Kelly Walker v. HHS - Influenza, left axillary/radial neuritis and nerve inflammation (2025)

On January 7, 2021, Kelly Walker filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered in her left arm on October 29, 2019 caused a nerve injury. She was 76 years old.

This was not treated as a classic SIRVA damages case; the entitlement ruling focused on left axillary and radial neuritis after vaccination. Ms.

Walker described immediate severe pain at the injection site, crying from the pain, and then pins-and-needles symptoms. By December 2019 she reported sharp pain down the left arm with numbness and tingling.

Later primary care and neurology records documented pain, decreased pinprick sensation, and ongoing complaints, although strength and range of motion were often largely intact. Her later medical record also included unrelated hospitalizations and other health problems.

She described stress, self-doubt, distrust of medical providers, and disruption from the injury. Respondent initially opposed entitlement, and the case left the Special Processing Unit for expert development.

Chief Special Master Nora Beth Dorsey granted entitlement in a February 24, 2025 bench ruling, finding a sound theory that influenza vaccination can cause nerve inflammation, a logical sequence in Ms. Walker's case, and an appropriate immediate onset.

On November 10, 2025, she awarded $35,000.00 for actual pain and suffering, with no additional expenses.