Rhonda Bruxvoort v. HHS - Tdap, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

On November 30, 2023, Rhonda Bruxvoort filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 30, 2022 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. She also received a Tdap vaccine in the opposite deltoid that day, but she did not seek compensation for that injection.

Respondent conceded entitlement for the flu-related SIRVA in June 2024, but the parties could not resolve damages. The damages decision described a mild SIRVA that resolved in about eight months.

Ms. Bruxvoort reported bilateral shoulder pain at her first post-vaccination visit, but the compensable claim was tied to the flu shot.

Her treatment included three cortisone injections and eighteen physical therapy sessions. She requested more compensation, including expenses for a primary-care visit on the vaccination date and CryoSpa visits, while respondent argued for a lower amount and challenged whether those expenses were sufficiently tied to SIRVA treatment.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran awarded damages on August 14, 2025.

He awarded $65,000.00 for pain and suffering and $61.27 in mileage reimbursement, for a total of $65,061.27, and declined the other claimed expense items.