VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00273
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00273
Petitioner: Scott Egan
Filed: 2022-03-10
Decided: 2025-10-28
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2020-09-26
Condition: left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 98289.54

AI-assisted case summary:
On March 10, 2022, Scott Egan filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered in his left deltoid on September 26, 2020 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The public ruling identifies him as an adult petitioner but does not state his exact age.

Mr. Egan did not seek shoulder care until December 16, 2020, about eleven weeks after vaccination, but he reported that the pain began right away after the flu shot and was aggravated by lifting. Examination documented tenderness, mostly preserved range of motion, and positive impingement signs. A March 2021 MRI showed a small tear, minimal bursitis, and degenerative findings. Physical therapy later recorded constant pain ranging from 3 to 7 out of 10.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found that Mr. Egan had established a Table SIRVA despite the treatment delay. The delay and mixed imaging findings affected damages. On October 28, 2025, the Chief Special Master awarded $98,289.54, consisting of $98,000.00 for pain and suffering and $289.54 for unreimbursed expenses.

Theory of causation field:
Influenza vaccine September 26, 2020 causing left SIRVA; adult exact age not stated. COMPENSATED. Pain reported as beginning right away after vaccination, first treatment December 16, 2020; exam tenderness/positive impingement; March 2021 MRI small tear, minimal bursitis, degenerative findings; PT constant pain 3-7/10. CSM Corcoran found Table SIRVA and awarded $98,289.54 = $98,000.00 pain/suffering + $289.54 expenses on October 28, 2025. Petition filed March 10, 2022.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00273-0
Date issued/filed: 2025-12-09
Pages: 14
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 10/28/2025) regarding 34 Ruling on Entitlement,, DECISION of Special Master,, Order on Motion for Ruling on the Record. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (cr) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:22-vv-00273-UNJ Document 38 Filed 12/09/25 Page 1 of 14
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 22-0273V
SCOTT EGAN, Chief Special Master Corcoran
Petitioner, Filed: October 28, 2025
v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
Laura Levenberg, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner.
Camille Michelle Collett, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT AND DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On March 10, 2022, Scott Egan 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 he suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
(“SIRVA”) as a result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine received on September 26, 2020.
Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of
Special Masters.
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 1:22-vv-00273-UNJ Document 38 Filed 12/09/25 Page 2 of 14
The parties were unable to settle the claim, and have now fully briefed entitlement
and damages (ECF Nos. 30, 32, 33). For the reasons set forth herein, I find that Petitioner
is entitled to compensation, and award damages for actual pain and suffering in the
amount of $98,000.00, plus $289.54 for unreimbursed, out-of-pocket medical expenses.
I. Factual Evidence
A. Medical Records
Petitioner received a flu vaccine in his left deltoid on September 26, 2020. Ex. 1 at
4. Approximately five weeks later (November 2, 2020), he saw orthopedic physician
assistant (“PA”) Kevin Brown for a two-month history of right knee pain that was interfering
with sleep and causing pain with walking and kneeling. Ex. 3 at 96, 98. PA Brown
assessed Petitioner with an acute meniscus tear and recommended an MRI. Id. at 101-
02. Although Petitioner’s knee was examined, no general musculoskeletal examination
was done, and the record of the visit is silent on shoulder concerns.
Petitioner returned to PA Brown the following week (November 9, 2020) to review
the knee MRI, which showed a medial meniscus tear. Ex. 3 at 110. His knee was
examined, but the record does not indicate that a general musculoskeletal examination
was conducted. Id. at 113. Arthroscopic knee surgery was recommended, and Petitioner
agreed. Id. at 114.
On December 12, 2020, Petitioner was seen in the emergency department (“ED")
for chest pain. Ex. 4 at 35. The musculoskeletal review of systems was negative for back
pain, and did not address any other musculoskeletal concerns. Id. at 36. On
musculoskeletal examination, Petitioner was noted to have “[g]ood range of motion in all
major joints,” with no tenderness to palpation or major deformities noted. Id. at 38. He
was diagnosed with atypical chest pain and given antacid medication. Id. at 42. The
record of this visit does not mention left shoulder pain.
The following morning (December 13, 2020), Petitioner was again seen in an ED
complaining of anxiety. Ex. 9 at 43. He reported that his wife had surgery for stage III
cancer two days prior and was doing well, but he had started breathing hard with his “first
panic attack” the day before. Id. He had improved while in the ED the day before, but
awoke at 3 AM with the same problem. Id. He was now having slight paresthesias in his
extremities. Id. The musculoskeletal examination states only that he did not have edema
in his lower extremities. Id. at 47. He was given anxiety medication and discharged. Id.
Petitioner first sought treatment for shoulder pain in December 2020 – although
there is some ambiguity as to the precise date for that treatment event. Ex. 3 at 134-138.
Petitioner asserts that he was first seen on December 1st, and returned on December
16th, while Respondent asserts that Petitioner was first seen on December 16th. On
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reviewing the record, I find that it is more likely that Petitioner was first seen on December
16, 2020.3 Id.
At this December 16th visit (now over eleven weeks post-vaccination), Petitioner
stated that he had received a flu vaccine in September and “has had pain in shoulder
since.” Ex. 3 at 138. He explained that “right away after the injection he had pain around
the deltoid region that has since persisted.” Id. The pain was aggravated when he lifted
things with his left arm. Id. He had not noticed significant loss of motion, although pain
was somewhat limiting. Id. He had mild weakness and occasional numbness and tingling
extending down his arm. Id. He had tried over the counter anti-inflammatory and pain
medication, as well as hot and cold packs, without relief. Id.
On examination, Petitioner’ left shoulder was tender to palpation in the subacromial
space and deltoid. Ex. 3 at 142. His range of motion (“ROM”) was 180 degrees in forward
flexion, 170 degrees in abduction, and 80 degrees in external rotation, with positive
impingement signs. Id. He was assessed with left rotator cuff tendinitis, and given a
steroid injection. Id. at 142-43. PA Brown noted that this “could be symptoms related to
SIRVA,” although Petitioner also had pain and weakness consistent with rotator cuff
pathology. Id. at 143.
On December 29, 2020, Petitioner saw Dr. Kai Huang for a pre-operative
examination in preparation for knee surgery. Ex. 2 at 87. He received a tetanus vaccine,
although the administration situs was not recorded. Id. at 90-91. The record is silent on
shoulder concerns. Petitioner’s knee surgery was performed on January 22, 2021. Ex. 3
at 174.
3 The records of this provider, TriHealth Orthopedic and Sports Institute, appear to include pages listing a
“visit date” even when there does not appear to have been an office visit on that date. Relevant here are
seven pages listing a “visit date” of December 1, 2020. Ex. 3 at 130-136. One of these pages lists the
reason for visit as “Left Shoulder,” noting that Petitioner received a flu shot in September and had pain
since then. Id. at 136. However, the pages dated December 1st do not include a patient history, review of
systems, examination findings, or other indications that Petitioner was seen that day. All of the detailed
information about Petitioner’s history and examination findings are found in the December 16, 2020 visit
record. Id. at 138-44. It is not clear what occurred on December 1st, but the evidence does not preponderate
in favor of a finding that Petitioner was seen in the office on that date.
This pattern – of TriHealth Orthopedic records including pages for dates on which no office visit appears to
have occurred – is repeated several other times. For instance, just before Petitioner first saw PA Brown for
knee pain, there are three pages of records listing a visit date of October 28, 2020 (Ex. 3 at 91-93), one of
which lists a diagnosis of “[a]cute pain of right knee.” Id. at 93. However, the record does not otherwise
suggest that Petitioner was actually seen on October 28th; there is not a patient history, review of systems,
or examination findings for that date.
Therefore, I find that Petitioner’s first medical consultation for his left shoulder pain more likely occurred on
December 16, 2020.
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Petitioner underwent a left shoulder MRI on March 2, 2021. Ex. 4 at 61. The MRI
report lists a history of “LEFT SHOULDER PAIN STARTED AFTER FLU VACCINE FALL
2020.” Id. The MRI showed a small tear near the junction of the supraspinatus and
infraspinatus tendons, minimal subacromial bursal fluid, and minimal degenerative
changes at the acromioclavicular joint. Id.
Petitioner saw Dr. Joseph Thomas, an orthopedist, for a post-operative
appointment for his knee on March 8, 2021. Ex. 3 at 184. Petitioner reported that he also
“continue[d] to have left shoulder pain where he was previously seen for rotator cuff
tendinitis and given an injection.” Id. On examination, his ROM was “good,” but he had
positive impingement signs and subacromial pain. Id. Dr. Thomas recommended physical
therapy (“PT”) for his shoulder. Id.
Petitioner underwent a PT evaluation of his left shoulder two weeks later, on March
22, 2021. Ex. 3 at 193. He reported left shoulder pain that had been ongoing following his
vaccination in the fall. Id. He had received a cortisone shot, with minimal benefit, and an
MRI showed a rotator cuff tear. Id. His pain was constant and localized, ranging from
three to seven out of ten. Id. at 194. On examination, his left shoulder active ROM was
156 degrees in flexion (compared to 160 degrees on the right), 55 degrees in extension
(versus 80 on the right), 145 degrees in abduction (versus 170 on the right), and 85
degrees in external rotation (versus 90 on the right). Id. at 196. He reported restrictions
in driving, fitness, leisure activities, housework, cooking, and yard work. Id. at 198.
Petitioner attended three more PT sessions, on March 24, April 1, and April 7, 2021. Id.
at 203, 213, 220.
Petitioner followed up with Dr. Thomas for left shoulder pain on April 12, 2021. Ex.
5 at 21. He continued to experience pain and limited ROM, and had not seen improvement
with a cortisone injection or PT. Id. After discussing treatment options, Dr. Thomas
recommended surgery, and Petitioner agreed. Id.
Four months later (August 20, 2021), Petitioner underwent left shoulder
arthroscopy with rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression. Ex. 5 at 203. He saw
PA Brown for a post-operative visit on August 26, 2021. Id. at 318. Petitioner was doing
well, with the expected level of postoperative pain. Id. He was wearing a sling, and had
some difficulty sleeping. Id. PT was recommended. Id.
Petitioner underwent a PT evaluation of his left shoulder on August 30, 2021. Ex.
10 at 4. His pain ranged between four and eight out of ten. Id. He reported limitations in
reaching, carrying, pushing/pulling, lifting, sleeping, household chores, driving, and
activities of daily living. Id. On examination, his left shoulder passive ROM was 110
degrees in flexion (compared to 171 on the right), 0 degrees in extension (versus 60 on
the right), 55 degrees in abduction (versus 180 on the right), and 21 degrees in external
rotation (versus 90 on the right).
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Petitioner followed up with PA Brown on September 23, 2021. Ex. 6 at 25. His pain
and ROM were improving with PT. Id. On examination, his left shoulder ROM was 140
degrees in forward elevation, 120 degrees in abduction, and 65 degrees in external
rotation. Id. at 29. PA Brown recommended that he transition out of the sling and continue
PT. Id. Petitioner saw Dr. Thomas on November 1, 2021. Id. at 33. He was doing well,
and no longer taking pain medications. Id. The following month (December 2, 2021),
Petitioner saw PA Kaycie Klausing for a follow up visit. Id. at 42. He estimated that he
was “about 90% improved” and “very happy with his range of motion.” Id. He continued
to experience weakness, as expected. Id. He was sleeping well. Id.
Petitioner was discharged from PT after 15 post-operative visits on December 13,
2021. Ex. 10 at 81. He was pain-free, and his passive ROM was 165 degrees in flexion,
178 degrees in abduction, 88 degrees in external rotation, and 86 degrees in internal
rotation. Id. at 81-82. He was noted to have “excellent ROM and good to excellent
strength.” Id. Petitioner had either met, or had a home exercise plan to meet, all goals. Id.
B. Declaration
Petitioner submitted a declaration in support of his claim. Ex. 7. He states that
when he received the at-issue vaccine, he “knew immediately that it felt ‘different’ as the
pain was instant and severe compared to all other vaccines” he had received. Id. at ¶ 4.
He was not aware that a vaccine injection could cause severe damage, and thought the
pain would go away. Id. at ¶¶ 4-5. Additionally, he was focusing on other health problems:
his wife’s Stage 3 cancer, which she was treating with surgery, chemo, and radiation, and
his own knee problem that resulted in surgery. Id. at ¶¶ 5, 9.
Petitioner also remembered his doctor’s office telling him that new issues required
a “new problem” appointment, rather than being addressed during a follow up
appointment for another issue. Ex. 7 at ¶ 6. Therefore, he followed this process, and kept
the focus of his November 2020 appointments to his knee, and scheduled a “new issue”
appointment for December 2020 for his shoulder pain. Id. at ¶ 7.
II. Factual Findings and Ruling on Entitlement
A. Legal Standards
Before compensation can be awarded under the Vaccine Act, a petitioner must
preponderantly demonstrate all matters required under Section 11(c)(1), including the
factual circumstances surrounding his or her claim. Section 13(a)(1)(A). In making this
determination, the special master or court should consider the record as a whole. Section
13(a)(1). Petitioner’s allegations must be supported by medical records or by medical
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opinion. Id.
To resolve factual issues, the special master must weigh the evidence presented,
which may include contemporaneous medical records and testimony. See Burns v. Sec'y
of Health & Human Servs., 3 F.3d 415, 417 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (explaining that a special
master must decide what weight to give evidence including oral testimony and
contemporaneous medical records). “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 the balance, accuracy has an extra premium. These records are
also generally contemporaneous to the medical events.” Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
To overcome the presumptive accuracy of medical records testimony, a petitioner
may present testimony which is “consistent, clear, cogent, and compelling.” Sanchez v.
Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No. 11–685V, 2013 WL 1880825, at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Apr. 10, 2013) (citing Blutstein v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No. 90–2808V,
1998 WL 408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998)). The Federal Circuit has
“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 & Human Servs., 997
F.3d 1378, 1383 (Fed. Cir. 2021) (explaining that a patient may not report every ailment,
or a physician may enter information incorrectly or not record everything he or she
observes).
In addition to requirements concerning the vaccination received and the lack of
other award or settlement,4 a petitioner must establish that he or 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 he or she received. Section 11(c)(1)(C). The Vaccine
Act further includes a “severity requirement,” pursuant to which a petitioner demonstrate
that they “suffered the residual effects or complications of such illness, disability, injury,
or condition for more than 6 months after the administration of the vaccine . . . .” Section
11(c)(1)(D).
“[T]he fact that a Petitioner has been discharged from medical care does not
necessarily indicate that there are no remaining or residual effects from her alleged
injury.” Morine v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 17-1013, 2019 WL 978825, at *4
(Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Jan. 23, 2019); see also Herren v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs.,
No. 13-1000V, 2014 WL 3889070, at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 18, 2014) (“a discharge
from medical care does not necessarily indicate there are no residual effects”). “A
4 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 and has not filed a civil suit or collected an award or settlement for his or her injury. Section
11(c)(1)(A)(B)(E).
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treatment gap . . . does not automatically mean severity cannot be established.” Law v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 21-0699V, 2023 WL 2641502, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Feb. 23, 2023) (finding severity requirement met where Petitioner sought care for
under three months and had met physical therapy goals but still lacked full range of motion
and experienced difficulty with certain activities, then returned to care nearly five months
later reporting stiffness and continuing restrictions in motion); see also Peeples v. Sec’y
of Health & Human Servs., No. 20-0634V, 2022 WL 2387749 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May
26, 2022) (finding severity requirement met where Petitioner sought care for four months,
followed by fifteen-month gap); Silvestri v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 19-
1045V, 2021 WL 4205313 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Aug. 16, 2021) (finding severity
requirement satisfied where Petitioner did not seek additional treatment after the five-
month mark).
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 Qualifications and Aids to Interpretation
(“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:
(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
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(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).
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.
B. Parties’ Arguments on Entitlement
Petitioner asserts that he continuously and consistently related the onset of his
shoulder pain to vaccination. Petitioner’s Motion for Ruling on the Record, filed June 10,
2024, at *7 (ECF No. 30) (“Mot.”). He relies on records starting in December 2020, as well
as his March 2, 2021 MRI and declaration testimony. Id. Petitioner emphasizes that he
reported pain “since” vaccination. Id. (citing Ex. 3 at 136).
Respondent argues that Petitioner cannot prevail on a Table SIRVA claim because
the medical records do not establish that Petitioner suffered the first symptoms or
manifestation of onset of a shoulder injury within 48 hours of vaccination. Respondent’s
Rule 4(c) Report and Response, filed Aug. 26, 2024, at *7 (ECF No. 32) (“Resp.”).
Petitioner’s first post-vaccination complaint of shoulder pain occurred 81 days after
vaccination, when he reported pain “after” vaccination. Id. In the interim, Petitioner saw
his orthopedist – an appropriate specialist to treat such an injury – twice, but without
mentioning shoulder pain. Id. at *7-8. Although Petitioner asserts that he was required to
make a “new problem” appointment, he later sought care for his shoulder during a follow
up appointment for his knee, on March 8, 2021 (Ex. 3 at 184). Id. at *8. Petitioner also
went to the ED twice, without mentioning shoulder pain, during the time between
vaccination and his first report of shoulder pain. Id. Respondent finds “curious” Petitioner’s
lengthy delay in seeking care, and failure to mention his shoulder pain at these intervening
medical encounters, in light of his claim that he “knew immediately” that this vaccination
felt different. Id.
Petitioner objects to Respondent’s suggestion that Petitioner’s testimony about his
understanding that he needed a “new problem” appointment is disingenuous. Petitioner’s
Reply, filed Sept. 9, 2024, at *2 (ECF No. 33) (“Reply”). Petitioner asserts that, at the time
of the March 2021 appointment Respondent cites, neither his knee nor his shoulder pain
was a “new problem.” Id. And Petitioner points out that no medical records suggest that
his shoulder pain resulted from anything other than vaccination. Id. at *3.
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C. Factual Findings on Onset
I find that the record supports a finding that Petitioner’s shoulder pain likely began
within 48 hours of vaccination. Petitioner first sought care for his shoulder pain less than
three months after vaccination, and thereafter he consistently related his pain to
vaccination.
A treatment delay of this length does not, by itself, raise serious concerns about
onset. Tully v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 21-1998V, 2024 WL 4533515 (Fed.
Cl. Spec. Mstr. Sept. 20, 2024) (finding onset occurred within 48 hours although claimant
did not seek care for two and a half months); Diaz v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs.,
20-1003V, 2023 WL 8440873, at *6 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Nov. 1, 2023) (finding onset
was within 48 hours where the petitioner delayed seeking care for over three months after
vaccination); Buck v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 19-1301V, 2023 WL 6213423,
at *7 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Aug. 23, 2023) (finding onset of pain occurred within 48 hours
where the petitioner did not seek care for over three months and noting that a delay in
seeking care is relevant to onset, but not dispositive). However, a delay in seeking care
coupled with evidence that the claimant attended medical appointments for other
problems raises additional concern. This is particularly so if those intervening
appointments are with providers to whom it would be appropriate to report shoulder pain,
such as a primary care provider or orthopedist – as occurred here.
But the fact that Petitioner saw his orthopedist twice between vaccination and his
first visit for shoulder pain does not automatically mean he cannot prevail. Rather, it merits
a closer look at the facts and circumstances of the appointments, the reasons for both the
treatment delay and for not reporting shoulder pain at the intervening appointments, and,
importantly, what the medical records (from when Petitioner ultimately did seek treatment)
say about when his pain began.
In this case, Petitioner saw his orthopedist twice and visited the ED twice in the
time between vaccination and his first treatment for shoulder pain. The ED visits in
December 2020 do not raise serious concerns about onset. These visits occurred just a
few days before his first shoulder treatment. And he sought treatment for chest pain and
panic attacks. It is understandable that a person seeking emergency care for these
problems may not mention shoulder pain that had been present for over two months.
The two orthopedic visits are more concerning. These appointments occurred just
over a month after vaccination, and the records are silent on Petitioner’s shoulder – and
he concedes that he did not discuss his shoulder pain at them. These concerns are
heightened by the fact that the appointments were with an orthopedic provider – an
appropriate specialist to treat a shoulder problem, and in fact the provider that he
ultimately went to for care.
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When Petitioner did seek care for shoulder pain, however, he consistently related
his pain to vaccination, even if he used vague terminology. Ex. 3 at 138; Ex. 4 at 61; Ex.
3 at 193. And he has provided testimonial evidence that, during the time between
vaccination and his first treatment, he was having knee pain and his wife was undergoing
treatment for Stage 3 cancer. Ex. 7 at ¶¶ 5, 9.
Taken as a whole, the record supports a finding that, more likely than not,
Petitioner’s shoulder pain began within 48 hours of vaccination. See G.C. v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., No. 19-296V, 2022 WL 21817453 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Aug. 9,
2022) (finding onset of shoulder pain within 48 hours despite four-month delay in seeking
care with two intervening primary care encounters, where the petitioner consistently
reported that his shoulder pain began after vaccination); Dempsey v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., No. 18-0970V, 2021 WL 1080563 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb. 17, 2021)
(finding that onset occurred within 48 hours despite four-month delay in seeking care,
with two intervening medical appointments, one with the claimant’s primary care provider;
stating that thereafter, the claimant consistently related onset to vaccination, and adding
that the same outcome may not follow if the treatment delay was longer).
However, this record clearly establishes ample opportunity to seek treatment
despite Petitioner’s understandable reasons for delay – and therefore I cannot find this
SIRVA to have the level of pain severity that would be true for cases where a claimant
more readily, and consistently, sought treatment. This will be taken into account in my
damages determination, as noted below.
D. Factual Findings on Remaining SIRVA QAI Criteria and Statutory
Requirements
The remaining QAI and statutory requirements are not disputed, and I find that
they are satisfied. The record does not contain preponderant evidence that Petitioner had
a history of left shoulder pain or any other condition that would explain his post-
vaccination symptoms. Ex. 2. He exhibited reduced ROM, and his pain and ROM
limitations were limited to the vaccinated shoulder. Ex. 3 at 196. He received a covered
vaccine in the United States. Ex. 1 at 4. He experienced residual effects of his injury for
more than six months. Ex. 5 at 203; Ex. 10 at 4. And he states that he never received an
award or settlement for his vaccine-related injury, nor has he filed a civil action. Ex. 1 at
¶ 14.
Petitioner has established by preponderant evidence that all Table SIRVA and QAI
requirements are established. Further, he has established all statutory requirements for
entitlement. Thus, Petitioner is entitled to compensation.
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III. Damages
A. Legal Standard
In another recent decision, I discussed at length the legal standard to be
considered in determining damages and prior SIRVA compensation within SPU. I fully
adopt and hereby incorporate my prior discussion in Section II of Matthews v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., No. 22-1396V, 2025 WL 2606607 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Aug. 13,
2025).
In sum, compensation awarded pursuant to the Vaccine Act shall include “[f]or
actual and projected pain and suffering and emotional distress from the vaccine-related
injury, an award not to exceed $250,000.00.” Section 15(a)(4). The petitioner bears the
burden of proof with respect to each element of compensation requested. Brewer v. Sec’y
of Health & Human Servs., No. 93-0092V, 1996 WL 147722, at *22-23 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Mar. 18, 1996). Factors to be considered when determining an award for pain and
suffering include: 1) awareness of the injury; 2) severity of the injury; and 3) duration of
the suffering.5
B. Parties’ Damages Arguments
Petitioner seeks a pain and suffering award of $135,000.00, relying on Wilson and
Rafferty, which involved awards of $130.000.00 and $127,500.00, respectively.6 Mot. at
*10-13. Petitioner emphasizes that he sought treatment “approximately 2 months after his
vaccination,” and underwent an MRI, a cortisone injection, two rounds of PT, and
arthroscopic surgery. Id. at *11. He views his treatment as similar to Wilson and Rafferty
except that he asserts that those petitioners did not undergo a cortisone injection and had
a shorter overall treatment course. Id.
Respondent argues that an award of $70,000.00 for pain and suffering is
appropriate, although he does not cite any decisions in support of his proposed award.
Resp. at *10. Respondent asserts that Petitioner experienced approximately 15 months
of mild shoulder discomfort after vaccination. Id. at *12. Petitioner reported pain levels
5 I.D. v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 04-1593V, 2013 WL 2448125, at *9 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. May
14, 2013) (quoting McAllister v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No 91-1037V, 1993 WL 777030, at *3
(Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 26, 1993), vacated and remanded on other grounds, 70 F.3d 1240 (Fed. Cir.
1995)).
6 Wilson v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 19-0035V, 2021 WL 1530731 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. March
18, 2021); and Rafferty v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 17-1906V, 2020 WL 3495956, (Fed. Cl.
Spec. Mstr. May 21, 2020).
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ranging from three to seven out of ten before surgery. Id. At his final post-operative follow
up, he reported that his shoulder pain was 90% improved. Id. at *13.
Respondent asserts that the Wilson petitioner experienced a more severe SIRVA,
although he acknowledges that Mr. Egan’s treatment was similar to that in Wilson. Resp.
at *13. And he argues that the Rafferty petitioner underwent more treatment and reported
higher pain levels than Mr. Egan. Id.
C. Appropriate Compensation for Pain and Suffering
In this case, awareness of the injury is not disputed. The record reflects that at all
times Petitioner was a competent adult with no impairments that would impact his
awareness of his injury. Therefore, I analyze principally the severity and duration of
Petitioner’s injury.
Petitioner suffered a mild to moderate SIRVA that required surgery. By 15 months
after the onset of his injury, he was 90% better, with “excellent ROM and good to excellent
strength.” Ex. 6 at 42; Ex. 10 at 82. He underwent a cortisone injection, arthroscopic
surgery, two rounds of PT totaling 19 sessions, and an MRI. However, his delay in seeking
care – particularly his failure to seek care when he saw an orthopedist for another injury
– bears heavily on damages. While I understand that requiring a separate appointment
for new issues is not uncommon, in this case Petitioner was not seen for that separate
appointment until more than two months post-vaccination.
Although Petitioner’s injury has many similarities to Wilson and Rafferty, there are
also important differences. Most significantly, those claimants initially sought care at one
month (Wilson) and six weeks (Rafferty) – suggesting a more severe injury. Petitioner’s
delay in seeking care – particularly his failure to seek care when he saw an orthopedist
twice for another injury – is compelling evidence suggesting a milder injury.
While the Wilson petitioner’s initial treatment period was shorter than Petitioner’s,
that claimant later returned to treatment. And the Rafferty petitioner had more severe
ROM deficits than Mr. Egan. However, I acknowledge that Mr. Egan treated for longer
than the Rafferty petitioner, and underwent a cortisone injection, which neither the Wilson
nor Rafferty claimant did.
In light of the record evidence, I find that an award of $98,000.00 for pain and
suffering is appropriate. Surgery SIRVA cases do typically result in six-figure awards of
pain and suffering – but the delays in treatment and gaps and other circumstances herein
do not justify such an award.
D. Unreimbursable Expenses
Petitioner requests $289.54 in out-of-pocket medical expenses, and Respondent
does not dispute these expenses. Mot. at *11; Resp. at *14. Petitioner also requests
$6,065.00 in expenses for lawn care. Mot. at *12. He argues that he usually tends his
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own lawn, but had to pay a landscaper for these services while he was recovering from
surgery. Id. The only evidentiary support cited or provided for these expenses is cancelled
checks. Ex. 12. The checks are made payable to two different individuals. Id. One of the
checks states it is for “Final Cut” (id. at 20); the remainder provide no indication of the
reason for the payments.
Respondent objects to reimbursement of these costs as “inconsistent with the
statute.” Resp. at *14 (citing Curri v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 17-432V, 2018
WL 6273562, at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Oct. 31, 2018).
Petitioner has not submitted medical record or testimonial evidence that would
support his assertion that these expenses relate to his SIRVA; the only link to his SIRVA
is attorney argument. Moreover, lawn care expenses are generally not reimbursable
expenses, except in rare circumstances not present here, such as a significantly more
severe injury, and/or proof that the claimant was unable to perform these tasks and had
no other means of assistance. Curri, 2018 WL 6273562, at *3-4. Petitioner has not
demonstrated entitlement to reimbursement of lawn care expenses.
Conclusion
For all of the reasons discussed above and based on consideration of the record
as a whole, I GRANT Petitioner’s motion for a ruling on the record, and find that
Petitioner suffered an injury that meets the definition for a Table SIRVA and is
entitled to compensation. I find that $98,000.00 represents a fair and appropriate
amount of compensation for Petitioner’s actual pain and suffering.7 Additionally, I
find that Petitioner is entitled to $289.54 in out-of-pocket expenses.
Based on consideration of the record as a whole and arguments of the parties, I
award Petitioner a lump sum of $98,289.54, 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.8
7 Since this amount is being awarded for actual, rather than projected, pain and suffering, no reduction to
net present value is required. See Section 15(f)(4)(A); Childers v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 96-
0194V, 1999 WL 159844, at *1 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 5, 1999) (citing Youngblood v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 32 F.3d 552 (Fed. Cir. 1994)).
8 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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IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Chief Special Master
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