Valinda Torres v. HHS - Influenza, shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (2026)

Valinda Torres filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) after receiving an influenza vaccination on October 13, 2021. She further alleged that she suffered residual effects for more than six months and had no prior award or settlement for this injury.

Respondent denied that petitioner suffered a Table SIRVA or that the flu vaccine caused her condition. Nevertheless, the parties filed a joint stipulation agreeing that a decision should be entered awarding compensation.

Chief Special Master Corcoran found the stipulation reasonable and adopted it as his decision, awarding a lump sum of $47,500.00 for all items of damages. The parties agreed to this settlement, with respondent denying liability but agreeing to compensation.