VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-01841 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-01841 Petitioner: Caitlin Becker Filed: 2021-09-10 Decided: 2023-11-08 Vaccine: Tdap Vaccination date: 2020-05-21 Condition: Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 100000 AI-assisted case summary: Caitlin Becker filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) as a result of a Tdap vaccine administered on May 21, 2020. She stated the vaccine was given in the United States and that she experienced residual effects for more than six months, with no prior award or settlement for her condition. Respondent denied that Ms. Becker sustained a SIRVA Table injury or that the vaccine caused her injury. Despite these positions, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case and award compensation. The court adopted the stipulation, awarding Ms. Becker a lump sum of $100,000.00. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The stipulation also noted that the parties would submit to further proceedings for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The settlement does not constitute an admission by the United States that the Tdap vaccine caused Ms. Becker's alleged shoulder injury. Theory of causation field: Table Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-01841-0 Date issued/filed: 2023-12-11 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 11/09/2023 ) regarding 34 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (tlf) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:21-vv-01841-UNJ Document 36 Filed 12/11/23 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-1841V CAITLIN M. BECKER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: November 9, 2023 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Laura L. Mommsen, Ball Eggleston PC, Lafayette, IN, for Petitioner. Christine Mary Becer, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On September 10, 2021, Caitlin M. Becker 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 a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccine administered on May 21, 2020. Petition at ¶¶ 1, 3; Stipulation, filed on November 8, 2023, at ¶¶ 2, 4. Petitioner further alleges that she received the vaccine in the United States, that she experienced the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action as a result of her alleged condition. Petition at 1, 4; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5. “Respondent denies that [P]etitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denies that [P]etitioner’s alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the Tdap vaccine, and denies that the Tdap vaccine caused [P]etitioner any other injury or her current condition.” 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-01841-UNJ Document 36 Filed 12/11/23 Page 2 of 7 Nevertheless, on November 8, 2023, 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 $100,000.00 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-01841-UNJ Document 36 Filed 12/11/23 Page 3 of 7 OowSign Envelope ID: 71171852-AB0E-4EEHW:&-26DD36543CEE IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) CAITLIN BECKER, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 21-184JV V. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEAL TH AND ) HUMAN SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: I. Caitlin Becker, 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 a tetanus diphtheria-acellular pertussis ("Tdap") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a Tdap vaccine in her right arm on May 21, 2020. 3. The vaccination was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set fonh in the Table, and funher alleges that she experienced the residual effects of her injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denies that Case 1:21-vv-01841-UNJ Document 36 Filed 12/11/23 Page 4 of 7 OocuSi,gn Envelope ID: 71171852-ABOE-4EE3-6AE&-260036543CEE petitioner's alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the Tdap vaccine, and denies that the Tdap vaccine caused petitioner any other injury or her current condition. 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 tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(I), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue a lump sum of$100.000.00 in the fonn of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21 (a)( I), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incuned in proceeding upon this petition. I 0. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 Case 1:21-vv-01841-UNJ Document 36 Filed 12/11/23 Page 5 of 7 Ooc.u$,gn En11el(IJ)e 10: 71171852-ABOE-4EE3-BAES--260036543CEE 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation 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 attorneys' 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-15(g) and (h ). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity, and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever i1Tevocably 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 T dap vaccination administered on May 21, 2020. as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about September I 0, 2021, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 21-1841 V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry ofj udgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 Case 1:21-vv-01841-UNJ Document 36 Filed 12/11/23 Page 6 of 7 Doc...Sign Envelope 10: 71171852·ABOE-4EE3-BAE8-260D36543CEE 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 Tdap vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury or any other injury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION I I I I I I I I I I I 4 Case 1:21-vv-01841-UNJ Document 36 Filed 12/11/23 Page 7 of 7 Oocu5,gn EnvelOl)e ID: 711718S2-ASOE-4EE3-BAES-260036543CEE Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: (f ~U,ro-,bf: ~~ SJDQCQ864fEJ42f CAITLIN BECKER ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: ~ M~ U~ OMMSEN HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Ball Eggleston, PC Deputy Director 201 Main Street, Suite 810 Torts Branch Lafayette, IN 4 7902 Civil Division Tel: (765) 742-9046 U.S. Department of Justice lmommsen@ball-law.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington. DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH CHRISTINE M. BECER Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch, Civil Division Health Systems Bureau U.S. Department of Justice Health Resources and Services P.O. Box 146 Administration Benjamin Franklin Station U.S. Department of Health Washington, DC 20044-0146 and Human Services Tel: (202) 616-3665 5600 Fishers Lane, 08W-25A christine.m.becer@usdoj.gov Rockville, MD 20857 U/t/-,.z Dated: 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-01841-cl-extra-10736784 Date issued/filed: 2023-12-11 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10270194 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-1841V CAITLIN M. BECKER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: November 9, 2023 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Laura L. Mommsen, Ball Eggleston PC, Lafayette, IN, for Petitioner. Christine Mary Becer, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On September 10, 2021, Caitlin M. Becker 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 a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccine administered on May 21, 2020. Petition at ¶¶ 1, 3; Stipulation, filed on November 8, 2023, at ¶¶ 2, 4. Petitioner further alleges that she received the vaccine in the United States, that she experienced the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action as a result of her alleged condition. Petition at 1, 4; Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5. “Respondent denies that [P]etitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denies that [P]etitioner’s alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the Tdap vaccine, and denies that the Tdap vaccine caused [P]etitioner any other injury or her current condition.” 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). Nevertheless, on November 8, 2023, 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 $100,000.00 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 OowSign Envelope ID: 71171852-AB0E-4EEHW:&-26DD36543CEE IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) CAITLIN BECKER, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 21-184JV V. ) Chief Special Master Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ) HUMAN SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: I. Caitlin Becker, 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 a tetanus- diphtheria-acellular pertussis ("Tdap") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a Tdap vaccine in her right arm on May 21, 2020. 3. The vaccination was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set fonh in the Table, and funher alleges that she experienced the residual effects of her injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of her condition. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury, denies that OocuSi,gn Envelope ID: 71171852-ABOE-4EE3-6AE&-260036543CEE petitioner's alleged shoulder injury was caused-in-fact by the Tdap vaccine, and denies that the Tdap vaccine caused petitioner any other injury or her current condition. 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 of judgment reflecting a decision consistent with the tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(I), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue a lump sum of$100.000.00 in the fonn of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21 (a)( I), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incuned in proceeding upon this petition. I0. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 Ooc.u$,gn En11el(IJ)e 10: 71171852-ABOE-4EE3-BAES--260036543CEE 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation 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 attorneys' 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-15(g) and (h ). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity, and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever i1Tevocably 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 Tdap vaccination administered on May 21, 2020. as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about September I 0, 2021, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 21-1841 V. 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. 3 Doc...Sign Envelope 10: 71171852·ABOE-4EE3-BAE8-260D36543CEE 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 Tdap vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury or any other injury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION I I I I I I I I I I I 4 Oocu5,gn EnvelOl)e ID: 711718S2-ASOE-4EE3-BAES-260036543CEE Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: ~U,ro-,bf: (f~~SJDQCQ864fEJ42f CAITLIN BECKER ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: ~ U~ M~ OMMSEN HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Ball Eggleston, PC Deputy Director 201 Main Street, Suite 810 Torts Branch Lafayette, IN 47902 Civil Division Tel: (765) 742-9046 U.S. Department of Justice lmommsen@ball-law.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington. DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: CDR GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH CHRISTINE M. BECER Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch, Civil Division Health Systems Bureau U.S. Department of Justice Health Resources and Services P.O. Box 146 Administration Benjamin Franklin Station U.S. Department of Health Washington, DC 20044-0146 and Human Services Tel: (202) 616-3665 5600 Fishers Lane, 08W-25A christine.m.becer@usdoj.gov Rockville, MD 20857 Dated: U/t/-,.z 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_21-vv-01841-cl-extra-10734467 Date issued/filed: 2024-08-21 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10267877 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 21-1841V CAITLIN M. BECKER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: July 18, 2024 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Michael Joseph Stapleton, Ball Law Firm, Lafayette, IN, for Petitioner. Alexis B. Babcock, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1 On September 10, 2021, Caitlin M. Becker 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 alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration as a result of a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine administered on May 21, 2020. Petition, ECF No. 1. On November 9, 2023, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the parties’ stipulation. ECF No. 34. 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 inf ormation, 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 f rom 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 ref erences to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Petitioner has now filed a motion for attorney’s fees and costs, requesting an award of $43,293.92 (representing $42,944.33 in fees plus $349.59 in costs). Application for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (“Motion”) filed March 15, 2024, ECF No. 39. Furthermore, Petitioner filed a signed statement representing that Petitioner incurred no personal out- of-pocket expenses. ECF No. 39-4. Respondent reacted to the motion on March 18, 2024, indicating that he is satisfied the statutory requirements for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs are met in this case but deferring resolution of the amount to be awarded to my discretion. Motion at 2-3, ECF No. 40. Petitioner did not file a reply thereafter. I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s request. In my experience, the request appears reasonable, and I find no cause to reduce the requested hours or rates. Respondent offered no specific objection to the rates or amounts sought. I have also reviewed the requested costs, but find that Petitioner’s counsel has not substantiated them with the required supporting documentation, such as an invoice or proof of payment. See ECF No. 39-3. I will nevertheless reimburse these costs in full, since the amounts requested are overall minimal. But Petitioner’s counsel should be aware that any future requests for costs may result in a curtailed, or denied, award for failure to include the required supporting documentation. See Guidelines for Practice Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program at 75-78 (emphasis added). 3 The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successful claimants. Section 15(e). Accordingly, I hereby GRANT Petitioner’s Motion for attorney’s fees and costs. I award a total of $43,293.92 (representing $42,944.33 in fees plus $349.59 in costs) as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to Petitioner and Petitioner’s counsel, Michael Joseph Stapleton. In the absence of a timely-filed motion for review (see Appendix B to the Rules of the Court), the Clerk of Court shall enter judgment in accordance with this decision. 4 3 The guidelines f or Practice Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program can be f ound at: https://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/vaccine guidelines 20240318.pdf 4 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by f iling a joint notice renouncing their right to seek review. 2 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3