Rebecca Strehl v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

On May 31, 2023, Rebecca Strehl filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccination on September 23, 2021 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. She was 67 years old.

Respondent conceded entitlement, and Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found her entitled to compensation on April 5, 2024.

The damages decision tells a fuller story. Ms.

Strehl had a prior slip-and-fall history involving other body parts, but there was no documented pre-vaccination left-shoulder problem. Within about twelve days of the flu shot, she developed left-shoulder pain that interfered with sleep, occurred at rest, and worsened with movement.

Medical providers documented decreased range of motion, pain-related weakness, and impingement signs. Imaging showed labral tearing, rotator-cuff tendinopathy, and acromioclavicular arthritis.

She received steroid injections, medication, and on February 21, 2022 underwent arthroscopic left-shoulder surgery. During recovery, Ms.

Strehl developed right-shoulder pain that she attributed to overuse while protecting the left shoulder. Chief Special Master Corcoran recognized a temporary right-shoulder overuse injury as a sequela of the vaccine injury, but did not compensate later degenerative shoulder changes not clearly tied to the vaccination.

He also rejected respondent's request to offset a prior settlement related to a knee injury. On October 8, 2025, Ms.

Strehl was awarded $140,000.00 for past pain and suffering, paid through counsel's IOLTA account. No separate unreimbursed expenses or lost wages were awarded.