VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00918
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00918
Petitioner: Shirley Rumph
Filed: 2022-08-17
Decided: 2026-05-11
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2020-09-18
Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)
Outcome: entitlement_granted_pending_damages
Award amount USD: 

AI-assisted case summary:
Shirley Rumph filed a petition alleging that she suffered a Table Injury of SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration) or alternatively a shoulder injury caused-in-fact by her vaccination, following an influenza vaccine received on September 18, 2020. The court found that Ms. Rumph is entitled to compensation. The decision details the legal standards for Table and off-Table claims, including the specific criteria for SIRVA. The court weighed the expert opinions of Dr. Natanzi for the petitioner and Dr. Abrams for the respondent regarding the petitioner's prior medical history and the onset of her shoulder pain. The court found that Ms. Rumph met the criteria for a Table SIRVA, including no significant prior history of shoulder issues that would explain her current symptoms, onset of pain within 48 hours of vaccination, pain limited to the affected shoulder, and no other condition explaining the symptoms. The court noted that while there was a delay in seeking treatment, this did not preclude a finding of entitlement. A separate damages order will be issued, and the court will consider an order to show cause for the requested damages amount.

Theory of causation field:
Table

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-00918-0
Date issued/filed: 2026-05-11
Pages: 20
Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 04/15/2026) regarding 39 Ruling on Entitlement. Signed by Special Master Daniel T. Horner. (cd) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:22-vv-00918-UNJ Document 41 Filed 05/11/26 Page 1 of 20
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 22-918V
Filed: April 15, 2026
Special Master Horner
SHIRLEY RUMPH,
Petitioner,
v.
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES,
Respondent.
David John Carney, Green & Schafle LLC, Philadelphia, PA, for petitioner.
Jamica Marie Littles, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.
RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1
On August 17, 2022, petitioner filed a petition under the National Childhood
Vaccine Injury Act (“Vaccine Act”), 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10, et seq. (2012).2 (ECF No. 1.)
Petitioner alleged that she suffered a Table Injury of “SIRVA,” i.e. a shoulder injury
related to vaccine administration, or alternatively a shoulder injury caused-in-fact by her
vaccination, following the receipt of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine on September 18, 2020.
(Id.) For the reasons set forth below, I conclude that petitioner is entitled to
compensation.
1 Because this document 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 document 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 Within this decision, all citations to § 300aa will be the relevant sections of the Vaccine Act at 42 U.S.C.
§ 300aa-10, et seq.
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Case 1:22-vv-00918-UNJ Document 41 Filed 05/11/26 Page 2 of 20
I. Applicable Statutory Scheme
Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, compensation
awards are made to individuals who have suffered injuries after receiving vaccines. In
general, to gain an award, a petitioner must make a number of factual demonstrations,
including showing that an individual received a vaccination covered by the statute;
received it in the United States; suffered a serious, long-standing injury; and has
received no previous award or settlement on account of the injury. Finally – and the key
question in most cases under the Program – the petitioner must also establish a causal
link between the vaccination and the injury.
In some cases, the petitioner may simply demonstrate the occurrence of what
has been called a “Table Injury.” That is, it may be shown that the vaccine recipient
suffered an injury of the type enumerated in the “Vaccine Injury Table,” corresponding to
the vaccination in question, within an applicable time period following the vaccination
also specified in the Table. If so, the Table Injury is presumed to have been caused by
the vaccination, and the petitioner is automatically entitled to compensation, unless it is
affirmatively shown that the injury was caused by some factor other than the
vaccination. § 300aa-13(a)(1)(A); § 300 aa-11(c)(1)(C)(i); § 300aa-14(a); § 300aa-
13(a)(1)(B).
As relevant here, the Vaccine Injury Table lists SIRVA as a compensable injury if
it occurs within 48 hours of vaccine administration. § 300aa-14(a), amended by 42
C.F.R. § 100.3. Table Injury cases are guided by statutory “Qualifications and aids in
interpretation” (“QAI”), which provide more detailed explanation of what should be
considered when determining whether a petitioner has suffered an injury listed on the
Vaccine Injury Table. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c). To be considered a “Table SIRVA,” a
petitioner must show that his/her injury fits within the following definition:
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 . . . 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;
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Case 1:22-vv-00918-UNJ Document 41 Filed 05/11/26 Page 3 of 20
(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).
Alternatively, if no injury falling within the Table can be shown, the petitioner may
still demonstrate entitlement to an award by showing that the vaccine recipient’s injury
was caused-in-fact by the vaccination in question. § 300aa-13(a)(1)(A); § 300aa-
11(c)(1)(C)(ii). To so demonstrate, a petitioner must show that the vaccine was “not
only [the] but-for cause of the injury but also a substantial factor in bringing about the
injury.” Moberly v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 592 F.3d 1315, 1321-22 (Fed. Cir.
2010) (quoting Shyface v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 165 F.3d 1344, 1352-53
(Fed. Cir. 1999)); Pafford v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 451 F.3d 1352, 1355
(Fed. Cir. 2006). In particular, a petitioner must show by preponderant evidence: (1) a
medical theory causally connecting the vaccination and the injury; (2) a logical
sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the
injury; and (3) a showing of proximate temporal relationship between vaccination and
injury in order to prove causation-in-fact. Althen v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs.,
418 F.3d 1274, 1278 (Fed. Cir. 2005).
For both Table and Non-Table claims, Vaccine Program petitioners must
establish their claim by a “preponderance of the evidence”. § 300aa-13(a)(1). That is, a
petitioner must present evidence sufficient to show “that the existence of a fact is more
probable than its nonexistence.” Moberly, 592 F.3d at 1322 n.2. Proof of medical
certainty is not required. Bunting v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 931 F.2d 867,
872-73 (Fed. Cir. 1991). However, a petitioner may not receive a Vaccine Program
award based solely on his assertions; rather, the petition must be supported by either
medical records or by the opinion of a competent physician. § 300aa-13(a)(1). Once a
petitioner has established their prima facie case, the burden then shifts to respondent to
prove, also by preponderant evidence, that the alleged injury was caused by a factor
unrelated to vaccination. Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278 (citations omitted); § 300aa-
13(a)(1)(B).
Cases in the Vaccine Program are assigned to special masters who are
responsible for “conducting all proceedings, including taking such evidence as may be
appropriate, making the requisite findings of fact and conclusions of law, preparing a
decision, and determining the amount of compensation, if any, to be awarded.” Vaccine
Rule 3(b)(1). Special masters must ensure each party has had a “full and fair
opportunity” to develop the record but are empowered to determine the format for taking
evidence based on the circumstances of each case, including having the discretion to
decide cases without an evidentiary hearing. Vaccine Rule 3(b)(2); Vaccine Rule 8(a);
Vaccine Rule 8(d). Special masters are not bound by common law or statutory rules of
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Case 1:22-vv-00918-UNJ Document 41 Filed 05/11/26 Page 4 of 20
evidence but must consider all relevant and reliable evidence in keeping with
fundamental fairness to both parties. Vaccine Rule 8(b)(1).
II. Procedural History
In October of 2022, petitioner filed her medical records and a written statement
followed by a Statement of Completion. (ECF Nos. 6, 8; Exs. 1-8.)3 Thereafter, based
on the allegations of the petition, this case was initially assigned to the Chief Special
Master as part of the Special Processing Unit (“SPU”). (ECF Nos. 9-10.) However, in
July of 2023, it was subsequently reassigned to the undersigned after respondent’s
counsel advised that the case may be too medically complex to meet the regulatory
definition of SIRVA. (ECF Nos. 15-17.)
Petitioner filed an expert report by Naveed Natanzi, D.O., in August of 2023.
(ECF Nos. 20-22; Exs. 10-12.) The parties then attempted informal resolution (ECF
Nos. 23-24), but they reached an impasse (ECF No. 25). Accordingly, respondent filed
his Rule 4(c) Report, accompanied by a responsive expert report by Geoffrey Abrams,
M.D., in August of 2024. (ECF Nos. 28-29; Exs. A-B.) Respondent contended that
petitioner’s presentation is not consistent with a Table SIRVA and further argued that
she had also not demonstrated causation-in-fact. (ECF No. 29, pp. 12-22.)
After the expert reports were filed, the parties attempted informal resolution a
second time (ECF Nos. 30-32), but they again reported reaching an impasse (ECF No.
33). In December of 2024, petitioner requested that “the Court set additional litigation
deadlines so that this case can be decided by the Court.” (Id.) Thereafter, petitioner
was directed to file a motion for a ruling on the written record, which she did in February
of 2025. (ECF No. 34.) That motion is now fully briefed. (ECF Nos. 36-37.)
Within their briefs, neither party objected to resolving entitlement on the existing
record. (ECF Nos. 34, 36, 37.) However, they did differ on whether it is appropriate to
also resolve damages as this juncture. Although petitioner addressed damages in her
motion on her own initiative (ECF No. 34, pp. 2-3 n.1, 33-40), respondent disputed that
the issue is ripe for resolution (ECF No. 36, p. 1 n.1). However, the only issue
respondent raised was that petitioner had not yet been found entitled to compensation.
(Id.) Respondent did not indicate that he wished to develop the evidentiary record
further with respect to damages. (See id.)
While it is the ordinary practice in this program to bifurcate the entitlement and
damages phases of litigation, nothing prevents a special master from reaching both
questions simultaneously in appropriate cases. E.g., Chatman v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., No. 20-2064V, 2024 WL 3912832 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 19, 2024)
(Chief Special Master issuing a combined ruling on entitlement and decision awarding
damages). In her reply, petitioner argued that I should reach the question of damages
3 A transcribed copy of the medical records filed as Exhibit 7 were later filed as Exhibit 9. (ECF No. 19.)
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regardless of respondent’s objection, noting respondent had been afforded the
opportunity to address petitioner’s damages. (ECF No. 37, p. 2.)
In light of the above, this ruling will resolve the instant motion with respect to
entitlement only. See Vaccine Rule 8(d); Vaccine Rule 3(b)(2); Kreizenbeck v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., 945 F.3d 1362, 1366 (Fed. Cir. 2020) (noting that “special
masters must determine that the record is comprehensive and fully developed before
ruling on the record”). However, because petitioner has already fully briefed the issue
of damages, the parties have twice attempted informal resolution, and respondent has
not suggested that further evidence is necessary to assess petitioner’s damages, an
order to show cause will be issued contemporaneous to this ruling, requiring respondent
to provide a brief showing cause why petitioner should not be awarded damages in the
amount she requests. I will issue a decision awarding damages once the issue is fully
briefed.
III. Factual History
Petitioner received the vaccination at issue in this case, administered in her left
deltoid, at a primary care encounter on September 18, 2020. (Ex. 1, p. 3; Ex. 3, pp.
171-73.) The purpose of the medical visit was “evaluation and management of chronic
medical problems.” (Ex. 3, p. 171.) The history of present illness focused on
petitioner’s painful right hip and the musculoskeletal physical exam was limited to noting
that petitioner was now ambulating with a cane. (Id. at 171-72.) There were no
documented complaints of left hand, arm, or shoulder pain at that time. (See id. at 171-
73.) In her written statement, petitioner indicated that “[w]hen I left the appointment, I
continued to have pain and soreness in my shoulder. This pain continued through the
following days and varied in intensity . . . .”4 (Ex. 2, ¶ 9.) Petitioner further stated that
“[a]t the time I received the influenza vaccine, I had no orthopedic related issues in my
left arm or shoulder.” (Id. at ¶ 3.)
Respondent stresses, however, that petitioner had a prior history of left arm and
shoulder complaints. (ECF No. 36, pp. 2-3.) Specifically, in January of 2015, more than
five years prior to the vaccination at issue, petitioner complained of an ache over her left
deltoid that was exacerbated by movement as well as intermittent neck pain that
radiated down her left arm to her hand accompanied by numbness and tingling. (Ex. 4,
pp. 338, 341-42.) Petitioner indicated that her neck pain occurred in short intervals and
resolved spontaneously, noting that her left upper arm pain persisted even in the
absence of neck pain. (Id.) Additionally, petitioner reported that she was unable to lay
on her left arm at night due to the pain. (Id. at 342.) A follow up cervical spine x-ray
revealed bilateral joint hypertrophy from C3-C4 through C6-C7, which was moderate to
severe and was noted to have progressed since 2003. (Id. at 354.) At a yearly physical
in April of 2015, petitioner confirmed that her left arm pain continued to persist. (Id. at
320, 324.) However, petitioner was not interested in treatment beyond heat and home
exercises, which she noted to be helpful. (Id. at 324.) Respondent has not identified
4 Petitioner’s statement declares that it is made under penalty of perjury, but it is not notarized. (Ex. 2, p.
6.)
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any further treatment records for this complaint. (See ECF No. 36, p. 3.) Subsequently,
however, petitioner’s physician recommended in 2017 that petitioner receive a
handicapped parking permit due to severe osteoarthritis of the spine and hips (Ex. 4, p.
356), and in 2019 petitioner noted when establishing care with a new physician that her
arthritis was not generally bothering her, except for pain in the shoulders and hips “at
times” (Ex. 3, p. 438).
Finally, on August 26, 2020, just one month prior to the vaccination at issue,
petitioner telephoned her physician to report that she was experiencing left forearm and
hand pain and numbness, noting “she might have slept on it wrong.” (Ex. 3, p. 178.)
However, only heat, topical rubs, and ibuprofen were recommended and no further
follow up was documented. (See id.) Subsequently, during a “Love Call,” a form of
telephone check-in by the Senior Medical Center where petitioner received her primary
care, petitioner reported on September 15, 2020, that she was “doing well.” (Id. at 174-
75.) And, as noted above, no complaint of left arm or shoulder pain was addressed at
petitioner’s September 18, 2020 medical encounter at which she received her flu
vaccination. (See id. at 171-73.)
Subsequent to petitioner’s vaccination, an October 22, 2020 “Love Call” and an
in-person encounter the next day included no complaint of left shoulder pain. (Ex. 3, pp.
163-67.) Notably, however, petitioner’s October 23, 2020, encounter did not include
any musculoskeletal physical exam, despite being an in-person encounter. (Id. at 164-
65.) During her “Love Call,” she had reported that she was “fair.” (Id. at 166.)
Petitioner recounted in her written statement two specific instances in which she felt
particular pain with reaching, which she indicated occurred as early as September 26,
2020. (Ex. 2, ¶¶ 10-11.) Thereafter, on November 25, 2020, petitioner presented for a
telehealth encounter and at that time reported for the first time “L[eft] arm still has pain
after PNA shot.”5 (Ex. 3, p. 156.) However, her physician instead remarked that “[i]t
sounds like it is L[eft] shoulder pain.” (Id.) This encounter record is not otherwise
informative. (See id. at 156-57.) According to later records, petitioner was supposed to
have a follow-up x-ray, but this was apparently not ordered. (Id. at 148.) Petitioner did
not explain in her written statement why she waited until late November to report her
shoulder pain to her physician. (See Ex. 2.)
At her next medical encounter, which was an in-person primary care visit of
January 5, 2021, petitioner again reported “still having L[eft] arm pain.” (Ex. 3, p. 148.)
It is further remarked that she “[b]elieves it is after the pneumonia shot or flu shot that
the pain came on.” (Id.) It is separately noted that the pain had been ongoing for one to
5 Neither party directly addressed the fact that this notation references a “PNA” shot. In particular,
respondent does not argue that this notation correlates onset of petitioner’s shoulder pain to some
injection other than the flu vaccine at issue (ECF No. 36, passim). This is likely because petitioner’s
proffered vaccination record includes a handwritten note from her medical provider indicating that the
September 18, 2020 influenza vaccine at issue was the only vaccine petitioner received in 2020. (Ex. 1,
p. 4.) Accordingly, while “PNA” is an abbreviation likely referring to a pneumococcal vaccine, it is
reasonable to conclude that this notation, though mistaking the type of vaccine at issue, is a reference to
the September 18, 2020 vaccination.
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two months, which would place onset in November or December of 2020. (Id. at 150.)
Petitioner reported being able to get her arm over her head, but explained that it was
painful. (Id. at 148.) She suggested that it “[f]elt like her shoulder got dislocated” and
that she “[a]lmost cries at times.” (Id.) Physical exam demonstrated pain when raising
the left arm 180 degrees over her head, but good abduction and adduction as well as
good internal and external rotation. (Id. at 149-50.) X-rays of petitioner’s left shoulder
were ordered. (Id. at 150.) The physician doubted any rotator cuff tear or dislocation
and instead felt a tendinopathy was most likely. (Id. at 149-50.) Petitioner had a
telehealth follow up with her primary care provider on January 28, 2021, at which time
she was advised she had a likely tendinopathy, and she requested a referral to an
orthopedist. (Id. at 127-28.)
Petitioner then presented to an orthopedist on February 3, 2021. (Ex. 5, p. 98.)
The history of present illness indicated that petitioner “presents for left shoulder pain
which started after a flu vaccine. She has had mild persistent pain with raising her arm
above shoulder or reaching behind back. No numbness or tingling. She has not had
any treatment yet so far.” (Id.) On physical exam, petitioner’s cervical spine range of
motion was normal and a Spurling’s test (for cervical radiculopathy) was negative. (Id.
at 100.) Her left shoulder demonstrated flexion of 165 degrees and external rotation of
70 degrees, but internal rotation was noted to be “full.” (Id.) She tested positive for
signs of impingement. (Id. at 101.) She was diagnosed with left shoulder pain of
unspecified chronicity and bursitis of the left shoulder for which she was proscribed a
Medrol dose pack (a steroid treatment) and referred to physical therapy. (Id.) Petitioner
underwent x-rays of her shoulder and cervical spine in connection with this encounter.
(Id. at 121-22.) However, the results were not discussed within the encounter record for
this visit. (Id. at 98-102.)
Petitioner began physical therapy on February 10, 2021. (Ex. 3, pp. 124-25.)
She reported “onset of left shoulder [pain] in Sept 2020 when she received a flu shot.
S[ymptoms] worsened and spread throughout the left shoulder.” (Id. at 125.) Upon her
initial evaluation, petitioner had reduced range of motion in her left shoulder and
reduced strength throughout her left upper extremity. (Id.) She had a positive Hawkins
test (a test for shoulder impingement, also called a Hawkins-Kennedy test), but a
negative Speed’s test (for biceps tendon pathology) and a negative empty can test (for
rotator cuff injuries). (Id.) Petitioner was limited by pain when reaching overhead or
behind her back. (Id.) She was to be seen at physical therapy once a week for four to
six weeks. (Id. at 126.)
Petitioner returned to her orthopedist on April 7, 2021. (Ex. 5, p. 73.) At that
time, she reported that her shoulder pain had improved overall and that physical therapy
had helped. (Id.) She no longer had pain at rest but did have pain localized to her
lateral shoulder with terminal abduction, flexion, and overhead activities. (Id.) Her
physical exam was essentially the same as her prior orthopedic encounter, except that
flexion and external rotation had improved somewhat and tenderness at the biceps
groove and a belly press test were specifically noted to have been negative. (Id. at 75-
76.) However, at this encounter, the orthopedist reviewed the x-rays that had previously
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been taken at the February 3, 2021 encounter. (Id. at 76.) The left shoulder x-ray
showed no acute fracture or dislocation, but showed “[q]uestionable minimal deformity”
potentially related to a prior trauma. (Id.) It also showed mild acromioclavicular joint
osteoarthritis with minimal osteophyte formation of the glenoid. (Id.) The cervical spine
x-ray showed
Very mild anterolisthesis of C4 on CS, and very mild retrolisthesis of C6 on
C7. No evidence of dynamic instability. The predental space is within
normal limits. The prevertebral soft tissue is unremarkable. Multilevel
degenerative disc disease involving almost all levels of the cervical spine,
especially C5-6 and C6-7 where it is moderate overall. There is also mildly
bulky paravertebral ossification at multiple levels, best demonstrated
anteriorly, for which superimposed diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
is not excluded Bilateral uncovertebral joint osteoarthritis involving at least
C4-5 through C6-7.
(Id.) The orthopedist maintained the diagnosis of left shoulder bursitis, now noted to be
resolving, and added a diagnosis of multilevel degenerative disc disease of the cervical
spine. (Id. at 77.) It was recommended that petitioner continue physical therapy and
use over the counter pain medication as needed. (Id.) When petitioner returned to her
primary care provider the next day, it was noted that she “[d]o[es] not feel she needs
any other follow up.”6 (Ex. 3, p. 113.) Though this did not mark the complete resolution
of petitioner’s symptoms (see, e.g., Ex. 5, p. 60; Ex. 2, ¶ 19), the remainder of the
medical records are not significant to the issues discussed herein.
IV. Expert Opinions
After reviewing petitioner’s medical history, petitioner’s expert, Dr. Natanzi,7
accepts petitioner’s recollection that the onset of her shoulder pain occurred
immediately following her vaccination. (Ex. 10, p. 3 (citing Ex. 2).) He also notes that
her medical providers documented that she attributed her pain to her vaccination. (Id.
(citing Ex. 3, p. 158; Ex. 5, p. 98).) Accordingly, he concludes that her presentation
meets the onset criteria for a Table SIRVA. (Id.)
6 Of note, although petitioner devoted attention in her motion for a ruling on the written record to
substantiating petitioner’s satisfaction of the six-month severity requirement (ECF No. 34, pp. 23-24),
respondent has not raised any argument as to this point (ECF No. 36).
7 Dr. Natanzi received his Doctor of Osteopathy from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona,
California. (Ex. 11, p. 2.) He completed a traditional rotating internship at Downey Regional Medical
Center in Downey, California. (Id.) Dr. Natanzi went on to complete his residency in physical medicine
and rehabilitation at the University of California, Irvine. (Id. at 1.) Thereafter, he completed fellowship
training in interventional sports and spine medicine at Bodor Clinic in Napa, California. (Id.; Ex. 10, p. 1.)
Dr. Natanzi is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management, and he
maintains his license to practice medicine in California. (Ex. 11, pp. 1, 4; Ex. 11, p. 1.) Currently, he
serves as a staff physician at Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System; founder of the
Regenerative Sports and Spine Institute; and medical director of Tova Surgical Center. (Ex. 11, p. 1; Ex.
10, p. 1.) In his clinical practice, Dr. Natanzi almost exclusively treats musculoskeletal issues. (Ex. 10, p.
1.)
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Dr. Natanzi acknowledges that petitioner had a prior history of left arm pain in
2015; however, based on his review of the reported symptoms, physical exams, and x-
rays, he opines that what petitioner experienced at that time was an acute cervical
radiculopathy, i.e. a pinched nerve. (Ex. 10, p. 3.) He explains that “I do not believe
that there was any significant or symptomatic pathology of the shoulder at this point,
given the intact range of motion, no pain with palpation of the shoulder structures, and
intact strength of the shoulder muscles/tendons.” (Id.) Although cervical radiculopathy
can cause pain in the deltoid, it is fundamentally different from a structural shoulder
issue. (Id. at 3-4)
Post-vaccination, however, petitioner’s physicians documented reduced range of
motion and signs of impingement, and she was ultimately diagnosed with bursitis. (Ex.
10, p. 4 (citing Ex. 5, pp. 50, 73, 98).) “Given the acute development of pain after
vaccination, coupled with a hallmark SIRVA clinical finding of impingement and bursitis,
it is far more likely than not that the vaccine is to blame for Ms. Rumph’s shoulder pain.”
(Id.) Thus, Dr. Natanzi opines that petitioner meets the first and fourth SIRVA criteria,
because her prior 2015 cervical radiculopathy cannot explain her post-vaccination
symptoms, which are instead explained by structural shoulder issues rather than being
related to the cervical spine. (Id. at 4-5.) Additionally, a cervical radiculopathy would
not explain her post-vaccination presentation. (Id.)
Respondent’s expert, Dr. Abrams,8 does not agree that petitioner’s pre-
vaccination presentation was solely due to cervical radiculopathy. (Ex. A, p. 5.)
Instead, he opines that it was a “mixed picture” of cervical and shoulder pathology. (Id.)
In particular, petitioner’s report that she was unable to lay on her arm to sleep and her
report that she had arm pain even in the absence of neck pain are inconsistent with
cervical radiculopathy. (Id.) Additionally, whereas Dr. Natanzi presented that history as
acute, Dr. Abrams notes that petitioner reported continued pain at later encounters and
also experienced an additional episode of hand and arm pain just prior to the
vaccination at issue. (Id.) Dr. Abrams acknowledges, however, that petitioner had
limited evaluation of her condition – for example no MRI – “making it difficult to ascertain
the source of her pre-vaccination symptoms.” (Id. at 6.)
Dr. Abrams also stresses that petitioner did not immediately report post-
vaccination shoulder pain to her physician and that her physical examinations do not
show reduced range of motion until about four months post-vaccination. (Ex. A, pp. 5,
8 Dr. Abrams received his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego. (Ex. B, pp. 1-2.)
He completed a surgical internship and a residency in orthopedic surgery at Stanford University. (Id. at
1.) Thereafter, he completed a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Rush University Medical
Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Id.) Dr. Abrams is board-certified in orthopedic surgery with a subspecialty
certification in sports medicine, and he maintains his license to practice medicine in California. (Id. at 2;
Ex. A, p. 1.) Currently, Dr. Abrams serves as an associate professor at Stanford University School of
Medicine; Director of Sports Medicine for Stanford University varsity athletics; and Director of the Lacob
Family Sports Medicine Center at Stanford University. (Ex. B, p. 1; Ex. A, p. 1.) His clinical and surgical
practice focuses on shoulder pathology. (Ex. A, p. 1.) Dr. Abrams has co-authored over 130 peer-
reviewed publications. (Id.; Ex. B, pp. 2-14.)
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7.) Although Dr. Abrams acknowledges that sometimes patients will not seek care
immediately, he notes that this particular petitioner did not have any difficulty with
access to care. (Id. at 7.)
Finally, Dr. Abrams also opines that, apart from her vaccination, petitioner’s
comorbidity of elevated blood sugar placed her at increased risk for shoulder disorders.
(Ex. A, pp. 5, 8.) Dr. Abrams cites several studies for the proposition that patients with
elevated blood glucose are at increased risk of conditions such as bursitis and shoulder
stiffness, which is consistent with petitioner’s own diagnoses. (Id. at 8 (citing K.M. Shah
et al., Upper Extremity Impairments, Pain and Disability in Patients with Diabetes
Mellitus, 101 PHYSIOTHERAPY 147 (2015) (Ex. A, Tab 4); Charles Milgrom et al., Risk
Factors for Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder, 10 ISRAEL MED. ASS’N J. 361 (2008) (Ex. A, Tab
5); Michele Abate et al., Sonographic Evaluation of the Shoulder in Asymptomatic
Elderly Subjects with Diabetes, 11 BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS 1 (2010) (Ex. A,
Tab 6)).) “Unlike many SIRVA cases, we do not have an MRI to further guide the
possible causes of petitioner’s shoulder pain, but given the finding of her elevated
hemoglobin A1c, these alternative diagnose are very possible, especially considering
the delayed reporting of shoulder pain as discussed above.” (Id.)
V. Discussion
a. Legal standard for fact finding
The process for making determinations in Vaccine Program cases regarding
factual issues begins with consideration of the medical records. § 300aa-11(c)(2). The
special master is required to consider “all . . . relevant medical and scientific evidence
contained in the record,” including “any diagnosis, conclusion, medical judgment, or
autopsy or coroner's report which is contained in the record regarding the nature,
causation, and aggravation of the petitioner's illness, disability, injury, condition, or
death,” as well as “the results of any diagnostic or evaluative test which are contained in
the record and the summaries and conclusions.” § 300aa-13(b)(1)(A)-(B). However,
the special master is then required to weigh all of the evidence presented. See Burns v.
Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., 3 F.3d 415, 417 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (concluding that it is
within the special master's discretion to determine whether to afford greater weight to
contemporaneous medical records than to other evidence). The special master is
obligated to consider and compare the medical records, testimony, and all other
“relevant and reliable evidence” contained in the record. La Londe v. Sec’y of Health &
Human Servs., 110 Fed. Cl. 184, 204 (2013) (quoting Vaccine Rule 8) (citing § 300aa-
12(d)(3)), aff’d sub nom., LaLonde v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 746 F.3d 1334
(Fed. Cir. 2014); see also Burns, 3 F.3d at 416-17.
The Federal Circuit has held that contemporaneous medical records are
ordinarily to be given significant weight due to the fact that “[t]he 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
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events.” Cucuras v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 993 F.2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir.
1993). Thus, where medical records are clear, consistent, and complete, they should
be afforded substantial weight. Lowrie v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 03-
1585V, 2005 WL 6117475, at *19 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 12, 2005). However, this
rule is not absolute. There is no presumption that medical records are accurate or
complete as to all of a patient’s physical conditions. Kirby v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., 997 F.3d 1378, 1383 (Fed. Cir. 2021). Afterall, “medical records are only as
accurate as the person providing the information.” Parcells v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., No. 03-1192V, 2006 WL 2252749, at *2 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. July 18, 2006).
“[T]he absence of a reference to a condition or circumstance is much less significant
than a reference which negates the existence of the condition or circumstance.”
Murphy v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 23 Cl. Ct. 726, 733 (1991), aff’d per curiam,
968 F.2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1992), cert. denied, Murphy v. Sullivan, 506 U.S. 974 (1992).
When witness testimony is offered to overcome the weight generally afforded to
contemporaneous medical records, such testimony must be “consistent, clear, cogent[,]
and compelling.” Camery v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 42 Fed. Cl. 381, 391
(1998) (citing Blutstein v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 90-2808V, 1998 WL
408611, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 1998)). Further, a special master must
consider the credibility of the individual offering the testimony. See Andreu v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., 569 F.3d 1367, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2009); Bradley v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., 991 F.2d 1570, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 1993).
Additionally, where both parties offer expert evidence, a special master’s
decision may be “based on the credibility of the experts and the relative persuasiveness
of their competing theories.” Broekelschen v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 618
F.3d 1339, 1347 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (citing Lampe v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 219
F.3d 1357,1362 (Fed. Cir. 2000)). Nothing requires the acceptance of an expert’s
conclusion “connected to existing data only by the ipse dixit of the expert,” especially if
“there is simply too great an analytical gap between the data and the opinion proffered.”
Snyder v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 88 Fed. Cl. 706, 743 (2009) (quoting Gen.
Elec. Co. v. Joiner, 522 U.S. 136, 146 (1997)).
b. SIRVA QAI (1) – No history of pain, inflammation or dysfunction of the
affected shoulder
The first SIRVA criterion requires that there be no relevant prior history of
shoulder concerns (pain, inflammation, or dysfunction) that could explain the post-
vaccination presentation (signs, symptoms, examination findings, and/or diagnostic
studies). 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(i). That is, the prior history must be one that “would
explain” the petitioner’s post-vaccination presentation. Id. Thus, ambiguous or isolated
notations of prior shoulder pain do not prevent a petitioner from meeting this criterion.
E.g., Fry v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 18-1091V, 2020 WL 8457671, at *3
(Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 16, 2020). The Table SIRVA criteria “does not necessarily
require a spotless prior health history of the affected shoulder.” Kelly v. Sec’y of Health
& Human Servs., 17-1918V, 2022 WL 1144997, at *17 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Mar. 24,
2022); see also O’Leary, M.D. v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 18-584V, 2021
WL 4046617, at *8 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 24, 2021) (finding the first SRIVA QAI
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met where petitioner had a prior remote history of shoulder trauma that had “recovered
nicely”).
As explained above, although petitioner experienced some shoulder symptoms in
January of 2015, petitioner’s expert opines that they resulted from an acute cervical
radiculopathy distinct from the shoulder pathology she experienced post-vaccination.
(Ex. 10, pp. 3-4.) Consistent with Dr. Natanzi’s opinion, petitioner only ever presented
for care of these symptoms on one occasion, and her recommended treatment was
limited to application of heat, extra strength Tylenol, and home exercise. (Ex. 4, p. 343.)
The only other time this issue was addressed in petitioner’s medical records, at a later
encounter for a routine physical in April of 2015, it was noted that, while petitioner did
still have some arm soreness, she was treating it effectively with heat and exercises and
declined further treatment options. (Id. at 324.) Accordingly, Dr. Natanzi persuasively
opines that petitioner’s pre-vaccination shoulder symptoms, which occurred five years
prior to the vaccination at issue, “cannot explain” the signs and symptoms of structural
shoulder pain petitioner experienced post-vaccination. (Ex. 10, p. 4.)
Respondent argues, however, that Dr. Natanzi should not be considered
persuasive in his attempt to distinguish petitioner’s pre- and post-vaccination conditions.
(ECF No. 36, pp. 11-12.) In particular, respondent stresses that Dr. Natanzi described
cervical radiculopathy as “characteristically caus[ing] pain radiating to the affected distal
extremity associated with paresthesia” (Id. at 11 (citing Ex. 10, p. 3)), and that petitioner
reported experiencing pain in her upper arm even in the absence of neck pain (Id. at 12
(citing Ex. 4, pp. 341-42)). Thus, he contends
If Dr. Natanzi is correct, then the constant ache in petitioner’s left shoulder
that persisted even in the absence of radiating pain and paresthesias was
unrelated to cervical radiculopathy and, therefore, must have a different
etiology. Alternatively, if Dr. Natanzi is incorrect, and pain caused by cervical
radiculopathy is not distinct as he claims, then petitioner’s cervical
radiculopathy would explain petitioner’s post-vaccination shoulder pain.
(Id.) Respondent is not persuasive for several reasons.
First, respondent misstates Dr. Natanzi’s opinion. Although Dr. Natanzi did, as
respondent suggests, state that radiating pain with paresthesia is “characteristic” of
cervical radiculopathy, his opinion is not fairly read as excluding petitioner’s shoulder
ache from his assessment of cervical radiculopathy. (Ex. 10, p. 3.) Instead, he opined
that a radiculopathy is the likely explanation for petitioner’s pain on palpation of the
deltoid muscle, both because the deltoid is innervated at the C5 and C6 nerve roots and
because petitioner’s exam was otherwise negative for indicators of shoulder pathology,
such as reduced range of motion, reduced strength, or pain with palpation of the
shoulder structures. (Id.) Dr. Natanzi additionally opined that shoulder symptoms
referred from the neck are “fundamentally different” from the presence of shoulder
pathology. (Id. at 3-4.) Thus, Dr. Natanzi has explained why he attributed petitioner’s
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2015 shoulder pain, but not her post-vaccination shoulder pain, to her cervical
radiculopathy. (Id.)
Additionally, Dr. Abrams’s competing opinion on respondent’s behalf is equivocal
and lacks strength as a refutation of Dr. Natanzi’s opinion. Importantly, Dr. Abrams
does not disagree with Dr. Natanzi’s opinion that petitioner was suffering a cervical
radiculopathy in January of 2015. (Ex. A, pp. 5.-6.) Instead, he opines that petitioner’s
symptomology presents “a mixed picture” that may include shoulder pathology along
with cervical radiculopathy. (Id. at 5.) That mixed picture that Dr. Abrams presents is
based only on two complicating considerations – ongoing upper arm pain in the
absence of neck pain and an inability to lay on her arm. (Id. at 5-6.)
Dr. Abrams cites Bokshan et al. for the proposition that, while distinguishing the
pathology underlying cervical pain and shoulder pain is a “well-known clinical dilemma,”
practitioners can delineate the two types of condition. (Ex. A, p. 6 (citing Steven L.
Bokshan et al., An Evidence-Based Approach to Differentiating the Cause of Shoulder
and Cervical Spine Pain, 129 AM. J. MED. 913 (2016) (Ex. A, Tab 1)).) However, after
reviewing this article, I do not see where it supports Dr. Abrams’s specific contention
that either shoulder pain in the absence of neck pain or the inability to lay on one’s arm
is dispositive of shoulder pathology. (Bokshan et al., supra, at Ex. A, Tab 1 passim.)
Although “dull and aching pain” is considered more consistent with a shoulder pathology
(Id. at 2), it is not clear from the article overall that these two factors identified by Dr.
Abrams are sufficient to diagnose shoulder pathology, especially when considering that
Dr. Abrams did not address Dr. Natanzi’s explanation that petitioner’s physical exam
was otherwise negative for significant signs of shoulder pathology. (Ex. 10, p. 3; see
also Ex. 4, p. 343.) Whereas Dr. Abrams cites the Bokshan article to support his
contention that petitioner’s condition should be viewed as a “mixed picture,” the thrust of
the article is to support a parsing of the different pathologies. While the authors
describe distinguishing the two pathologies as “challenging” because the anatomic
location of reported pain may be misleading, they explain that ultimately only 1 in 10
cervical radiculopathy patients actually have comorbid shoulder pathology despite
potentially confusing pain presentations. (Bokshan et al., supra, at Ex. A, Tab 1, pp. 1-
2.) Dr. Abrams ultimately concluded that it is “difficult to ascertain the source of
[petitioner’s] pre-vaccination symptoms.” (Ex. A, p. 6.)
Respondent also argues that Dr. Natanzi’s opinion is unpersuasive because he
did not take account of petitioner’s longer-term history. (ECF No. 36, p. 13.)
Respondent argues that petitioner’s later medical records document that she had
ongoing issues with osteoarthritis of both the hips and spine, including a notation of
arthritic pain affecting the shoulders. (Id. (citing Ex. 4, p. 356; Ex. 3, p. 438).) Thus,
respondent argues that “it appears that petitioner’s arthritis of the cervical spine likely
contributed to her pre-vaccination shoulder pain, and that a relationship between
petitioner’s arthritis and her pre-vaccination shoulder pain was acknowledged by
petitioner and her primary care providers.” (Id.) In support of this argument, respondent
stresses that the Bokshan article supports the proposition that “pain reported in the neck
may represent referred pain from the shoulder girdle and vice versa” and that
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“symptoms of arm pain (especially atraumatic) should trigger an evaluation of the
cervical spine.” (Id. (quoting Bokshan et al., supra, at Ex. A, Tab 1, pp. 1-2).) However,
this argument by respondent completely undermines Dr. Abrams’s opinion that
petitioner’s pre-vaccination condition may have presented a “mixed picture” of cervical
and shoulder pathologies. (Ex. A, pp. 5-6.) But, in any event, considered in the context
of petitioner’s medical records as a whole, I am not persuaded by respondent’s
suggestion that these very few isolated notations evidence a significant ongoing source
of shoulder pain. Indeed, the January 7, 2019 encounter record respondent cites
explicitly states that petitioner’s arthritis was not bothering her and did not require
medication. (Ex. 3, p. 438.) Dr. Abrams additionally stresses that petitioner reported
left arm symptoms just weeks prior to the vaccination at issue (Ex. A, p. 6 (citing Ex. 3,
p. 178).) However, he acknowledges that petitioner’s reported symptoms were related
to her hand and forearm. (Id.) Accordingly, it is not clear how that report of symptoms –
which had no apparent further treatment or follow up – evidences any pre-existing
shoulder pain or dysfunction.
Finally, Dr. Natanzi also stressed that post-vaccination, petitioner’s physical
exams demonstrated signs of impingement and reduced range of motion. (Ex. 10, p. 4.)
He notes that this is in contrast to her pre-vaccination physical exams. (Id. at 3-4.)
Moreover, petitioner was newly diagnosed with left shoulder bursitis post-vaccination.
(Id. at 4; Ex. 5, p. 101.) This is significant because, under the first SIRVA criterion, any
confounding history of shoulder pain or dysfunction must “explain the alleged signs,
symptoms, examination findings, and/or diagnostic studies occurring after vaccine
injection.” 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(i). By contrast, despite affirmatively agreeing that
petitioner was diagnosed with bursitis and shoulder stiffness post-vaccination and that
these conditions are “very possible” despite the lack of MRI confirmation (Ex. A, p. 8),
Dr. Abrams has not adequately addressed how petitioner’s limited potential signs of
shoulder pathology (shoulder pain even without neck pain and inability to lay on her
arm) would explain her later signs of impingement, reduced range of motion, and
diagnosis of bursitis. Notably, having concluded that it is “difficult to ascertain the
source of [petitioner’s] pre-vaccination symptoms” due to her limited diagnostic
evaluation (Id. at 6), Dr. Abrams did not even endeavor to characterize the nature of the
shoulder pathology he opines was present pre-vaccination. Nor has he adequately
explained how a pre-vaccination presentation primarily concerning for cervical spinal
condition came to be diagnosed post-vaccination as bursitis. Although petitioner’s
treating orthopedist later added cervical degenerative disc disease to petitioner’s
assessment in April of 2021, this was based only on petitioner’s x-ray. (Ex. 5, pp. 76-
77.) Nothing in that medical record correlates the x-ray findings to petitioner’s symptom
presentation and the orthopedist explicitly maintained the prior assessment of bursitis.
(Id. at 77.)
For these reasons, petitioner has met her preponderant burden of proof under
the first SIRVA criterion.
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c. SIRVA QAI (2) – Pain occurs within the specified time-frame (i.e. 48
hours)
The second SIRVA criterion requires that the petitioner experience an onset of
shoulder pain within 48 hours of the vaccination at issue. 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(c)(10)(ii).
The Vaccine Act explicitly instructs that a special master may find the time period for the
first symptom or manifestation of onset required for a Table Injury is satisfied “even
though the occurrence of such symptom or manifestation was not recorded or was
incorrectly recorded as having occurred outside such period.” § 300aa-13(b)(2).
However, such a finding must in all events be supported by preponderant evidence. Id.
While petitioner asserts that the onset of her shoulder pain began within 48-hours
of her vaccination (ECF No. 34, pp. 14-17; Ex. 2, ¶ 9), respondent argues that the
evidence instead preponderates in favor of a finding that the onset of her shoulder pain
occurred six or more weeks following the vaccination (ECF No. 36, pp. 8-10).
Respondent cites the following from the medical records to support his argument: (1)
Petitioner did not report shoulder pain and physical exam findings were unremarkable at
a medical encounter of October 23, 2020, which is approximately 35 days post-
vaccination (citing Ex. 3, pp. 163-65); (2) Petitioner later first complained of shoulder
pain about 68 days post-vaccination during a virtual medical encounter of November 25,
2020 without specifying onset (citing Ex. 3, p. 156); and (3) When petitioner presented
for care on January 5, 2021, the record documented that she had been experiencing
pain for 1-2 months, which would place onset in early November at the earliest (citing
Ex. 3, pp. 149-50). (ECF No. 36, pp. 8-9.) Respondent’s review of the medical records
is accurate as far as it goes; however, respondent’s review of the records is selective.
Considering the record as a whole, I find that the record evidence on balance
preponderates in favor of an onset of shoulder pain having occurred within 48-hours of
vaccination.
The fact that petitioner waited approximately two months to seek care for her
shoulder pain is not dispositive of the onset of that shoulder pain. E.g., Merwitz v. Sec’y
of Health & Human Servs., No. 20-1141V, 2022 WL 17820768, at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Nov. 14, 2022) (explaining that “[d]elay in seeking treatment for a SIRVA injury is
not by itself evidence that onset of pain was not immediate”); Bergstrom v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., No. 19-0784V, 2020 WL 8373365, at *3 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr.
Dec. 4, 2020) (explaining that it is “common for a SIRVA petitioner to delay treatment,
thinking his/her injury will resolve on its own”). Afterall, “there is no such thing as an
‘appropriate’ time to seek treatment.” Lang v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 17-
995V, 2020 WL 7873272, at *11 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 11, 2020). Indeed, prior
petitioners who waited a similar length of time before pursuing treatment have been
compensated. E.g., Merwitz, 2022 WL 17820768, at * 3 (finding SIRVA QAI criterion (ii)
met after three-month delay in seeking treatment); Lang, 2020 WL 7873272, at *11
(finding SIRVA QAI criterion (ii) met after 11-week delay in treatment); Williams v. Sec’y
of Health & Human Servs., No. 17-1046V, 2020 WL 3579763, at *6 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. Apr. 1, 2020) (finding SIRVA QAI criterion (ii) met after five-month delay in seeking
treatment).
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Additionally, although the fact of an intervening medical encounter, such as
petitioner’s October 23, 2020 encounter, can be probative, e.g., Porcello v. Sec'y of
Health & Human Servs., No. 17-1255V, 2020 WL 4725507, at *9-10 (Fed. Cl. Spec.
Mstr. June 22, 2020), mot. for rev. denied, 152 Fed. Cl. 469 (2020), that too is not
necessarily dispositive, Williams, 2020 WL 3579763, at *6. In this case, I do not find it
to be significant evidence. Whereas respondent noted that the physical exam findings
at that encounter were unremarkable (ECF No. 36, p. 8), it is not readily apparent that
any examination of petitioner’s upper extremities occurred (Ex. 3, p. 164). See also
Kirby, 997 F.3d at 1383 (concluding that a notation of “Neurological: Not Present –
Dizziness” does not evidence a complete neurologic exam); Tenneson v. Sec’y of
Health & Human Servs., 142 Fed. Cl. 329, 339-40 (2019) (finding that the special
master did not abuse her discretion in determining that emergency department
checkmark notations were not sufficient confirmation of a physical exam of the upper
extremities). Additionally, though far from definitive, it is noteworthy that during the
“Love Call” that petitioner received on the day before this encounter, she was asked
“How are you doing today?” and responded “[f]air,” (Ex. 3, p. 166), which is in contrast
to the two preceding “Love Calls” that had occurred in the weeks prior to her
vaccination, at which times she was noted to be “doing well” (Id. at 174) and “doing
good and doesn’t need anything” (Id. at 176).
Moreover, petitioner’s medical records do demonstrate that petitioner repeatedly
and consistently associated her shoulder pain to her vaccination in the context of her
treatment for that condition. (Ex. 3, pp. 125, 148, 156; Ex. 5, pp. 73, 98.) This is also
probative. E.g., Khan v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 17-1831V, 2019 WL
4305815, at * 4 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 28, 2019) (finding it significant that petitioner
“explicitly and consistently associated her injury with her flu vaccination to three different
medical providers” and explaining of SIRVA cases that “histories of present illness
reported by patients may include imprecise or generalized recollections of onset that
should not be overanalyzed where they are consistent with the appropriate timeframe”);
see also Tenneson, 142 Fed. Cl. at 338 (explaining of later treatment records that “Ms.
Tenneson’s delay in seeking treatment for her shoulder injury does not deprive the
records of probative value as to the date Ms. Tenneson began experiencing shoulder
pain and disability . . . because they ‘contain information supplied to or by health
professionals to facilitate diagnosis and treatment . . .’” (quoting Cucuras, 993 F.2d at
1528)).
Respondent cites a single instance in which a medical record indicated that the
duration of petitioner’s shoulder pain was “ongoing for 1-2 months” whereas the
vaccination had at that point been more than 3 full months prior. (ECF No. 36, p. 9
(citing Ex. 3, p. 150).) However, this is not dispositive for two reasons. First, the basis
for this notation is not clear. This 1-2 month timeframe was not included in the history of
present illness that petitioner had provided at this encounter (see Ex. 3, p. 148), and,
significantly, petitioner’s initial report of shoulder pain to this doctor had occurred
between one to two months prior to this encounter (see id. at 156). Thus, this notation
may simply be indicating that the shoulder pain has been “ongoing” since the prior
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telehealth encounter on November 25, 2020. Second, when petitioner later reported
her history of shoulder pain at her initial physical therapy evaluation, she provided a
history that did specify both that the onset of shoulder pain occurred “when” she was
received a flu vaccination and that this occurred “in Sept 2020.” (Id. at 125.) Although
many of the medical record notations are vague as to onset, I interpret the report of
“onset of left shoulder [pain] in Sept 2020 when she received a flu shot” to be consistent
with an immediate onset as described in petitioner’s statement. (Ex. 2, ¶ 9.) E.g., Chen
v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 21-0982V, 2025 WL 1454103, at *6 (Fed. Cl.
Spec. Mstr. Apr. 4, 2025) (explaining that while “after” vaccination leaves room for
interpretation, “ever since” is fairly understood as meaning onset was immediate);
Williams, 2020 WL 3579763, at *5 (crediting a notation of “after” vaccination when
paired with a notation of “x 3 months” and where other records indicated pain occurred
“since, “after receiving,” “following,” and “very soon after” vaccination).
Respondent also argues that petitioner’s later written statement is in conflict with
the medical records (ECF No. 36, pp. 9-10); however, this is largely based on his
assumption that the medical records preponderantly support an onset in early
November, which is not persuasive for the reasons discussed above.
For these reasons, petitioner has met her preponderant burden of proof under
the second SIRVA criterion.
d. SIRVA QAI (3) – Pain and reduced range of motion are limited to the
shoulder in which the intramuscular vaccine was administered
The third SIRVA criterion requires that the post-vaccination pain and reduced
range of motion be limited to the affected shoulder. 42 C.F.R. 100.3(c)(10)(iii). This
requirement encompasses an affirmative showing that the petitioner’s presentation
included a reduction in range of motion. Bolick v. Sec'y of Health & Human Servs., No.
20-893V, 2023 WL 8187307, at *6-8 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Oct. 19, 2023). Otherwise,
as I have previously explained at greater length in a prior decision, “the third SIRVA
criterion I intended to ensure that SIRVA claims are limited to instances in which ‘the
condition is localized to the shoulder in which the vaccine was administered.’” Durham
v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 17-1899V, 2023 WL 3196229, at *12 (Fed. Cl.
Spec. Mstr. May 2, 2023) (quoting 82 Fed. Reg. 6294, 6296).)
Although respondent argues, as otherwise addressed above, that petitioner’s
post-vaccination condition was likely a continuation of her pre-existing cervical spinal
condition, respondent’s motion response does not include any specific argument that
petitioner has additionally failed to meet the third SIRVA criterion. (ECF No. 36, pp. 8-
14.) Because I do not agree with respondent that petitioner’s pre-vaccination condition
explains her post-vaccination condition, respondent’s arguments relative to the first and
fourth SIRVA criteria do not carry over to the third. Neither respondent nor Dr. Abrams
have pointed out any symptoms beyond the shoulder as occurring post-vaccination.
And, ultimately, though he attributed it to diabetes rather than vaccination, Dr. Abrams
did agree that petitioner was diagnosed with bursitis post-vaccination and that this
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condition is “very possible” even though there is no MRI confirmation. (Ex. A, p. 8.)
Thus, he appears to agree that a post-vaccination shoulder etiology is discernable for
petitioner’s pain and reduced range of motion. Dr. Abrams did note that petitioner’s
reduced range of motion was not evidenced immediately after vaccination (Id. at 7);
however, no time period is set forth under the SIRVA criteria within in which a petitioner
must manifest reduced range of motion. Accord Dawson v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., No. 19-278V, 2021 WL 5774655, at *4 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Nov. 4, 2021).
For these reasons, petitioner has met her preponderant burden of proof under
the third SIRVA criterion.
e. SIRVA QAI (4) – No other condition or abnormality is present that would
explain the patient’s symptoms.
The fourth SIRVA criterion requires that “[n]o 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)(iv). This element of petitioner’s showing “requires consideration
of a petitioner’s medical condition as a whole.” Record v. Sec’y of Health & Human
Servs., 175 Fed. Cl. 673, 680 (2025). While the “other condition or abnormality” at
issue must qualify as an explanation for the petitioner’s symptoms, it “need not be a
better or more likely explanation.” French v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 20-
0862V, 2023 WL 7128178, at *6 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Sept. 27, 2023). Indeed, a
petitioner may fail to meet the fourth SIRVA criterion even where there is clinical
evidence of an alternative condition that falls short of a definitive diagnosis. Durham,
2023 WL 3196229, at *13-14 (noting that the regulation cites “clinical evidence of”
various conditions). Ultimately, where the presence of another condition is apparent,
petitioner bears the burden of proving that the condition nonetheless “would not explain”
his symptoms. Id. at *14.
In this case, respondent raises multiple conditions as confounding, specifically:
petitioner’s prior history of shoulder pain, her documented cervical radiculopathy and
spondylosis, and her elevated blood sugar. (ECF No. 36, pp. 10-14.) However,
respondent combined his discussion of the first and fourth SIRVA criteria. (Id.)
Accordingly, the analysis under the first criterion will not be repeated. Respondent’s
arguments with respect to petitioner’s history of shoulder pain and cervical condition do
not defeat petitioner’s claim under the fourth criterion for the same reasons as
discussed above relative to the first criterion.
Here, I further note that, respondent’s argument with respect to petitioner’s
increased blood sugar is not appropriately raised relative to the fourth SIRVA criterion.
Dr. Abrams has suggested that diabetes places patients at increased risk of developing
shoulder pathology. (Ex. A, p. 8.) He has not suggested that diabetes itself is a
condition that would explain shoulder pain. (Id.) Moreover, in opining that petitioner
was at increased risk of shoulder impairments due to her elevated blood sugar, Dr.
Abrams affirmatively asserts that petitioner’s own symptoms are explained by her
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diagnoses of buritis and shoulder stiffness. (Id.) These diagnoses are compatible with
SIRVA and are the basis by which petitioner’s own expert opines that petitioner suffered
a SIRVA. (Ex. 10).
Accordingly, Dr. Abrams’s opinion speaks to a potential alternative cause for
petitioner’s condition rather than the presence of any “other condition or abnormality”
that would explain petitioner’s symptoms. In order to have pressed an argument that
petitioner’s condition is due to diabetes, respondent would have needed to take on the
burden of proof with respect to demonstrating that petitioner’s condition was due to a
factor unrelated to vaccination, see § 300aa-13(a)(1)(B), which, as explained below, he
did not do.
For these reasons, petitioner has met her preponderant burden of proof under
the fourth SIRVA criterion.
f. Factor unrelated to vaccination
Once petitioner has met her own prima facie burden of proof, respondent may
still demonstrate by a preponderance of evidence that the injury was nonetheless
caused by a factor unrelated to the vaccination. § 300aa-13(a)(1)(B). In order to meet
his burden of proof, respondent must demonstrate by preponderant evidence “that a
particular agent or condition (or multiple agents/conditions) unrelated to the vaccine was
in fact the sole cause (thus excluding the vaccine as a substantial factor).” de Bazan v.
Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 539 F.3d 1347,1354 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (emphasis
omitted). Comparable to what a petitioner must show in a cause-in-fact case,
respondent must show a logical sequence of cause and effect linking the injury to the
proposed factor unrelated. Deribeaux v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 717 F.3d
1363, 1368-69 (Fed Cir. 2013). It need not be scientifically certain but must be legally
probable. Id.
In this case, however, although respondent notes that Dr. Abrams identified both
cervical radiculopathy and elevated A1c as alternate explanations for petitioner’s
condition, he cabined his argument to contending that Dr. Abrams’s opinion should
confound petitioner’s own prima facie burden of proof. (ECF No. 36, pp. 18-19.) He did
not actually argue that Dr. Abrams’s opinion is sufficient to meet his own preponderant
burden of proof. Nor, given that I have concluded that Dr. Abrams’s opinion does not
persuasively counter petitioner’s prima facie showing, would I sua sponte reach such a
conclusion. In particular, I have concluded as part of the Table analysis that the
symptoms constituting petitioner’s alleged SIRVA are not likely explained by her cervical
spinal pathology. And, assuming arguendo Dr. Abrams did preponderantly demonstrate
that elevated blood sugar can cause bursitis, there is no direct support for this
conclusion within petitioner’s medical records and, by contrast, the close temporal
association between onset of petitioner’s symptoms and her vaccinations is
preponderantly established.
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VI. Conclusion
After weighing the evidence, and considering the record as a whole, I find that
petitioner has preponderantly demonstrated that she is entitled to compensation for a
Table Injury of SIRVA following her September 18, 2020 flu vaccination. A separate
damages order will be issued. As explained in the procedural history, that damages
order will take the form of an order to show cause why petitioner should not be awarded
damages in the amount she has requested.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
s/Daniel T. Horner
Daniel T. Horner
Special Master
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