Ariana Martinez v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2026)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
Ariana Martinez filed a petition on December 20, 2023, alleging a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration after receiving influenza and Tdap vaccines on January 23, 2023. The case involved a contested severity issue before it was resolved.
The medical records showed early complaints of left arm and shoulder problems. On February 7, 2023, Ms.
Martinez reported a small hard lump at the injection site and ongoing pain. On February 10, she reported left arm pain after the vaccines, and physical therapy later recorded left elbow and arm pain with shooting sensations and numbness into the forearm.
Respondent challenged whether the residual-effects requirement was met and also raised issues about onset, limited range of motion, and whether symptoms were shoulder-limited. Chief Special Master Corcoran found that the six-month severity requirement was more likely than not satisfied.
The parties later filed a joint stipulation. Respondent denied Table SIRVA, causation, significant aggravation, and sequelae, but agreed to resolve the claim.
On March 3, 2026, Chief Special Master Corcoran awarded Ms. Martinez $20,135.33 as a lump sum through counsel's IOLTA account.
She was represented by Leah VaSahnja Durant of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant PLLC.
Theory of causation
Influenza and Tdap vaccines on January 23, 2023 allegedly causing SIRVA/left arm-shoulder injury. COMPENSATED by stipulation after severity finding. Key evidence: February 2023 reports of injection-site lump, left arm pain, left shoulder/arm symptoms, PT notes with shooting pain and numbness; respondent contested severity, onset, ROM, and shoulder-limited symptoms. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran found six-month residual-effects requirement met; respondent still denied causation in stipulation. Petition filed December 20, 2023; severity ruling July 28, 2025; damages decision March 3, 2026. Award $20,135.33 lump sum. Attorney: Leah VaSahnja Durant.