Stephanie Tompkins v. HHS - Tdap, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

Stephanie Tompkins, a 44-year-old operating-room nurse, filed a petition on January 6, 2021 alleging that a Tdap vaccination on October 23, 2019 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Her records showed severe left shoulder pain and reduced range of motion after vaccination, followed by medication, physical therapy, and eventually arthroscopic surgery on September 15, 2020.

Respondent disputed whether the six-month severity requirement was met, pointing to a treatment gap from February to August 2020. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran found that the gap did not break the medical story. The record reflected temporary relief from conservative care, the disruption of the COVID-19 period, and later providers treating her symptoms as the same continuing left shoulder problem.

He found that Ms. Tompkins satisfied the Table SIRVA requirements and granted entitlement on June 28, 2024.

The damages decision was filed October 20, 2025. Respondent proffered an award that Ms.

Tompkins accepted, and Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded $91,098.85: $87,500.00 for pain and suffering, $281.85 for past unreimbursable expenses, and $3,317.00 for past lost wages. The award was payable as a lump sum through counsel's IOLTA account.

Ms. Tompkins was represented by Amy A.

Senerth of Muller Brazil, LLP.