 at the injection site,
but no redness or swelling. Exhibit 19 at 3. Characterizing the site’s location
as atypical, she indicated it was “at the top of left arm shoulder.” Id. She
observed limited range of motion (“ROM”) in Petitioner’s left arm/shoulder.
Id.
• At the October 26 visit, as well as a follow-up visit on November 7, the
occupational health nurse instructed Petitioner to apply heat and follow-up
with her primary care provider (“PCP”). Exhibit 19 at 4. She assessed
Petitioner as “Fit for Work” on November 7, 2017. Id. at 4.
3 Ecchymosis is “a small hemorrhagic spot, larger than a petechia, in the skin or mucous membrane forming
a nonelevated, rounded or irregular, blue or purplish patch.” DORLAND’S ILLUSTRATED MEDICAL DICTIONARY
at 588 (32th ed. 2012).
5

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 6 of 9
• On November 7, 2017, Petitioner also visited her PCP for left arm pain,
characterized as a reaction to the flu vaccine. Exhibit 3 at 23-24. At this visit,
she provided the same medical history - left shoulder pain and limited ROM
which started in the evening after she received a flu vaccine administered
too high in her left deltoid. Id. at 23. Petitioner’s PCP observed pin with
palpitation and prescribed x-rays and an MRI. Id. at 23-24.
• In the record from x-rays, performed on November 9, 2017, it was noted
that Petitioner had a history of pain in her “left deltoid area over the shoulder
after getting [a] flu shot 2 weeks ago.” Exhibit 3 at 25.
• In the report from the MRI, performed on November 27, 2017, it was
reported that Petitioner had a shot on October 25, 2017, and now has pain
and decreased ROM in the left shoulder. Exhibit 3 at 26. The MRI revealed
“[r]ather severe subacromial/subdeltoid bursitis, . . . some internal debris, .
. . [t]iny partial undersurface tear distally in the supraspinatus tendon, [a]
[s]mall interstitial tear also seen in the infraspinatus tendon, [and] [n]o full-
thickness tear noted.” Id.
• On November 29, 2017, Petitioner returned to her PCP for a follow-up of
her “left shoulder pain after influenza vaccine from work.” Exhibit 3 at 29.
Again, observing pain upon palpitation and limited ROM, the PCP discussed
the MRI results, diagnosed Petitioner with subacromial bursitis of the left
shoulder joint, and referred her to an orthopedist. Id. at 29-30.
• When seen by the orthopedist on December 1, 2017, Petitioner again
reported left shoulder pain which began on October 25, 2017, after she
received a flu shot at work. Exhibit 8 at 11. She rated her pain, “located
around her deltoid muscle,” as seven out of ten. The orthopedist observed
“[m]ild tenderness over the left superior and lateral aspect of the shoulder
without significant swelling, erythema, or warmth” and limited ROM. Id. He
administered a cortisone injection. Id. at 12.
• Also, on December 1, 2017, Petitioner submitted a worker’s compensation
claim. Exhibit 20 at 11-12. On the claim form, she described her injury as
continued pain after getting a flu shot which occurred on October 25, 2017,
and was witnessed by the nurse from Health Maxim who administered the
vaccination. Id.
6

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 7 of 9
• A left shoulder ultrasound, performed on December 3, 2017, revealed an
“increased subacromial bursitis fluid suggestive of bursitis with [the]
suggestion of internal debris without increased blood flow.” Exhibit 8 at 16.
It appears an ultrasound guided cortisone injection was administered at this
appointment. Id. at 16-17 (handout regarding cortisone injections and
reference to earlier injection at the next orthopedic appointment on
December 8, 2017).
• Petitioner repeated the same medical history when seen by her orthopedist
on December 8 and 15, 2017, June 19, August 24, and October 5, 2018.
Exhibit 8 at 17, 23, 34, 40, 46. On December 8, 2017, it was noted that
Petitioner was currently not working. She received another ultrasound
cortisone injection at that visit. Id. at 21. At the next orthopedic appointment
on December 15, Petitioner was cleared to return to work without restriction
on December 22, 2017.
• On April 1, 2019, Petitioner sought a second opinion from another
orthopedist. Exhibit 9 at 6-8. She again attributed her left shoulder pain to
the flu vaccine she received in October 2017, indicating that her pain and
limited ROM began the next day. Id. at 7.
• Petitioner began physical therapy (“PT”) on June 19, 2019. Exhibit 11 at 2-
4. Throughout her PT records, there are multiple entries linking Petitioner’s
left shoulder pain with the flu vaccine she received. Id. at 2, 11, 19, 34, 49,
52, 64, 67, 79, 86, 88, 92, 95, 107, 110.
The above medical entries show that, when seeking treatment for her left shoulder
pain, Petitioner consistently attributed her pain to the vaccine she reported receiving in
her left arm. She provided these histories to the occupational nurse at work, her PCP, two
orthopedists, and her physical therapist within a day of vaccination and throughout the
subsequent two years thereafter. While originating from Petitioner, these statements are
set forth in contemporaneous records, and should therefore be afforded greater weight
than any subsequent assertion or witness statement. The Federal Circuit has stated that
“[m]edical records, in general, warrant consideration as trustworthy evidence . . . [as they]
contain information supplied to or by health professionals to facilitate diagnosis and
treatment of medical conditions.” Cucuras, 993 F.2d at 1528 (emphasis added). Thus, the
Circuit has instructed that greater weight should be accorded to this class of information,
even when the record in question simply memorializes what the petitioner said at the time.
7

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 8 of 9
Additionally, in both medical records and her affidavit, Petitioner described the flu
vaccine as improperly administered – given too high in her left deltoid. Exhibit 3 at 23;
Exhibit 6 at ¶ 2. The occupational health nurse who treated Petitioner the day after
vaccination agreed. Exhibit 19 at 3. She observed bruising at the site of vaccination –
identified as the top of Petitioner’s left arm/shoulder. Id. This entry showing the nurse
observed physical evidence supporting Petitioner’s contention that the vaccine was
administered in her left deltoid is extremely probative.
Although the vaccine record does not indicate the exact site of vaccination, it
clearly establishes that, on October 25, 2017, Petitioner received a flu vaccine.
Furthermore, the medical histories provided by Petitioner in the contemporaneously
created medical records and supporting evidence of the occupational health nurse’s
observations provide persuasive evidence showing the vaccine was administered in
Petitioner’s left deltoid. And there is a dearth of evidence that the vaccine was
administered in any other location. I thus determine, based on the entire record, that
Petitioner has provided preponderant evidence establishing that the flu vaccine to which
Petitioner attributes her SIRVA was most likely administered in her left deltoid on October
25, 2017.
V. Scheduling Order
Based on recent data, I expect the HHS review to be completed in this case in
March 2022. Although not clear whether Petitioner’s injury meets all criteria for a Table
SIRVA, given my finding of fact regarding the site of vaccination, it is appropriate for
Petitioner to forward a demand and supporting documentation to Respondent prior to the
HHS review. And I previously instructed Petitioner to begin finalizing a demand and to
gather any supporting documentation needed. Order at 2, Apr. 23, 2021, ECF No. 11.
Petitioner should continue to finalize her demand which she may forward to Respondent,
along with her supporting documentation, at any time.
Respondent shall file a status report indicating how he intends to proceed
by no later than Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Petitioner shall file a status report updating me on her demand by no later
than Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The status report shall indicate the date by which
Petitioner provided, or intends to provide, a demand and supporting documentation to
Respondent. Additionally, Petitioner shall confirm whether any Medicaid lien exists, and
if so, indicate the date by which Petitioner anticipates providing Respondent a letter from
the appropriate state agency verifying the amount of the lien.
8

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 25 Filed 03/10/22 Page 9 of 9
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
9

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01430-1
Date issued/filed: 2022-06-24
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 05/23/2022) regarding 31 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 36 Filed 06/24/22 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-1430V
UNPUBLISHED
SANDRA ANZALONE, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: May 23, 2022
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)
Joseph J. Manna, Lipsitz, Green, et al., Buffalo, NY, for Petitioner.
Jennifer A. Shah, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On October 22, 2020, Sandra Anzalone 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 shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”), which meets the Table definition for SIRVA, after receiving the
influenza vaccine on October 25, 2017. Petition at 1, ¶ 2. Petitioner further alleges that
she received the vaccine in the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of her
SIRVA injury for more than six months, and that neither she nor any other party has filed
a civil action or received compensation for his SIRVA. Id. at ¶¶ 2, 14-16. The case was
assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
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-01430-UNJ Document 36 Filed 06/24/22 Page 2 of 2
On May 19, 2022, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that
Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1.
Specifically, Respondent believes “[P]etitioner has satisfied the criteria set forth in the
Table and Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation (“QAI”) for left-shoulder SIRVA.” Id. at
5-6.
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 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-01430-2
Date issued/filed: 2022-07-06
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 06/03/2022) regarding 34 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (sw) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 37 Filed 07/06/22 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-1430V
UNPUBLISHED
SANDRA ANZALONE, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: June 3, 2022
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)
Joseph J. Manna, Lipsitz, Green, et al., Buffalo, NY, for Petitioner.
Jennifer A. Shah, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On October 22, 2020, Sandra Anzalone filed a petition for compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the
“Vaccine Act”). On October 22, 2020, Sandra Anzalone filed a petition for compensation
under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.3
(the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to
vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), which meets the Table definition for SIRVA, after
receiving the influenza vaccine on October 25, 2017. Petition at 1, ¶ 2. The case was
assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters.
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).
3 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-01430-UNJ Document 37 Filed 07/06/22 Page 2 of 5
On May 23, 2022, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to
compensation for her SIRVA. On June 2, 2022, Respondent filed a proffer on award of
compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $95,140.00,
representing compensation in the amounts of $95,000.00 for her pain and suffering and
$140.00 for her unreimbursed medical expenses. Proffer at 1. 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 a lump
sum payment of $95,140.00, representing compensation in the amounts of
$95,000.00 for her pain and suffering and $140.00 for her unreimbursable expenses
in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for
all damages that would be available under Section 15(a).
The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.4
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
4 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-01430-UNJ Document 37 Filed 07/06/22 Page 3 of 5
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
SANDRA ANZALONE,
Petitioner,
No. 20-1430V
v. Chief Special Master Corcoran
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
On October 22, 2020, Sandra Anzalone (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation
(“Petition”) under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to
–34, as amended (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”). Petitioner alleged that she suffered a left Shoulder
Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine
administered on October 25, 2017. Petition at 1-2.
On May 19, 2022, respondent filed his Vaccine Rule 4(c) report, recommending that
compensation be awarded. Resp.’s Rept. at 1 (ECF No. 30). On May 23, 2022, this Court issued
a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 31.
I. Items of Compensation
Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $95,140.00, consisting of
$95,000.00 for pain and suffering and $140.00 in unreimbursed medical expenses. This
represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C.

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 37 Filed 07/06/22 Page 4 of 5
§ 300aa-15(a).1 Petitioner agrees.
II. Form of the Award
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.
Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a
lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and
the Court’s judgment award the following2: a lump sum payment of $95,140.00, representing
compensation for all elements of economic and noneconomic damages, in the form of a check
payable to petitioner, Sandra Anzalone.
III. Summary of Recommended Payment Following Judgment
Lump sum payable to petitioner, Sandra Anzalone: $95,140.00.
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN BOYNTON
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
LARA A. ENGLUND
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
1 In a status update provided with the Rule 4(c) report, respondent noted that petitioner was
confirming whether there was a Medicaid lien relating to treatment for petitioner’s injury.
Resp.’s Rept. at 6-7. By email dated May 31, 2022, petitioner’s counsel confirmed there is no
such lien.
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 lost earnings
and future pain and suffering.
2

Case 1:20-vv-01430-UNJ Document 37 Filed 07/06/22 Page 5 of 5
s/ Jennifer A. Shah
Jennifer A. Shah
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
Tel: (202) 305-2181
Jennifer.shah@usdoj.gov
Dated: June 2, 2022
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