VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01487 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01487 Petitioner: Courtney Brooks Filed: 2022-10-11 Decided: 2024-08-14 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2020-09-21 Condition: left shoulder pain and left arm pain with intermittent weakness Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 30000 AI-assisted case summary: Courtney Brooks filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program on October 11, 2022, alleging injury from an influenza vaccination received on September 21, 2020. Brooks claimed to have suffered left shoulder pain and left arm pain with intermittent weakness as a result of the vaccination, which was administered in the United States. The petition stated that the residual effects of the injury lasted for more than six months and that there had been no prior award or settlement for this injury. Respondent denied that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated the alleged shoulder injury. Despite this denial, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing to settle the case and award compensation. The decision adopts this stipulation, awarding Courtney Brooks a lump sum of $30,000.00. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages available under the Vaccine Act. The case proceeded as a Table claim, as the influenza vaccine is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. The stipulation also addresses future proceedings for attorneys' fees and costs. Theory of causation field: Table Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01487-0 Date issued/filed: 2024-08-14 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 07/12/2024) regarding 27 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer ( Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. )(mpj) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:22-vv-01487-UNJ Document 28 Filed 08/14/24 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1487V COURTNEY BROOKS, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: July 12, 2024 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jason Barton Eshelman, Eshelman Legal Group, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, for Petitioner. Ryan Daniel Pyles, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On October 11, 2022, Courtney Brooks 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 an injury of “left shoulder pain and left arm pain with intermittent weakness” as a result of her September 21, 2020 influenza (“flu”) vaccination. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at July 11, 2024, ¶¶ 2, 4. Petitioner further alleges that she received the vaccine in the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action on her behalf as a result of her injury. Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5; see Petition at 1, ¶¶ 9-11. “Respondent denies that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated [P]etitioner’s alleged shoulder injury and/or any other injury. ” Stipulation at ¶ 6. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Case 1:22-vv-01487-UNJ Document 28 Filed 08/14/24 Page 2 of 7 Nevertheless, on July 11, 2024, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following compensation: A lump sum of $30,000.00 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 Case 1:22-vv-01487-UNJ Document 28 Filed 08/14/24 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS COURTNEY BROOKS, Petitioner, v. No. 22-1487V Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEAL1 H AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Courtney Brooks ("petitioner'') filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine lnjwy Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injwy Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F. R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on or about September 21, 2020. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained an injury characterized by "left shoulder pain and left arm pain with intennittent weakness" as a result of the September 21, 2020 immunization and that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Petitioner further alleges that the vaccination was administered in her left upper extremity. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages as a result of her condition. Case 1:22-vv-01487-UNJ Document 28 Filed 08/14/24 Page 4 of 7 6. Respondent denies that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's alleged shoulder injury and/or any other injury. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofj udgment reflecting a decision consistent with the tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Hwnan Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump SU1J! of $30,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents all compensation for damages that would be available lUlder 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a ) for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of the flu vaccine. 9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(aXl), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in~urred in proceeding upon this petition. 10. Petitioner and her attorney represent that they have identified to respondent all known sources of payment for items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), including State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs {other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 Case 1:22-vv-01487-UNJ Document 28 Filed 08/14/24 Page 5 of 7 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys• fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and/or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on or about September 21, 2020, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October 11, 2022, in the United States Court of Federal CJaims as petition No. 22- 1487V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable , upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 Case 1:22-vv-01487-UNJ Document 28 Filed 08/14/24 Page 6 of 7 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confor.mity with the tenns of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation. then the parties' settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties, respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury, and/or any other injury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION I I I I I I I I I I 4 Case 1:22-vv-01487-UNJ Document 28 Filed 08/14/24 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: ~PH Director, Division of Injury Senior Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08W-25A (202) 616-9847 Rockville, :MD 20857 ryan.pyles@usdoj.gov 2oJ!. '( Dated: ,4- /{) 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01487-cl-extra-10734522 Date issued/filed: 2024-08-14 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10267932 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1487V COURTNEY BROOKS, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: July 12, 2024 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jason Barton Eshelman, Eshelman Legal Group, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, for Petitioner. Ryan Daniel Pyles, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION 1 On October 11, 2022, Courtney Brooks 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 an injury of “left shoulder pain and left arm pain with intermittent weakness” as a result of her September 21, 2020 influenza (“flu”) vaccination. Petition at 1; Stipulation, filed at July 11, 2024, ¶¶ 2, 4. Petitioner further alleges that she received the vaccine in the United States, that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, and that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action on her behalf as a result of her injury. Stipulation at ¶¶ 3-5; see Petition at 1, ¶¶ 9-11. “Respondent denies that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated [P]etitioner’s alleged shoulder injury and/or any other injury. ” Stipulation at ¶ 6. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Nevertheless, on July 11, 2024, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following compensation: A lump sum of $30,000.00 in the form of a check payable to Petitioner. Stipulation at ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision. 3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS COURTNEY BROOKS, Petitioner, v. No. 22-1487V Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEAL1H AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Courtney Brooks ("petitioner'') filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine lnjwy Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 to 34 (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which vaccine is contained in the Vaccine Injwy Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on or about September 21 , 2020. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she sustained an injury characterized by "left shoulder pain and left arm pain with intennittent weakness" as a result of the September 21, 2020 immunization and that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. Petitioner further alleges that the vaccination was administered in her left upper extremity. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages as a result of her condition. 6. Respondent denies that the flu immunization caused or significantly aggravated petitioner's alleged shoulder injury and/or any other injury. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofjudgment reflecting a decision consistent with the tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Hwnan Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump SU1J! of $30,000.00 in the form of a check payable to petitioner. This amount represents all compensation for damages that would be available lUlder 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of the flu vaccine. 9. As soon as practicable after the entry of judgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(aXl), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in~urred in proceeding upon this petition. 10. Petitioner and her attorney represent that they have identified to respondent all known sources of payment for items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), including State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs {other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.)), or entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 11. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation will be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. 12. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys• fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- l 5(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in her individual capacity and on behalf of her heirs, executors, administrators, successors and/or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims, under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on or about September 21, 2020, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine compensation filed on or about October 11, 2022, in the United States Court of Federal CJaims as petition No. 22- 1487V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable , upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 3 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confor.mity with the tenns of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation. then the parties' settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this Stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties, respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury, and/or any other injury. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION I I I I I I I I I I 4 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: ~PH Director, Division of Injury Senior Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services Washington, DC 20044-0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 08W-25A (202) 616-9847 Rockville, :MD 20857 ryan.pyles@usdoj.gov Dated: , 4 - /{) 2oJ!. '( 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_22-vv-01487-cl-extra-11126763 Date issued/filed: 2025-08-25 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10660176 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 22-1487V COURTNEY BROOKS, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: July 24, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Jason Barton Eshelman, Eshelman Legal Group, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, for Petitioner. Ryan Daniel Pyles, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1 On October 11, 2022, Courtney Brooks 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 an injury of “left shoulder pain and left arm pain with intermittent weakness” as a result of her September 21, 2020 vaccination. Petition, ECF No. 1. On July 12, 2024, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the parties’ stipulation. ECF No. 27. 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 $11,199.91 (representing $10,542.50 in fees plus $657.41 in costs). Application for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (“Motion”) filed February 18, 2025. ECF No. 31. Furthermore, Petitioner filed a signed statement representing that she incurred no personal out-of- pocket expenses. ECF No. 31-3. Respondent reacted to the motion on March 3, 2025, stating that he does not object to the overall amount sought and does not oppose Petitioner’s request in this case. ECF No. 32. Petitioner filed no reply thereafter. TIMELINESS OF MOTION Vaccine Rule 13 provides that a request for fees and costs must be filed within 180 days after judgment is entered. RCFC, Vaccine Rule 13(a). In this case, judgment was entered on August 15, 2024, so Petitioner’s motion was due on February 11, 2025. But Petitioner filed her motion for attorney's fees and costs, seven days past the required deadline, on February 18, 2025. Petitioner did not provide justification for the untimely filing, and did not file a motion for extension of time. I will award attorney's fees and costs in this matter despite the motion’s untimeliness. And I note that a fees award is appropriate since the case was resolved in the Petitioner’s favor and the time devoted to the matter was reasonable. But counsel should not expect the same leniency for future fees requests. Untimely requests will be denied or result in a curtailed award. ATTORNEY FEES I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s request. Petitioner requests that I apply the hourly rate of $300.00 for work performed by attorney Jason B. Eshelman and the hourly rate of $125.00 for paralegal work performed in this case for all time billed in the 2021-24 timeframe. I find these rates to be reasonable and consistent with prior determinations and shall be awarded. LITIGATION COSTS Petitioner requests reimbursement of $657.41 in litigation costs. Such costs are associated with medical records invoices and the Court’s filing fee. I have reviewed the requested costs, but find that Petitioner’s counsel has not substantiated them with the required supporting documentation, such as an invoice or proof of payment. See ECF No. 2 31-2. 3 It is well established in the Program that failure to include complete documentation in support of a request may result in the denial, or reduction in amount, of an attorney’s fees and costs award per Vaccine Rule 13(a)(1). See Guidelines for Practice Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program at 74-78 (emphasis added). 4 When Petitioners fail to provide appropriate documentation to substantiate a requested cost, special masters have refrained from awarding the relevant sum. See, e.g., Gardner-Cook v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 99-480V, 2005 WL 6122520, at *4 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 30, 2005). I will allow reimbursement for the Court’s filing fee of $402.00, since the fact of that expense is clearly substantiated by the case’s docket report, but I disallow reimbursement for all other unsubstantiated costs. Application of the foregoing reduces the total amount of litigation costs to be awarded by $255.41. 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. Petitioner is awarded attorneys’ fees and costs in the total amount of $10,944.50 (representing $10,542.50 in fees plus $402.00 in costs) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. In the absence of a timely-filed motion for review (see Appendix B to the Rules of the Court), the Clerk of Court shall enter judgment in accordance with this Decision. 5 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 4 The guidelines f or Practice Under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program can be f ound at: https://www.uscfc.uscourts.gov/guidelines-practice-under-national-vaccine-injury-compensation-program 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. 3