VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01593 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01593 Petitioner: Sara Primus Filed: 2024-10-07 Decided: 2025-08-21 Vaccine: human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination date: 2023-10-03 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 52817.03 AI-assisted case summary: On October 7, 2024, Sara Primus filed a petition alleging that a human papillomavirus vaccine administered on October 3, 2023 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Respondent conceded entitlement, and Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found Ms. Primus entitled to compensation for SIRVA on June 18, 2025. The public entitlement and damages documents do not provide a detailed clinical chronology of first pain, treatment visits, imaging, injections, physical therapy, or residual limitations. On August 21, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran adopted respondent's damages proffer and awarded $52,500.00 for pain and suffering and $317.03 in unreimbursed expenses, for a total lump sum of $52,817.03. Theory of causation field: HPV vaccine October 3, 2023 causing Table SIRVA; adult, exact age not stated; onset within Table period. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. Public documents lack clinical chronology. Award $52,500 pain/suffering + $317.03 expenses = $52,817.03. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition October 7, 2024; entitlement June 18, 2025; damages August 21, 2025. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01593-0 Date issued/filed: 2025-07-18 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 06/18/2025) regarding 19 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:24-vv-01593-UNJ Document 22 Filed 07/18/25 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1593V SARA PRIMUS, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: June 18, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Benjamin Patrick Warder, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On October 7, 2024, Sara Primus filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) following a HPV vaccination she received on October 3, 2023. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that her symptoms “lasted for more than six (6) months.” Id. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On June 9, 2025, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1. 1 Because this Ruling 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 Ruling 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). Case 1:24-vv-01593-UNJ Document 22 Filed 07/18/25 Page 2 of 2 Respondent states that “Petitioner’s alleged injury is consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table. Specifically, Petitioner had no history of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction of her left shoulder prior to vaccination; pain occurred within forty-eight hours after receipt of an intramuscular vaccination; pain and reduced ROM were limited to the shoulder in which the vaccinations were administered; and no other condition or abnormality has been identified to explain Petitioner’s left shoulder pain.” Id. at 3-4. Respondent further agrees that “based on the record as it now stands, Petitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act.” Id. at 4. In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01593-cl-extra-11102985 Date issued/filed: 2025-07-18 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10636398 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1593V SARA PRIMUS, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: June 18, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Benjamin Patrick Warder, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT 1 On October 7, 2024, Sara Primus filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) following a HPV vaccination she received on October 3, 2023. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that her symptoms “lasted for more than six (6) months.” Id. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On June 9, 2025, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) report in which he concedes that Petitioner is entitled to compensation in this case. Respondent’s Rule 4(c) Report at 1. 1 Because this Ruling 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 Ruling 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 states that “Petitioner’s alleged injury is consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table. Specifically, Petitioner had no history of pain, inflammation, or dysfunction of her left shoulder prior to vaccination; pain occurred within forty-eight hours after receipt of an intramuscular vaccination; pain and reduced ROM were limited to the shoulder in which the vaccinations were administered; and no other condition or abnormality has been identified to explain Petitioner’s left shoulder pain.” Id. at 3-4. Respondent further agrees that “based on the record as it now stands, Petitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act.” Id. at 4. In view of Respondent’s position and the evidence of record, I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation. IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 2 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 3: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01593-1 Date issued/filed: 2025-09-25 Pages: 5 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 08/21/2025) regarding 25 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:24-vv-01593-UNJ Document 29 Filed 09/25/25 Page 1 of 5 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1593V SARA PRIMUS, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: August 21, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Benjamin Patrick Warder, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On October 7, 2024, Sara Primus filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) following a HPV vaccination she received on October 3, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On June 18, 2025, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for her SIRVA. On August 20, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $52,817.03, comprised of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering and $317.03 for past unreimbursed expenses. Proffer at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees 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). Case 1:24-vv-01593-UNJ Document 29 Filed 09/25/25 Page 2 of 5 with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $52,817.03, comprised of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering and $317.03 for past unreimbursed expenses, 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 Section 15(a). 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-01593-UNJ Document 29 Filed 09/25/25 Page 3 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS SARA PRIMUS, Petitioner, No. 24-1593V (ECF) v. Chief Special Master Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On October 7, 2024, Sara Primus (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act”), alleging that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table, following administration of a human papillomavirus vaccine that she received on October 3, 2023. ECF No. 1 at 1. On June 9, 2025, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) report indicating that this case was appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Vaccine Act for a SIRVA Table Injury. ECF No. 16. On June 18, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding that petitioner was entitled to compensation. ECF No. 19. I. Items of Compensation A. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $52,500.00 for pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. 1 Case 1:24-vv-01593-UNJ Document 29 Filed 09/25/25 Page 4 of 5 B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioner documents that she incurred past unreimbursable expenses pertaining to her vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $317.03. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(a)(1)(B). Petitioner agrees. These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following:1 a lump sum payment of $52,817.03, to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account. Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division COLLEEN C. HARTLEY Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division 1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost earnings and future pain and suffering. 2 Case 1:24-vv-01593-UNJ Document 29 Filed 09/25/25 Page 5 of 5 /s/ Benjamin P. Warder BENJAMIN P. WARDER Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146, Ben Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 Telephone: (202) 532-5464 DATE: August 20, 2025 Email: Benjamin.P.Warder@usdoj.gov 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 4: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01593-cl-extra-11144266 Date issued/filed: 2025-09-25 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10677679 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1593V SARA PRIMUS, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: August 21, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Benjamin Patrick Warder, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES 1 On October 7, 2024, Sara Primus filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). Petitioner alleges that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) following a HPV vaccination she received on October 3, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On June 18, 2025, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for her SIRVA. On August 20, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”) indicating Petitioner should be awarded $52,817.03, comprised of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering and $317.03 for past unreimbursed expenses. Proffer at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees 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). with the proffered award. Id. Based on the record as a whole, I find that Petitioner is entitled to an award as stated in the Proffer. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Proffer, I award Petitioner a lump sum payment of $52,817.03, comprised of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering and $317.03 for past unreimbursed expenses, 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 Section 15(a). 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 SARA PRIMUS, Petitioner, v. No. 24-1593V (ECF) Chief Special Master Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On October 7, 2024, Sara Primus (“petitioner”) filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act”), alleging that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table, following administration of a human papillomavirus vaccine that she received on October 3, 2023. ECF No. 1 at 1. On June 9, 2025, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) report indicating that this case was appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Vaccine Act for a SIRVA Table Injury. ECF No. 16. On June 18, 2025, Chief Special Master Corcoran issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding that petitioner was entitled to compensation. ECF No. 19. I. Items of Compensation A. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $52,500.00 for pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. 1 B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioner documents that she incurred past unreimbursable expenses pertaining to her vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $317.03. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(a)(1)(B). Petitioner agrees. These amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner is entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to petitioner should be made through a lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following:1 a lump sum payment of $52,817.03, to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account. Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division COLLEEN C. HARTLEY Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division 1 Should petitioner die prior to entry of judgment, the parties reserve the right to move the Court for appropriate relief. In particular, respondent would oppose any award for future lost earnings and future pain and suffering. 2 /s/ Benjamin P. Warder BENJAMIN P. WARDER Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146, Ben Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 Telephone: (202) 532-5464 DATE: August 20, 2025 Email: Benjamin.P.Warder@usdoj.gov 3