VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-02066
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-02066
Petitioner: George Heidrich
Filed: 2020-12-30
Decided: 2022-09-07
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2019-11-08
Condition: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 35000

AI-assisted case summary:
George Heidrich filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that he suffered a Table injury, Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), as a result of his November 8, 2019 influenza vaccine. He stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that he suffered residual effects for more than six months, and that he had no prior award or settlement for his injury. Respondent conceded that Petitioner was entitled to compensation, as he met the criteria for a Table injury, including no prior history of left shoulder pain or dysfunction, onset of pain within 48 hours after vaccination, and symptoms limited to the vaccinated shoulder. The six-month sequelae requirement was also satisfied. A ruling on entitlement was issued on June 23, 2022, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on July 28, 2022, Respondent filed a proffer recommending an award of $35,000.00 for pain and suffering, which Petitioner agreed to. The Chief Special Master awarded George Heidrich a lump sum payment of $35,000.00 for pain and suffering.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-02066-0
Date issued/filed: 2022-07-27
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 06/23/2022) regarding 31 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (kp) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-02066-UNJ Document 34 Filed 07/27/22 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-2066V
UNPUBLISHED
GEORGE HEIDRICH, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: June 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)
Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner.
Meghan Murphy, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On December 30, 2020, George Heidrich 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 he suffered a Table injury – Shoulder Injury Related
to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”) – as a result of his November 8, 2019 influenza (“flu”)
vaccine. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that the vaccine was administered within
the United States, that he suffered the residual effects of his injury for more than six
months, and that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action on his behalf
as a result of his injury. See Petition at 1, ¶¶ 1, 17,19. 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-02066-UNJ Document 34 Filed 07/27/22 Page 2 of 2
On June 21, 2022, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that
Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case, as Petitioner has satisfied the criteria
set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table (“Table”). Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1, 5.
Specifically, Respondent indicates that
petitioner had no history of pain or dysfunction in his left shoulder prior to
the influenza vaccine; pain likely occurred within 48 hours after receipt of
an intramuscular vaccination; the pain and reduced range of motion were
limited to the shoulder in which the vaccine was administered; and no other
condition or abnormality would explain petitioner’s symptoms.
Id. at 5. Respondent further agrees that “the statutory six-month sequelae requirement
has been satisfied. See id. § 300aa-11(c)(D)(I). Therefore, based on the record as it now
stands, petitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act.” Id.
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 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_20-vv-02066-1
Date issued/filed: 2022-09-07
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 07/29/2022) regarding 36 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (kp) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:20-vv-02066-UNJ Document 40 Filed 09/07/22 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 20-2066V
UNPUBLISHED
GEORGE HEIDRICH, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: July 29, 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)
Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner.
Meghan Murphy, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On December 30, 2020, George Heidrich 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 he suffered a Table injury – Shoulder Injury Related
to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”) – as a result of his November 8, 2019 influenza (“flu”)
vaccine. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office
of Special Masters.
On June 23, 2022, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to
compensation for SIRVA. On July 28, 2022, Respondent filed a proffer on award of
compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $35,000.00 for pain and
suffering. Proffer at 1. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with
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-02066-UNJ Document 40 Filed 09/07/22 Page 2 of 5
the proffered award. Id. 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 $35,000.00 (representing pain and suffering) 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.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-02066-UNJ Document 40 Filed 09/07/22 Page 3 of 5
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
)
GEORGE HEIDRICH, )
)
Petitioner, )
) No. 20-2066V
v. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran
) ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND )
HUMAN SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
)
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
On December 30, 2020, George Heidrich (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation
(“Petition”) under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -
34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), as amended. The petition alleges that as a result of receiving an
influenza (“flu”) vaccination on November 8, 2019, petitioner suffered from a left shoulder
injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”). See Petition at Preamble. On June 21,
2022, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report
indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act. ECF No. 29.
On June 23, 2022, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner
entitled to compensation. ECF No. 31.
I. Items of Compensation
A. Pain and Suffering
Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $35,000.00 in pain and suffering.
See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). This amount represents all elements of compensation to which
petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees.

Case 1:20-vv-02066-UNJ Document 40 Filed 09/07/22 Page 4 of 5
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 following1: a lump sum payment of $35,000.00, in the form of a
check payable to petitioner.
III. Summary of Recommended Payments Following Judgment
Lump sum payable to petitioner, George Heidrich: $35,000.00
Respectfully submitted,
BRIAN M. 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
TRACI R. PATTON
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
1 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,
unreimbursed expenses, future lost earnings and future pain and suffering.
2

Case 1:20-vv-02066-UNJ Document 40 Filed 09/07/22 Page 5 of 5
/s/ Meghan R. Murphy
MEGHAN R. MURPHY
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) 616-4264
meghan.r.murphy@usdoj.gov
DATED: July 28, 2022
3