VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01256 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01256 Petitioner: Jacqueline Crouse Filed: 2022-09-07 Decided: 2024-03-14 Vaccine: Tdap Vaccination date: 2020-08-11 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 119048 AI-assisted case summary: On September 7, 2022, Jacqueline Crouse filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination on August 11, 2020. She further alleged that the residual effects of her injury lasted for more than six months. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding that the petitioner's alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table and that she had satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation. Based on the respondent's concession and the evidence of record, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on November 14, 2023, finding the petitioner entitled to compensation. Subsequently, on February 9, 2024, the parties filed a stipulation for damages. The respondent proffered an award of $119,048.68, which the petitioner agreed to. This amount comprised $115,000.00 for pain and suffering and $4,048.68 for past unreimbursable expenses. Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a decision on March 14, 2024, awarding Jacqueline Crouse a lump sum payment of $119,048.68, payable by check to the petitioner, representing compensation for all damages available under the Act. Petitioner was represented by Daniel Alholm of Alholm Law P.C., and respondent was represented by Alec Saxe of the U.S. Department of Justice. Theory of causation field: Jacqueline Crouse filed a petition alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) following a Tdap vaccination on August 11, 2020, with residual effects lasting over six months. The respondent conceded that the alleged injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table and that all legal prerequisites for compensation were met. The case proceeded to a stipulation for damages. The respondent proffered an award of $119,048.68, consisting of $115,000.00 for pain and suffering and $4,048.68 for past unreimbursable expenses, which the petitioner accepted. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran issued a ruling on entitlement on November 14, 2023, and a final decision awarding the stipulated damages on March 14, 2024. The theory of causation is based on the Vaccine Injury Table (SIRVA). Petitioner was represented by Daniel Alholm, and respondent by Alec Saxe. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01256-0 Date issued/filed: 2023-12-14 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 11/14/2023) regarding 30 Ruling on Entitlement. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (tlf) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:22-vv-01256-UNJ Document 32 Filed 12/14/23 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1256V JACQUELINE CROUSE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: November 14, 2023 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Daniel Alholm, Alholm Law PC, Chicago, IL, for Petitioner. Alec Saxe, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On September 7, 2022, Jacqueline Crouse (“Petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered from a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of receiving a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccination on August 11, 2020. Pet. at 1, ECF No. 1. Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months. Id. at 3. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On November 13, 2023, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) 1 Because this Ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Case 1:22-vv-01256-UNJ Document 32 Filed 12/14/23 Page 2 of 2 Report at 1, ECF No. 29. Specifically, Respondent stated that “Petitioner’s alleged injury is consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table.” Id. at 7. Respondent further agrees that Petitioner “has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act.” Id. at 8. In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01256-cl-extra-10736746 Date issued/filed: 2023-12-14 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10270156 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1256V JACQUELINE CROUSE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: November 14, 2023 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Daniel Alholm, Alholm Law PC, Chicago, IL, for Petitioner. Alec Saxe, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT 1 On September 7, 2022, Jacqueline Crouse (“Petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered from a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of receiving a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccination on August 11, 2020. Pet. at 1, ECF No. 1. Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months. Id. at 3. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On November 13, 2023, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) 1 Because this Ruling contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Report at 1, ECF No. 29. Specifically, Respondent stated that “Petitioner’s alleged injury is consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table.” Id. at 7. Respondent further agrees that Petitioner “has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Act.” Id. at 8. In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01256-1 Date issued/filed: 2024-03-14 Pages: 5 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 02/12/2024) regarding 35 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (tlf) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:22-vv-01256-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/14/24 Page 1 of 5 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1256V JACQUELINE CROUSE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: February 12, 2024 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Daniel Alholm, Alholm Law P.C., Chicago, IL, for Petitioner. Alec Saxe, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On September 7, 2022, Jacqueline Crouse (“Petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered from a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of receiving a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccination on August 11, 2020. Pet. at 1, ECF No. 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On November 14, 2023, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for her SIRVA. On February 9, 2024, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $119,048.68, representing $115,000.00 for pain and suffering and $4,048.68 for past 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-01256-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/14/24 Page 2 of 5 unreimbursable expenses. Proffer at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $119,048.68, representing $115,000.00 for pain and suffering and $4,048.68 for actual unreimbursable expenses in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 Case 1:22-vv-01256-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/14/24 Page 3 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS JACQUELINE CROUSE, Petitioner, No. 22-1256V (ECF) v. Chief Special Master Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On September 7, 2022, Jacqueline Crouse (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), alleging that she suffered a Table shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as the result of a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccination received on August 11, 2020. Petition at 1. On November 13, 2023, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a SIRVA Table injury, and on November 14, 2023, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 29; ECF No. 30. I. Items of Compensation A. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $115,000.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. Case 1:22-vv-01256-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/14/24 Page 4 of 5 B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioner documents that she incurred past unreimbursable expenses related to her vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $4,048.68. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(a)(1)(B). Petitioner agrees. These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following1: a lump sum payment of $119,048.68, in the form of a check payable to petitioner. III. Summary of Recommended Payment Following Judgment Lump sum payable to petitioner, Jacqueline Crouse: $119,048.68 Respectfully submitted, BRIAN M. BOYNTON Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division 1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost earnings and future pain and suffering. 2 Case 1:22-vv-01256-UNJ Document 43 Filed 03/14/24 Page 5 of 5 TRACI R. PATTON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ Alec Saxe ALEC SAXE Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146, Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel: (202) 353-7722 E-mail: Alec.Saxe@usdoj.gov DATED: February 9, 2024 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 4: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01256-cl-extra-10735933 Date issued/filed: 2024-03-14 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10269343 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1256V JACQUELINE CROUSE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: February 12, 2024 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Daniel Alholm, Alholm Law P.C., Chicago, IL, for Petitioner. Alec Saxe, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On September 7, 2022, Jacqueline Crouse (“Petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered from a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as a result of receiving a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccination on August 11, 2020. Pet. at 1, ECF No. 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On November 14, 2023, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for her SIRVA. On February 9, 2024, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $119,048.68, representing $115,000.00 for pain and suffering and $4,048.68 for past 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). unreimbursable expenses. Proffer at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $119,048.68, representing $115,000.00 for pain and suffering and $4,048.68 for actual unreimbursable expenses in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). The Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS JACQUELINE CROUSE, Petitioner, No. 22-1256V (ECF) v. Chief Special Master Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On September 7, 2022, Jacqueline Crouse (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), alleging that she suffered a Table shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as the result of a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (“Tdap”) vaccination received on August 11, 2020. Petition at 1. On November 13, 2023, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a SIRVA Table injury, and on November 14, 2023, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 29; ECF No. 30. I. Items of Compensation A. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $115,000.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioner documents that she incurred past unreimbursable expenses related to her vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $4,048.68. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(a)(1)(B). Petitioner agrees. These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following 1: a lump sum payment of $119,048.68, in the form of a check payable to petitioner. III. Summary of Recommended Payment Following Judgment Lump sum payable to petitioner, Jacqueline Crouse: $119,048.68 Respectfully submitted, BRIAN M. BOYNTON Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division 1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost earnings and future pain and suffering. 2 TRACI R. PATTON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ Alec Saxe ALEC SAXE Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146, Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel: (202) 353-7722 E-mail: Alec.Saxe@usdoj.gov DATED: February 9, 2024 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 5: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01256-cl-extra-10735339 Date issued/filed: 2024-05-13 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10268749 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1256V JACQUELINE CROUSE, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: April 11, 2024 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Daniel Alholm, Alholm Law P.C., Chicago, IL, for Petitioner. Alec Saxe, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1 On September 7, 2022, Jacqueline Crouse filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleged that she suffered from a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration as a result of receiving a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine on August 11, 2020. Petition, ECF No. 1. On February 12, 2024, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the Respondent’s proffer. ECF No. 35. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other inf ormation, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If , upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material f rom public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section ref erences to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Petitioner has now filed a motion for attorney’s fees and costs, requesting an award of $42,194.78 (representing $40,125.00 in fees plus $2,069.78 in costs). Petitioner’s Application for Fees and Costs (“Motion”), filed Feb. 16, 2024, ECF No. 40. Petitioner also filed a signed statement representing that she had incurred no personal out-of-pocket expenses. ECF No. 40-4. Respondent reacted to the Fees Motion on Mar. 1, 2024, reporting that he is satisfied that the statutory requirements for an award of attorney’s fees and costs are met in this case, but deferring resolution of the amount to be awarded to my discretion. Respondent’s Response to Motion at 2-3, ECF No. 41. On Mar. 1, 2024, Petitioner indicated that she does not intend to file a substantive reply. ECF No. 42. I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s requests and find a reduction in the amount of fees to be awarded appropriate, for the reasons listed below. ANALYSIS The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to successful claimants. Section 15(e). Counsel must submit fee requests that include contemporaneous and specific billing records indicating the service performed, the number of hours expended on the service, and the name of the person performing the service. See Savin v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 85 Fed. Cl. 313, 316-18 (2008). Counsel should not include in their fee requests hours that are “excessive, redundant, or otherwise unnecessary.” Saxton v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 3 F.3d 1517, 1521 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (quoting Hensley v. Eckerhart, 461 U.S. 424, 434 (1983)). It is “well within the special master’s discretion to reduce the hours to a number that, in [her] experience and judgment, [is] reasonable for the work done.” Id. at 1522. Furthermore, the special master may reduce a fee request sua sponte, apart from objections raised by respondent and without providing a petitioner notice and opportunity to respond. See Sabella v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 86 Fed. Cl. 201, 209 (2009). A special master need not engage in a line-by-line analysis of petitioner’s fee application when reducing fees. Broekelschen v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 102 Fed. Cl. 719, 729 (2011). The petitioner “bears the burden of establishing the hours expended, the rates charged, and the expenses incurred.” Wasson v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 24 Cl. Ct. 482, 484 (1991). The Petitioner “should present adequate proof [of the attorney’s fees and costs sought] at the time of the submission.” Wasson, 24 Cl. Ct. at 484 n.1. Petitioner’s counsel “should make a good faith effort to exclude from a fee request hours that are excessive, redundant, or otherwise unnecessary, just as a lawyer in private 2 practice ethically is obligated to exclude such hours from his fee submission.” Hensley, 461 U.S. at 434. ATTORNEY FEES The rates requested for work performed through the end of 2023 are reasonable and consistent with our prior determinations, and will therefore be adopted herein. Petitioner has also requested the hourly rate of $475 for 2024 work performed by attorney Daniel Alholm, representing a rate increase of $25. ECF No. 40-1 at 3. I find the requested rate to be reasonable. However, the overall fees to be awarded must still be reduced. Billing records show 16.40 hours 3 of entries that are more properly characterized as paralegal tasks, including requesting medical records, following up with medical records providers, preparing exhibits and filing documents. Attorneys may be compensated for paralegal-level work, but only at a rate that is comparable to what would be paid for a paralegal. See, e.g. Doe/11 v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. XX- XXXV, 2010 WL 529425, at *9-10 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Jan. 29, 2010) (citing Missouri v. Jenkins, 491 U.S. 274, 288 (1989)); Mostovoy v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 02-10V, 2016 WL 720969, at *5 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Feb. 4, 2016); Riggins. v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 99-382V, 2009 WL 3319818, at *20-21 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 15, 2009); Turpin v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., No. 99-535, 2008 WL 5747914, at *5-7 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Dec. 23, 2008). Accordingly, I hereby reduce Attorney Alholm’s hourly rate for all tasks considered paralegal in nature to $165 per hour. Application of the foregoing reduces the amount of fees to be awarded herein by $4,269.00. 4 ATTORNEY COSTS Petitioner requests $2,069.78 in overall costs. ECF No. 40-3. This amount is comprised of obtaining medical records and the Court’s filing fee. I have reviewed all of the requested costs and find them to be reasonable and shall award them in full. 3 Examples of tasks considered paralegal in nature: 7/7/22: “Attempted to get info on missing records…” 7/11/22: “Review records status report f rom LCS.” 7/12/22: “Receive and Review e-mail f rom LCS about Mercy Hospital Records.” 8/19/22 (two entries re: records requests); 8/22/22; 8/30/22; 9/2/22; 10/6/22; 10/7/22; 10/11/22; 10/12/22 (three entries re: records f rom Oklahoma University); 10/24/22; 10/26/22; 2/16/24. See ECF No. 40-2. 4 This amount consists of: ($425 - $165 = $260 x 16.30 hrs.) + ($475 - $165 = $310 x 0.10 hrs.) = $4,269.00. 3 CONCLUSION The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successful claimants. Section 15(e). Accordingly, I hereby GRANT in part Petitioner’s Motion for attorney’s fees and costs. I award a total of $37,925.78 (representing $35,856.00 in fees plus $2,069.78 in costs) as a lump sum in the form of a check jointly payable to Petitioner and Petitioner’s counsel, Daniel Alholm. In the absenc e of a timely-filed motion for review (see Appendix B to the Rules of the Court), the Clerk of Court shall enter judgment in accordance with this Decision. 5 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 5 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by f iling a joint notice renouncing their right to seek review. 4