VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00353
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00353
Petitioner: Thomas Sarna
Filed: 2021-01-08
Decided: 2024-02-07
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2020-10-05
Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 30000

AI-assisted case summary:
Thomas Sarna filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) following an influenza vaccine received on October 5, 2020. Mr. Sarna claimed to have suffered residual effects for more than six months. Respondent denied that Mr. Sarna sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denied that the flu vaccine caused the alleged shoulder injury or significantly aggravated a pre-existing condition, and denied that the injury had residual effects for more than six months. Despite these denials, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. The court adopted the stipulation as its decision, awarding Mr. Sarna a lump sum of $30,000.00. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The case proceeded as a Table claim, as SIRVA is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. The stipulation was reached to settle the issues between the parties, and the award reflects a compromise of their respective positions on liability and damages.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00353-0
Date issued/filed: 2024-02-07
Pages: 7
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 01/08/2024) regarding 40 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer, Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:21-vv-00353-UNJ Document 44 Filed 02/07/24 Page 1 of 7
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 21-0353V
THOMAS SARNA,
Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner,
v.
Filed: January 8, 2024
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Leah VaSahnja Durant, Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, Washington, DC, for
Petitioner.
Dorian Hurley, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1
On January 8, 2021, Thomas Sarna 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 (“flu”) vaccine she received on
October 5, 2020. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at January 8, 2024, ¶¶ 1-4. Petitioner
further alleges that she suffered the residual effects for more than six months. Petition at
1; Stipulation at ¶¶ 4. “Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury;
denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury,
or that the vaccine significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury; denies that petitioner
suffered the residual effects of his alleged injury for more than six months; and denies
that petitioner’s current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury.” Stipulation at ¶
6.
1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made
publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or
at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government
Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (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 (2018).

Case 1:21-vv-00353-UNJ Document 44 Filed 02/07/24 Page 2 of 7
Nevertheless, on January 8, 2024, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation,
stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation
reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein.
Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following
compensation:
A lump sum of $30,000.00, in the form of a check payable to Petitioner.
Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages
that would be available under Section 15(a). Id.
I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of
a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, 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-00353-UNJ Document 44 Filed 02/07/24 Page 3 of 7
IN THE UNITED ST AT ES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
THOMAS SARNA,
Petitioner, No. 2 l-0353V
Chief Special Master Corcoran
V. ECF
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
STIPULATION
The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters:
I. Thomas Sama ("petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the "Vaccine
Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt
of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the
"Table"), 42 C.F.R. § I 00.3( a)
2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on October 5, 2020.
3. The vaccine was administered within the United States.
4. Petitioner alleges that petitioner suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table following administration
of the vaccine. In the alternative, petitioner alleges that petitioner suffered a shoulder injury that
was caused-in-fact and/or significantly aggravated by the flu vaccine. Petitioner further claims
that petitioner suffered the residual effects of the alleged injury for more than six months.

Case 1:21-vv-00353-UNJ Document 44 Filed 02/07/24 Page 4 of 7
5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action
for damages on petitioner's behalf as a result of the alleged injury.
6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu
vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury, or that the vaccine
significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury; denies that petitioner suffered the residual effects
of his alleged injury for more than six months; and denies that petitioner's current condition is a
sequela of a vaccine-related injury.
7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the
issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the
compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation.
8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofj udgment reflecting a decision consistent with
the terms of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation
pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue
the following vaccine compensation payment:
A lump sum of $30,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This
amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment on entitlement in this case, and after
petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42
U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before
the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this
petition.
I 0. Petitioner and petitioner's attorney represent that compensation to be provided
pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not
2

Case 1:21-vv-00353-UNJ Document 44 Filed 02/07/24 Page 5 of 7
primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can
reasonably be expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies,
Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis.
11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to
paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject
to the availability of sufficient statutory funds.
12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award
for attorney's fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursed expenses, the money provided
pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a
strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-l 5(g) and (h).
13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in petitioner's
individual capacity, and on behalf of petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors or
assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United
States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of
action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all
demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could
be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out
of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of
petitioner resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on
3

Case 1:21-vv-00353-UNJ Document 44 Filed 02/07/24 Page 6 of 7
October 5, 2020, as alleged in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about January 8,
2021, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 21-353V.
14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable
upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties.
15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity with the terms
of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a
decision that is in complete conformity with the terms of this Stipulation, then the parties'
settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party.
16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and
damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except
as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the
parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated
and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this
Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or
amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the
items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement.
17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the
Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused or significantly aggravated
petitioner's alleged injury or any other injury or petitioner's current condition, or that petitioner
suffered an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table.
18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns.
END OF STIPULATION
4

Case 1:21-vv-00353-UNJ Document 44 Filed 02/07/24 Page 7 of 7
Respectfully submitted,
PETITIONER:
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THOMAssARNA
ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AlJfHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL:
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HEAT IIBR L. PEARLMAN
LAW OFFICES OF LEAH V. DURANT, PLLC Deputy Director
1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Torts Branch
Washington, DC 20006 Civil Division
Tel.: (202) 775-9200 U.S. Department of Justice
Email ldurant@durantllc.com P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146
AUTIIORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR
OFTHESECRETARYOFHEALTH RESPONDENT:
AND IR.JMAN SERVICES:
He nry P• Olgitillly sign.cl by Henry P.
Mcmillan -SS
by Mcmillan -S5 11151 7
~2023. • 5:53:2
CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH
Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney
Compensation Programs Torts Branch
Health Systems Bureau Civil Division
Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice
Administration P.O. Box 146
U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station
and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0146
5600 Fishers Lane, 08W-25A Tel.: (202) 353-7751
Rockville, MD 20857 Email: Dorian.Hurley@usdoj.gov
Dated: ---+\ /-g--- 1 /~20_2_'f _ _
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