VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00755
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00755
Petitioner: John Pryor
Filed: 2021-01-15
Decided: 2025-11-07
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2019-12-02
Condition: left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 35000

AI-assisted case summary:
On January 15, 2021, John Pryor filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on December 2, 2019 caused a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The public materials identify him as an adult petitioner but do not state his exact age.

Mr. Pryor stated that the injection was high in the left arm, that discomfort began immediately, and that intense pain developed within about five hours. He described weakness and limited range of motion, but the first shoulder-specific medical visit occurred on February 27, 2020, when he reported left shoulder pain from a flu shot at Minute Clinic. Orthopedic evaluation in May 2020 documented positive O'Brien's and Neer tests, internal derangement or labral tear concerns, subacromial impingement, and treatment with a steroid injection and home therapy.

Respondent disputed onset and severity, emphasizing the treatment delay and other medical visits that did not mention shoulder symptoms. Chief Special Master Corcoran credited Mr. Pryor's affidavit and the medical record enough to find Table SIRVA entitlement on August 19, 2025, while also noting that the treatment delay affected damages. On November 7, 2025, Mr. Pryor was awarded $35,000.00 for pain and suffering.

Theory of causation field:
Influenza vaccine December 2, 2019 causing left SIRVA in adult petitioner. COMPENSATED. Petitioner reported immediate discomfort and intense pain within about 5 hours; first shoulder-specific care February 27, 2020; May 2020 orthopedic findings included positive O'Brien/Neer, possible labral/internal derangement and impingement, steroid injection/home PT. Respondent disputed onset/severity due treatment gap and other medical visits. Entitlement August 19, 2025; damages November 7, 2025. Award $35,000 pain/suffering. Petition filed January 15, 2021.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00755-0
Date issued/filed: 2025-09-19
Pages: 11
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 08/19/2025) regarding 37 Ruling on Entitlement, Order on Motion for Ruling on the Record Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 1 of 11
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 21-755V
JOHN PRYOR, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner,
v. Filed: August 19, 2025
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Sean Franks Greenwood, The Greenwood Law Firm, Houston, TX, for Petitioner.
Felicia Langel, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLMENT1
On January 15, 2021, John Pryor 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 a Table injury - that he suffered a shoulder injury related
to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccine on
December 2, 2019. Petition at 1, ¶ 1, (ECF No.1); Amended Petition at 1, ¶ 1, (ECF No.
1 Because this Ruling 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 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 (2018).

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 2 of 11
29). The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special
Masters.
After a full review of the evidence, and for the reasons discussed below, I find that
Petitioner has established by preponderant evidence all requirements for a SIRVA Table
injury and is otherwise entitled to compensation for his injury.
I. Relevant Procedural History
On June 30, 2023, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) Report defending this claim and
recommending that compensation be denied. ECF No. 33. Respondent argues that
Petitioner has failed to demonstrate that he “suffered the residual effects or complications”
of his alleged SIRVA injury “for more than 6 months after the administration of [his flu]
vaccine” as required under Section 11(c)(1)(D)(i) of the Act. Id. at 4-5. Additionally,
Respondent argues that the evidence preponderates against a finding that the onset of
Petitioner’s shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours of his vaccination as required to
establish a SIRVA Table injury. Id. at 5-6.
I subsequently set deadlines for the filing of briefs addressing the contested issues
(as well as Petitioner’s success in meeting the other SIRVA elements). On September 1,
2023, Petitioner filed a Motion for a Ruling on the Record. ECF No. 35. Petitioner argues
that he has established that he suffered the residual effects of his SIRVA injury for more
than six months (the “severity” requirement), demonstrated that he suffered the onset of
his shoulder pain within 48 hours of his flu vaccine and otherwise established entitlement
to compensation for his SIRVA injury. Id. Respondent reacted to Petitioner’s brief on
September 14, 2023, maintaining that this claim must be dismissed and compensation
denied for the same reasons set forth in his Rule 4 Report. ECF No. 36.
This matter is ripe for my resolution.
II. Authority
Pursuant to Vaccine Act Section 13(a)(1)(A), a petitioner must prove, by a
preponderance of the evidence, the matters required in the petition by Vaccine Act
Section 11(c)(1). A special master must consider, but is not bound by, any diagnosis,
conclusion, judgment, test result, report, or summary concerning the nature, causation,
and aggravation of petitioner’s injury or illness that is contained in a medical record.
Section 13(b)(1). “Medical records, in general, warrant consideration as trustworthy
evidence. The records contain information supplied to or by health professionals to
facilitate diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. With proper treatment hanging in
2

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 3 of 11
the balance, accuracy has an extra premium. These records are also generally
contemporaneous to the medical events.” Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 993
F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
Accordingly, where medical records are clear, consistent, and complete, they
should be afforded substantial weight. Lowrie v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 03-
1585V, 2005 WL 6117475, at *20 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 12, 2005). However, this rule
does not always apply. “Written records which are, themselves, inconsistent, should be
accorded less deference than those which are internally consistent.” Murphy v. Sec’y of
Health & Hum. Servs., No. 90-882V, 1991 WL 74931, *4 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. April 25,
1991), quoted with approval in decision denying review, 23 Cl. Ct. 726, 733 (1991), aff'd
per curiam, 968 F.2d 1226 (Fed.Cir.1992)). And the Federal Circuit recently “reject[ed] as
incorrect the presumption that medical records are accurate and complete as to all the
patient’s physical conditions.” Kirby v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 997 F.3d 1378,
1383 (Fed. Cir. 2021).
The United States Court of Federal Claims has outlined four possible explanations
for inconsistencies between contemporaneously created medical records and later
testimony: (1) a person’s failure to recount to the medical professional everything that
happened during the relevant time period; (2) the medical professional’s failure to
document everything reported to her or him; (3) a person’s faulty recollection of the events
when presenting testimony; or (4) a person’s purposeful recounting of symptoms that did
not exist. La Londe v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 110 Fed. Cl. 184, 203-04 (2013),
aff’d, 746 F.3d 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2014).
The Court has also said that medical records may be outweighed by testimony that
is given later in time that is “consistent, clear, cogent, and compelling.” Camery v. Sec’y
of Health & Hum. Servs., 42 Fed. Cl. 381, 391 (1998) (citing Blutstein v. Sec’y of Health
& Hum. Servs., No. 90-2808, 1998 WL 408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998).
The credibility of the individual offering such fact testimony must also be determined.
Andreu v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 569 F.3d 1367, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2009); Bradley
v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 991 F.2d 1570, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
A special master may find that the first symptom or manifestation of onset of an
injury occurred “within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury Table even though
the occurrence of such symptom or manifestation was not recorded or was incorrectly
recorded as having occurred outside such period.” Section 13(b)(2). “Such a finding may
be made only upon demonstration by a preponderance of the evidence that the onset [of
the injury] . . . did in fact occur within the time period described in the Vaccine Injury
Table.” Id.
3

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 4 of 11
The special master is obligated to fully consider and compare the medical records,
testimony, and all other “relevant and reliable evidence contained in the record.” La
Londe, 110 Fed. Cl. at 204 (citing Section 12(d)(3); Vaccine Rule 8); see also Burns v.
Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., 3 F.3d 415, 417 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (holding that it is within
the special master’s discretion to determine whether to afford greater weight to medical
records or to other evidence, such as oral testimony surrounding the events in question
that was given at a later date, provided that such determination is rational).
In addition to requirements concerning the vaccination received, the duration and
severity of petitioner’s injury, and the lack of other award or settlement,3 a petitioner must
establish that she suffered an injury meeting the Table criteria, in which case causation
is presumed, or an injury shown to be caused-in-fact by the vaccination she received.
Section 11(c)(1)(C).
The most recent version of the Table, which can be found at 42 C.F.R. § 100.3,
identifies the vaccines covered under the Program, the corresponding injuries, and the
time period in which the particular injuries must occur after vaccination. Section 14(a).
Pursuant to the Vaccine Injury Table, a SIRVA is compensable if it manifests within 48
hours of the administration of a flu vaccine. 42 C.F. R. § 100.3(a)(XIV)(B). The criteria
establishing a SIRVA under the accompanying QAI are as follows:
Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). SIRVA manifests
as shoulder pain and limited range of motion occurring after the
administration of a vaccine intended for intramuscular administration in the
upper arm. These symptoms are thought to occur as a result of unintended
injection of vaccine antigen or trauma from the needle into and around the
underlying bursa of the shoulder resulting in an inflammatory reaction.
SIRVA is caused by an injury to the musculoskeletal structures of the
shoulder (e.g. tendons, ligaments, bursae, etc.). SIRVA is not a neurological
injury and abnormalities on neurological examination or nerve conduction
studies (NCS) and/or electromyographic (EMG) studies would not support
SIRVA as a diagnosis (even if the condition causing the neurological
abnormality is not known). A vaccine recipient shall be considered to have
suffered SIRVA if such recipient manifests all of the following:
3 In summary, a petitioner must establish that he received a vaccine covered by the Program, administered
either in the United States and its territories or in another geographical area but qualifying for a limited
exception; suffered the residual effects of his injury for more than six months, died from his injury, or
underwent a surgical intervention during an inpatient hospitalization; and has not filed a civil suit or collected
an award or settlement for her injury. Section 11(c)(1)(A)(B)(D)(E).
4

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 5 of 11
(i) No history of pain, inflammation or dysfunction of the affected shoulder
prior to intramuscular vaccine administration that would explain the alleged
signs, symptoms, examination findings, and/or diagnostic studies occurring
after vaccine injection;
(ii) Pain occurs within the specified time-frame;
(iii) Pain and reduced range of motion are limited to the shoulder in which
the intramuscular vaccine was administered; and
(iv) No other condition or abnormality is present that would explain the
patient’s symptoms (e.g. NCS/EMG or clinical evidence of radiculopathy,
brachial neuritis, mononeuropathies, or any other neuropathy).
42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10).
III. Relevant Factual Evidence
I have fully reviewed the evidence, including all medical records declarations, and
the parties’ briefing. I find most relevant the following:
A. Medical Records
• On December 2, 2019, Petitioner received the flu vaccine in his left deltoid at a
CVS MinuteClinic. Ex. 12 at 3-4.
• On December 26, 2019 (now 24 days after his vaccination), Petitioner was seen
by endocrinologist Bridget Brady, M.D., for a chief complaint of
hyperparathyroidism. Ex. 9 at 5. Petitioner’s musculoskeletal examination at that
visit found “normal strength and range of motion in all major muscle groups.” Id. at
8. Petitioner was assessed by Dr. Brady with primary hyperparathyroidism,
parathyroid adenoma, kidney stones, and borderline hypertension. Id. Dr. Brady
recommended Petitioner undergo a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Id. The
record provides no report of shoulder pain or limitations at this appointment.
• On February 7, 2020, Petitioner underwent a parathyroidectomy by Dr. Brady. Ex.
9 at 13-14.
5

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 6 of 11
• On February 19, 2020, Petitioner had a follow-up appointment with Dr. Brady for
a post-operative check. Ex. 9 at 15-18. The record provides no report of shoulder
pain or limitations at this appointment.
• On February 27, 2020, nearly three months (or approximately 87 days post-
vaccination), Petitioner established care with primary care physician, David Murdy,
M.D. Ex. 4 at 10. Petitioner’s chief complaints at this appointment included:
“Shoulder Pain (12/3/19 p[atien]t states he thinks it was from a flu shot at Minute
Clinic).” Id. at 10, 12. Petitioner reported that he “took some NSAIDs but [his pain
was] not relieved.” Id. at 12. It was noted that he had “limited” range of motion in
the left arm “at times” and that he had “[l]imited motion forward but not laterally.”
Id. at 12. On musculoskeletal examination, Petitioner’s “[f]orward motion [was]
limited at 90 degrees.” Id. at 14. Petitioner was assessed with an “[a]rthropathy of
left shoulder,” prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) daily for
one to two months, and advised to consider an orthopedist for which a referral was
provided. Id. at 14-15, 34. Petitioner was also provided shoulder range of motion
exercises. Id. at 31-33.
• On March 3, 2020, Petitioner had a follow-up appointment with psychiatrist
Timothy Sheehan, M.D. Ex. 3 at 12. Petitioner reported that he was “doing well”
and had “overall been feeling fine since surgery.” Id. There was no discussion of
Petitioner’s shoulder pain in this record.
• On May 11, 2020, over five months post-vaccination, Petitioner was evaluated by
orthopedist, Donavan Murphy, M.D., for complaints of “left shoulder pain” that
“ha[d] been present for approximately six months.” Ex. 13 at 10-11. Petitioner
informed Dr. Murphy that “the pain began right after he had a flu shot and fe[lt] that
may have been the cause.” Id at 11. Petitioner rated “the pain as 3/10 and
describe[d] it as sharp and aching but also at times c[ould] get up to as high as
8/10.” Id. Petitioner stated that he “tried a shoulder home exercise program as well
as Advil and meloxicam with minimal relief.” Id. Dr. Murphy reviewed a shoulder x-
ray taken that same day and noted “[m]ild acromioclavicular hypertrophy with type
3 acromion.” Id. at 13, 34. Dr. Murphy assessed Petitioner with a “left shoulder
internal derangement concerning for superior labral tear and left shoulder
subacromial impingement.” Id. at 14. Dr. Murphy stated he thought “the superior
labrum [wa]s more symptomatic” that day. Id. A review of treatment options was
discussed, and Petitioner elected to proceed with a steroid injection (which was
administered that day) and a shoulder home exercise program. Id. at 14.
6

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 7 of 11
• On June 3, 2020, Petitioner had a follow-up telemedicine appointment with Dr.
Sheehan. Ex. 3 at 10. The record contains no discussion of Petitioner’s shoulder
pain at this appointment.
No further medical records have been filed.
B. Affidavit
Petitioner executed a notarized affidavit on January 13, 2021, addressing his
December 2, 2019 vaccination and shoulder injury. Ex. 1 at 1-4. Petitioner states he
received the flu vaccination in his left shoulder “[o]n or around December 2, 2019,” at a
CVS Minute Clinic. Id at 1. Petitioner recounts that the vaccine was “administered very
high on my left arm and I felt discomfort immediately.” Id. He recalls the “pain reached an
intense level within 5 hours of the injection.” Id. Petitioner states he began “experiencing
increased pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in my left arm.” Id. Petitioner states
that did not notify pharmacist of his pain “at the time of the injection”, however he states
that he did discuss it with others including “family members, work colleagues, [his]
children’s pediatrician, and [his] psychiatrist.” Id. at 2.
Petitioner explains his pain persisted from December 2019 through January 2020,
but states that he thought that the pain would “subside and decided to wait to contact my
primary care physician to provide more time for healing.” Id. at 2. In early February 2020,
Petitioner recalls that his pain had progressed and he made an appointment with a
physician. Id. Petitioner recounts seeing Dr. Murdy regarding his left shoulder on February
27, 2020,4 and states that he also discussed “the effects of the pain and limitations to [his]
movement on [his] mental health” with Dr. Sheehan on March 3, 2020. Id.
Petitioner also discusses his May 11, 2020,5 appointment with Dr. Murphy who
Petitioner states “concluded that the pain I was experiencing was due to an injury that
occurred during the vaccine administration.” Id. at 3. Petitioner states Dr. Murphy
“administered a steroid shot to into the joint of my left shoulder to reduce inflammation”
and recommended at home physical therapy. Id. Petitioner states that Dr. Murphy
discussed with him that he might potentially require surgery if there was no relief in the
future. Id.
4 Petitioner inadvertently states the date of this appointment was on or around February 27, 2019 which is
a typographical error as the appointment occurred on February 27, 2020.
5 Petitioner inadvertently states the date of this appointment was on or around May 11, 2019 which is a
typographical error as the appointment occurred on May 11, 2020.
7

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 8 of 11
Petitioner avers that he began home physical therapy on approximately May 14,
20206 and continued his use of over-the-counter pain relievers. Id. Petitioner recalls that
he also continued to see Dr. Sheehan and discussed with him how the injury was
impacting his mental health. Id. at 3. Petitioner maintains that he was not able to initially
pursue additional treatment due to covid-19 pandemic related closures, and that after
facilities reopened, he “was scared to risk exposure” and continued his home physical
therapy and taking over-the-counter medications. Id. Petitioner maintains that his
shoulder symptoms persisted for more than six months and continued through the date
of his affidavit. Id. at 4.
Finally, Petitioner describes the limitations that he suffered in his daily activities
due to his shoulder pain. Id.
IV. Findings of Fact
A. Severity
The preliminary issue to be determined in this case is whether Petitioner has
satisfied the Vaccine Act’s “severity requirement,” pursuant to which a petitioner
demonstrate that they:
(i) suffered the residual effects or complications of such illness, disability,
injury, or condition for more than 6 months after the administration of the
vaccine, or (ii) died from the administration of the vaccine, or (iii) suffered
such illness, disability, injury or condition from the vaccine which resulted in
inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention.
Section 11(c)(1)(D). To do so here, Petitioner would need to establish sequelae from his
alleged persisted until at least SIRVA at least June 3, 2020 (assuming an onset of
December 2, 2019).
After a careful review of the record, I find that Petitioner has established that he
more likely than not suffered the sequela of his injury for more than six months.
Petitioner’s last medical visit was with orthopedist Dr. Murphy on May 11, 2020 – five
months and nine days, or 161 days, after vaccine administration. At that appointment,
Petitioner continued to report left shoulder pain, which he rated as 3/10, but going up to
as high as 8/10.” Ex. 13 at 11. He noted the pain particularly at night when he was “trying
to sleep. Id. While Petitioner’s left range of motion and strength were not diminished on
6 Petitioner actually states he began his home therapy on May 14, 2019, but again it is evident this is a
typographical error.
8

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 9 of 11
May 11, 2020, he was found on examination to have a positive O’Brien’s and Neer test.
Id. at 13. Dr. Murphy assessed Petitioner with a “left shoulder internal derangement
concerning for superior labral tear and left shoulder subacromial impingement.” Id. at 14.
Finally, after discussing treatment options with Dr. Murphy, Petitioner choose to undergo
a steroid injection and engage in home physical therapy. Id.
I find that based on the nature of Petitioner’s left shoulder symptoms and treatment
on May 11, 2020, Petitioner’s shoulder symptoms and/or shoulder pain likely persisted
an additional 23 days thereafter, or until at least June 3, 2020. Additionally, the discussion
in Dr. Murphy’s May 11, 2020 medical record regarding Petitioner’s decision (after
considering different treatment options) to receive a steroid injection that day and then
pursue a home exercise program is consistent with Petitioner’s affidavit testimony that he
subsequently engaged in at-home physical therapy. Ex. 13 at 14; Ex. 1 at 3.
I acknowledge that Petitioner did seek some treatment for his shoulder during the
Covid-19 Pandemic, and note that there is no record evidence that he subsequently tried
and failed to obtain treatment due to the Pandemic7 – although as Petitioner points out in
his brief, such efforts would not necessarily be documented in a provider’s records. ECF
No. 35 at 9. Nonetheless, I accept Petitioner’s affidavit testimony that Pandemic closures
impacted his ability to obtain treatment, and that he later chose to continue at home
physical therapy and the use of over-the-counter medications to treat his shoulder as he
was “scared to risk exposure” to the Covid-19 virus. Ex. 1 at 3. However, the fact that
Petitioner did not seek additional in-person treatment, or even alternatively seek
treatment by video or telephone appointment (as he did with his psychiatrist Dr.
Sheehan), strongly suggests that his injury was relatively mild – a factor that I will take
into account in any damages determination.
B. Onset
The second disputed issue in this case is whether Petitioner’s first post-vaccination
symptom or manifestation of onset (specifically pain) of his shoulder injury occurred within
48 hours of his flu vaccination as set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table and Qualifications
and Aids to Interpretation (“QAI”) for a Table SIRVA. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a)(XIV)(B)
(seasonal influenza vaccines); 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(ii) (required onset for pain listed
in the QAI). Based upon a review of the entire record, and for the reasons set forth below,
I find that it more likely than not did.
7 Petitioner also maintains that he discussed his shoulder injury with his psychiatrist during this time period
– however, Dr, Sheehan’s records fail to document any discussion of Petitioner’s shoulder injury or
concerns. Ex. 1 at 2-3. See Ex. 3.
9

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 10 of 11
In this case, as correctly pointed out by Respondent, the records corresponding to
Petitioner’s first several encounters with medical providers following his December 2,
2019 vaccination contain no reference to Petitioner’s shoulder pain at all. But these
encounters all involve endocrinology treatment to address Petitioner’s
hyperparathyroidism (including a surgical procedure – a parathyroidectomy). As I have
observed in other cases, it would not be uncommon for either a patient to fail to report, or
for a provider to fail to document, symptoms outside the primary purpose of a medical
visit – as would be the case for Petitioner’s medical encounters regarding his
hyperparathyroidism.
Additionally, the fact that references to onset in a medical record are not precise
in terms of time or date does not prevent a favorable finding. As I have previously
observed, “the Vaccine Act clearly does not require that symptoms be recorded within a
specific timeframe to be preponderantly established. Rather, it requires only that onset
occurs in the relevant timeframe.” Niemi v. Sec'y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 19-1535V,
2021 WL 4146940, at *4 (Fed. Cl. Aug. 10, 2021) (citing Section 13) (emphasis in
original). Neither does the Act require that the medical records document an exact date
that the onset of a petitioner’s shoulder pain began. A special master may thus find that
the first symptom or manifestation of onset of an injury occurred “within the time period
described in the Vaccine Injury Table even though the occurrence of such symptom or
manifestation was not recorded or was incorrectly recorded as having occurred outside
such period.” Section 13(b)(2).
In this case, Petitioner’s allegation that his shoulder pain occurred within 48 hours
of his vaccination is supported by contemporaneous treatment records (even if the
medical records most contemporaneous to his December 2, 2019 vaccination do not). In
particular, the records corresponding to February 27, 2020 appointment with Dr. Murdy
for his shoulder pain – which occurred just under three months after his vaccination –
document that Petitioner suffered pain and limited range of motion in his left shoulder
following his flu vaccination. Ex. 4 at 10, 12. That record specifically provides: “Shoulder
Pain (12/3/198 p[atien]t states he thinks it was from a flu shot at Minute Clinic.” Id.
Thereafter, Petitioner reported on May 11, 2020 to Dr. Murphy that his shoulder “pain
began right after he had a flu shot and fe[lt] that may have been the cause.” Ex. 13 at 11.
Based on the record as a whole, and as discussed above, I find that Petitioner has
established the onset of his injury occurred within 48 hours of his vaccination. Of course,
8 I observe that Petitioner received his flu vaccination on December 2, 2019 – thus, the reference to
December 3, 2019 appears to be either a typographical error in the medical record, or a mistake Petitioner
made in reporting the date of his vaccination to Dr. Murdy – nonetheless, I find it evident that Petitioner
reported to Dr. Murdy that his shoulder pain began the date of his vaccination at the Minute Clinic.
10

Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 39 Filed 09/19/25 Page 11 of 11
Petitioner’s reasonably short delay in seeking medical treatment specific to his shoulder
pain demonstrates that he was able to tolerate the pain initially, and (like his decision not
to pursue further in-person treatment after May 11, 2020) is indicative of a less severe
SIRVA – a factor I will consider in awarding damages for pain and suffering in this case.
C. Other Table Requirements and Entitlement
Petitioner has established all other requirements for a Table SIRVA claim. 42
C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10). There is no history of shoulder pain, inflammation, or dysfunction
that would explain the post-vaccination injury. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(i). Petitioner’s
pain and reduced range of motion were limited to the shoulder in which the intramuscular
flu vaccine was administered. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(iii). And there is not preponderant
evidence of another condition that would explain the symptoms. 42 C.F.R. §
100.3(c)(10)(iv). However, even if a petitioner has satisfied the requirements of a Table
injury or established causation-in-fact, he or she must also provide preponderant
evidence of the additional requirements of Section 11(c), i.e., receipt of a covered
vaccine, residual effects of injury lasting six months, etc. See generally Section
11(c)(1)(A)(B)(D)(E). But those elements are established or undisputed in this claim. I
therefore find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case.
Conclusion
Based on the entire record, I find that Petitioner has provided preponderant
evidence satisfying all requirements for a Table SIRVA. Petitioner is entitled to
compensation. A Damages Order will issue.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
11

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-00755-1
Date issued/filed: 2025-12-08
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 11/07/2025) regarding 43 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 49 Filed 12/08/25 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 21-755V
JOHN PRYOR, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: November 7, 2025
v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Sean Franks Greenwood, The Greenwood Law Firm, Houston, TX, for Petitioner.
Felicia Langel, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On January 15, 2021, John Pryor 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 a Table injury - that he suffered a shoulder injury related
to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) after receiving an influenza (“flu”) vaccine on
December 2, 2019. Petition at 1, ¶ 1, (ECF No.1); Amended Petition at 1, ¶ 1, (ECF No.
29). The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special
Masters.
On August 19, 2025, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled
to compensation for SIRVA. On November 6, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer on award
of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $35,000.00 for pain
and suffering. Proffer at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner
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-00755-UNJ Document 49 Filed 12/08/25 Page 2 of 5
agrees with the proffered 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 $35,000.00 (representing pain and suffering) to be paid through an
ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement 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.
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Case 1:21-vv-00755-UNJ Document 49 Filed 12/08/25 Page 3 of 5
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
JOHN PRYOR,
Petitioner,
v. No. 21-755V
Chief Special Master Corcoran
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ECF
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
On January 15, 2021, John Pryor (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under
the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34, as amended
(“Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that he suffered from a shoulder injury related to vaccine
administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table (“Table”), following the
administration of the influenza (“flu”) vaccine on December 2, 2019. 42
C.F.R. § 100.3(a)(XIV)(B); Petition at 1. On August 19, 2025, the Chief Special Master issued a
Ruling on Entitlement finding that petitioner is entitled to compensation under the terms of the
Act for a SIRVA Table injury.1 ECF No. 37.
I. Compensation
Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded
$35,000.00 for pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). This amount represents all
1 Respondent has no objection to the amount of the proffered award of damages set forth herein.
Assuming the Chief Special Master issues a damages decision in conformity with this proffer,
respondent waives his right to seek review of such damages decision. However, respondent
reserves his right, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(e), to seek review of the Chief Special
Master’s August 19, 2025, Ruling on Entitlement.

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elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a).
Petitioner agrees.
II. Form of the Award
Respondent recommends that compensation provided to petitioner should be made
through one lump sum payment and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the
Court’s judgment award the following:2 a lump sum payment of $35,000.00 to be paid through
an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner,
John Pryor.
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.
Respectfully submitted,
BRETT A. SHUMATE
Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
HEATHER L. PEARLMAN
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
JULIA M. COLLISON
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
2 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-00755-UNJ Document 49 Filed 12/08/25 Page 5 of 5
/s/ Felicia D. Langel
FELICIA D. LANGEL
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) 451-7659
felicia.d.langel@usdoj.gov
DATED: November 6, 2025
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