VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01185 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01185 Petitioner: Denice Pracht Filed: 2024-08-02 Decided: 2026-01-20 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2023-09-29 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 25000 AI-assisted case summary: On August 2, 2024, Denice Pracht filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered on September 29, 2023 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Respondent denied that Ms. Pracht sustained a Table SIRVA, denied that the vaccine caused her alleged SIRVA or any other injury, and denied that her current condition was a vaccine-related sequela. The public stipulation does not describe onset, treatment, imaging, therapy, injections, or functional limitations. On January 20, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded a lump sum of $25,000.00 through counsel's IOLTA account. Theory of causation field: Influenza vaccine September 29, 2023 allegedly causing SIRVA; adult, exact age not stated. COMPENSATED by stipulation. Respondent denied Table SIRVA, causation, and sequelae; public text lacks clinical detail. Award $25,000. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition August 2, 2024; decision January 20, 2026. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01185-0 Date issued/filed: 2026-02-24 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 01/20/2026) regarding 25 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (cr) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:24-vv-01185-UNJ Document 29 Filed 02/24/26 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1185V DENICE PRACHT, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: January 20, 2026 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Margaret Armstrong, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On August 2, 2024, Denice Pracht filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to Petitioner’s receipt of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is listed in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a), on September 29, 2023. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) within the time period set forth in the Table following administration of the vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months. 1Because 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. 2National 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 1:24-vv-01185-UNJ Document 29 Filed 02/24/26 Page 2 of 7 Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a Table SIRVA; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that Petitioner’s current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Nevertheless, on January 20, 2026, 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 $25,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement 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 1:24-vv-01185-UNJ Document 29 Filed 02/24/26 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS DENICE PRACHT, Petitioner, No. 24-1185V Chief Special Mast.er Corcoran v. FCF SECRETARY OF HEALTII AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Denice Pracht ("petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury 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 Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on September 29, 2023. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that petitioner sustained a right shoulder injury reJated to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table following administration of the vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that petitioner experienced the residual effects of the alleged injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on petitioner's behalf as a result of the alleged injury. Case 1:24-vv-01185-UNJ Document 29 Filed 02/24/26 Page 4 of 7 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that petitioner's current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related 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 descn'bed 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 bas filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(J ), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation: A lump sum payment of $25,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment 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~2 l(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incwred in proceeding upon this petition. 10. Petitioner and petitioner's attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any 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 by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. 2 Case 1:24-vv-01185-UNJ Document 29 Filed 02/24/26 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 accordancewitb 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 attorney's fees and litigation costs, and pastunreimbursed expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of4 2 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditiom of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments desm"bed in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in petitioner's individual capacity, and on behalfo fp etitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns. does forever irrevocably and unconditionalJy 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 petitionerresu1ting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on September 29, 2023, as alleged in a petition forvaccine compensation filed on or about August 2, 2024, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 24-1185V. 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 1:24-vv-01185-UNJ Document 29 Filed 02/24/26 Page 6 of 7 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete conformity 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 conformity 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 compJete 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 slated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award descnbed 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. t 1. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United Slates or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged SIRVA or any other injury or petitioner's current condition, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 Case 1:24-vv-01185-UNJ Document 29 Filed 02/24/26 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: DENICE PRACHT ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTAT NE PEfITIONER: OF TIJE ATTORNEY GENERAL: --41<.~lf:/?~ C. HEAT IIER L. PEARLMAN ler Brazil Deputy Director 715 Twining Road, Sm 208 Torts Branch Dresher, PA 19025 Civil Division (215) 885-1655 U.S. Department of Justice bridget@mullerbrazil.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTII RESPONDENT: AND HUMsAN SERVICES: Jeffrey Oigltalfy signed by -s• Jeffrey S. Beach •S Beach Date: 2026.01.06 09-.31:50-os·OO' for CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH MARGARET ARMSTRONG Director, Division of Injury 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, 14W-18 (202) 616-4043 Rockville, MD 20857 margaret.armstrong@usdoj.gov 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01185-cl-extra-11267032 Date issued/filed: 2026-02-24 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10800356 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1185V DENICE PRACHT, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: January 20, 2026 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Margaret Armstrong, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On August 2, 2024, Denice Pracht filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to Petitioner’s receipt of an influenza (“flu”) vaccine, which vaccine is listed in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a), on September 29, 2023. Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) within the time period set forth in the Table following administration of the vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that she experienced the residual effects of this condition for more than six months. 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). Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a Table SIRVA; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that Petitioner’s current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. Nevertheless, on January 20, 2026, 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 $25,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement 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 DENICE PRACHT, Petitioner, No. 24-1185V Chief Special Mast.er Corcoran v. FCF SECRETARY OF HEALTII AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Denice Pracht ("petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury 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 Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received a flu vaccine on September 29, 2023. 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that petitioner sustained a right shoulder injury reJated to vaccine administration ("SIRVA") within the time period set forth in the Table following administration of the vaccine. Petitioner further alleges that petitioner experienced the residual effects of the alleged injury for more than six months. 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on petitioner's behalf as a result of the alleged injury. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged SIRVA, or any other injury; and denies that petitioner's current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related 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 descn'bed 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 bas filed an election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-21(a)(J ), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation: A lump sum payment of $25,000.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's counsel's IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofjudgment 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~2 l(a)(l), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incwred in proceeding upon this petition. 10. Petitioner and petitioner's attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be expected to be made under any 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 by 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 accordancewitb 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 attorney's fees and litigation costs, and pastunreimbursed expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner as contemplated by a strict construction of42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a) and (d), and subject to the conditiom of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g) and (h). 13. In return for the payments desm"bed in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in petitioner's individual capacity, and on behalfofpetitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns. does forever irrevocably and unconditionalJy 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 petitionerresu1ting from, or alleged to have resulted from, the flu vaccination administered on September 29, 2023, as alleged in a petition forvaccine compensation filed on or about August 2, 2024, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 24-1185V. 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 conformity 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 conformity 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 compJete 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 slated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award descnbed 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. t 1. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United Slates or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner's alleged SIRVA or any other injury or petitioner's current condition, or that petitioner suffered an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 Respectfully submitted, PETITIONER: DENICE PRACHT ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATNE PEfITIONER: OF TIJE ATTORNEY GENERAL: --41<.~ lf:/?~ C. HEATIIER L. PEARLMAN ler Brazil Deputy Director 715 Twining Road, Sm 208 Torts Branch Dresher, PA 19025 Civil Division (215) 885-1655 U.S. Department of Justice bridget@mullerbrazil.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTII RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: Jeffrey s• Oigltalfy signed by Jeffrey S. Beach •S Beach -s Date: 2026.01.06 09-.31:50-os·OO' for CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH MARGARET ARMSTRONG Director, Division of Injury 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, 14W-18 (202) 616-4043 Rockville, MD 20857 margaret.armstrong@usdoj.gov 5