Deborah Belker-Frechette v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

On October 19, 2021, Deborah Belker-Frechette filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) due to an influenza vaccine received on October 5, 2020. Petitioner, then 62 years old, claimed the vaccine was administered too high in her left deltoid, leading to pain and limited range of motion.

She sought treatment from her primary care provider, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. Medical records documented her consistent reporting of left shoulder pain and limitations, correlating the onset to the vaccination.

Respondent initially disputed the timing of her pain onset but later conceded that Petitioner met the remaining criteria for a Table SIRVA injury. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on December 6, 2024, finding that Petitioner's pain onset occurred within 48 hours of vaccination and that she satisfied all other requirements for a Table SIRVA injury. Subsequently, the parties reached a stipulation for damages.

On January 3, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer recommending an award of $50,000.00 for pain and suffering, which Petitioner agreed to. Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision on February 20, 2025, awarding Petitioner a lump sum of $50,000.00 for pain and suffering.

Petitioner was represented by David John Carney of Green & Schafle LLC, and Respondent was represented by Sarah Black Rifkin of the U.S. Department of Justice.