VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00131 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00131 Petitioner: Dyan LaBelle Filed: 2021-01-06 Decided: 2022-10-18 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2019-10-23 Condition: left Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 63527 AI-assisted case summary: On January 6, 2021, Dyan LaBelle filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 23, 2019. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. LaBelle was entitled to compensation. The respondent agreed that Ms. LaBelle met the criteria for a Table injury, specifically a SIRVA, and satisfied the statutory requirements for compensation. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement on June 16, 2022, finding Ms. LaBelle entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on September 13, 2022, the respondent filed a proffer on the award of compensation. On October 18, 2022, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision awarding Ms. LaBelle a total of $63,527.78. This award consisted of $62,500.00 for pain and suffering and $1,027.78 for unreimbursed medical expenses. The award was to be paid as a lump sum check payable to Ms. LaBelle. Petitioner was represented by Edward M. Kraus of the Law Offices of Chicago Kent, later Kraus Law Group, LLC. Respondent was represented by Jennifer A. Shah of the U.S. Department of Justice. Theory of causation field: Petitioner Dyan LaBelle filed a petition alleging a left Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) following an influenza vaccine administered on October 23, 2019. The respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that the injury met the criteria for a Table injury. The public decision does not describe the specific mechanism of injury, expert testimony, or detailed clinical facts. A ruling on entitlement was issued on June 16, 2022, by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. Subsequently, a damages decision was entered on October 18, 2022, based on a proffer. Petitioner, represented by Edward M. Kraus, was awarded $63,527.78, comprising $62,500.00 for pain and suffering and $1,027.78 for unreimbursed medical expenses. Respondent was represented by Jennifer A. Shah. The case was compensated based on a concession of entitlement to a Table injury. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00131-0 Date issued/filed: 2022-07-20 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 06/16/2022) regarding 32 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (nh) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:21-vv-00131-UNJ Document 35 Filed 07/20/22 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-131V UNPUBLISHED DYAN LaBELLE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: June 16, 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) Edward M. Kraus, Law Offices of Chicago Kent, Chicago, IL, for Petitioner. Jennifer A. Shah, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On January 6, 2021, Dyan LaBelle 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-side shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) following an influenza (“flu”) vaccine. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that the vaccine was administered within the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and that she has not received compensation in the form of an award or settlement for her injures or filed a civil action. Petition at 6. 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 1:21-vv-00131-UNJ Document 35 Filed 07/20/22 Page 2 of 2 On June 16, 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 has concluded that Petitioner has satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and the Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation for a SIRVA. Id. at 6. Respondent further agrees that that Petitioner satisfies the statutory requirements for compensation. Id. at 6-7. 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 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00131-1 Date issued/filed: 2022-10-18 Pages: 5 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 09/13/2022) regarding 41 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (nh) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:21-vv-00131-UNJ Document 45 Filed 10/18/22 Page 1 of 5 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-0131V UNPUBLISHED DYAN LABELLE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: September 13, 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) Edward M. Kraus, Kraus Law Group, LLC, Chicago, IL, for Petitioner. Jennifer A. Shah, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On January 6, 2021, Dyan Labelle 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”) as a result of an influenza vaccine received on October 23, 2019. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On June 16, 2022, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for SIRVA. On September 13, 2022, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $63,527.78. Proffer at 1. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered 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 1:21-vv-00131-UNJ Document 45 Filed 10/18/22 Page 2 of 5 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 $63,527.78 (consisting of $62,500.00 for pain and suffering and $1,027.78 in unreimbursed medical 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.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 1:21-vv-00131-UNJ Document 45 Filed 10/18/22 Page 3 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS DYAN LaBELLE, Petitioner, No. 21-131V v. Chief Special Master Corcoran ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On January 6, 2021, Dyan LaBelle (“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 23, 2019. Petition at 1. On June 16, 2022, respondent filed his Vaccine Rule 4(c) report, recommending that compensation be awarded. Resp.’s Rept. at 1 (ECF No. 31). The same day, this Court issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 32. I. Items of Compensation Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $63,527.78, consisting of $62,500.00 for pain and suffering and $1,027.78 in unreimbursed medical expenses. This represents all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. Case 1:21-vv-00131-UNJ Document 45 Filed 10/18/22 Page 4 of 5 § 300aa-15(a). 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 following1: a lump sum payment of $63,527.78, representing compensation for all elements of economic and noneconomic damages, in the form of a check payable to petitioner, Dyan LaBelle. III. Summary of Recommended Payment Following Judgment Lump sum payable to petitioner, Dyan LaBelle: $63,527.78. 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 DARRYL R. WISHARD 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 lost earnings and future pain and suffering. 2 Case 1:21-vv-00131-UNJ Document 45 Filed 10/18/22 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: September 13, 2022 3