Renee Bettencourt v. HHS - Tdap, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2024)

Renee Bettencourt filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program alleging that she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) as a result of a tetanus diphtheria acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine she received on September 4, 2019. She stated that the vaccine was administered in the United States and that her injuries lasted more than six months.

The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that Ms. Bettencourt is entitled to compensation.

The respondent agreed that she had no prior history of shoulder problems, her pain and reduced range of motion occurred within 48 hours of the vaccination, her symptoms were limited to the injection site, and no other condition explained her symptoms. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence, the Chief Special Master found Ms.

Bettencourt entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on February 15, 2024, the respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation, recommending an award of $69,626.54.

This amount included $67,500.00 for pain and suffering and $2,126.54 for past unreimbursable expenses. Ms.

Bettencourt agreed with this proffered award. The Chief Special Master issued a decision awarding Ms.

Bettencourt the lump sum of $69,626.54.