Leslie Andersen v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2023)

Leslie Andersen filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) from an influenza vaccine received on October 18, 2019. She reported immediate pain and an inability to lift her arm within two hours of the injection.

Medical records documented ongoing pain, reduced range of motion, and weakness, leading to diagnoses of a rotator cuff tear, AC joint arthropathy, and a SLAP tear. Although there was a gap in specific shoulder treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the court found that her symptoms persisted for more than six months, satisfying the severity requirement for a Table SIRVA claim.

Respondent conceded that the injury met the criteria for a Table SIRVA, including no prior history of shoulder pain and no other identified cause. The Chief Special Master ruled that Leslie Andersen was entitled to compensation.

Subsequently, a proffer was filed, agreeing to an award of $62,552.84, which included $60,000.00 for pain and suffering and $2,552.84 for past unreimbursable expenses. This amount was awarded as a lump sum payment.