VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01797 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01797 Petitioner: Lauren Belanger Filed: 2024-11-01 Decided: 2025-07-14 Vaccine: Gardasil 9 human papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination date: 2023-10-24 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 42594.45 AI-assisted case summary: On November 1, 2024, Lauren Belanger filed a petition alleging that a Gardasil 9 human papillomavirus vaccine administered on October 24, 2023 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Respondent conceded entitlement, agreeing that Ms. Belanger's injury was consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table and that she met all legal prerequisites for compensation. The public entitlement and damages documents do not describe the first symptom, treatment visits, imaging, injections, therapy, or residual limitations. Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement on April 17, 2025. On July 14, 2025, he awarded $42,500.00 for pain and suffering and $94.45 in past unreimbursed expenses, for a total of $42,594.45. Theory of causation field: Gardasil 9/HPV vaccine October 24, 2023 causing Table SIRVA; adult, exact age not stated. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. Public documents lack treatment chronology. Award $42,500 pain/suffering + $94.45 expenses = $42,594.45. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition November 1, 2024; entitlement April 17, 2025; damages July 14, 2025. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01797-0 Date issued/filed: 2025-05-22 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 04/17/2025) regarding 15 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:24-vv-01797-UNJ Document 18 Filed 05/22/25 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1797V LAUREN BELANGER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: April 17, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Nina Ren, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On November 1, 2024, Lauren Belanger 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”) as the result of a Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus or “HPV”) vaccine that she received on October 24, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On April 17, 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. Specifically, Respondent agrees that Petitioner’s alleged injury is consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table. Id. at 4 (citing 42 C.F.R. §§ 100.3(a), 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-01797-UNJ Document 18 Filed 05/22/25 Page 2 of 2 (c)(10)). Respondent further agrees that Petitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act. Id. (internal citations omitted). 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-01797-cl-extra-11056567 Date issued/filed: 2025-05-22 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10589979 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1797V LAUREN BELANGER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: April 17, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Nina Ren, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On November 1, 2024, Lauren Belanger 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”) as the result of a Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus or “HPV”) vaccine that she received on October 24, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On April 17, 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. Specifically, Respondent agrees that Petitioner’s alleged injury is consistent with SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury Table. Id. at 4 (citing 42 C.F.R. §§ 100.3(a), 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). (c)(10)). Respondent further agrees that Petitioner has satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation under the Vaccine Act. Id. (internal citations omitted). 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-01797-1 Date issued/filed: 2025-08-20 Pages: 5 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 07/14/2025) regarding 23 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:24-vv-01797-UNJ Document 27 Filed 08/20/25 Page 1 of 5 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1797V LAUREN BELANGER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: July 14, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. James Connor Daughton, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON DAMAGES1 On November 1, 2024, Lauren Belanger 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”) as the result of a Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus or “HPV”) vaccine that she received on October 24, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On April 17, 2025, a Ruling on Entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for a SIRVA. On July 14, 2025, Respondent filed a Proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”). Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the 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-01797-UNJ Document 27 Filed 08/20/25 Page 2 of 5 proffered award. Id. at 1 – 2. 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, Petitioner is awarded a lump sum of $42,594.45 (representing $42,500.00 for pain and suffering, and $94.45 for past unreimbursable expenses) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. Proffer at 1 – 2. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. 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-01797-UNJ Document 27 Filed 08/20/25 Page 3 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS ) LAUREN BELANGER, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 24-1797V v. ) Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH ) AND HUMAN SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) ) RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On November 1, 2024, Lauren Belanger (“petitioner”) filed a filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table, 42 C.F.R. § 100.3, as the result of a Gardasil 9 (“HPV”) vaccination received on October 24, 2023. Petition at 1. On April 17, 2025, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a SIRVA Table injury, and the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF Nos. 14 & 15. I. ITEMS OF COMPENSATION A. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $42,500.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. Case 1:24-vv-01797-UNJ Document 27 Filed 08/20/25 Page 4 of 5 B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioner documents that she incurred past unreimbursable expenses related to her vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $94.45. 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 $42,594.45 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. 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 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-01797-UNJ Document 27 Filed 08/20/25 Page 5 of 5 TRACI R. PATTON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division s/ J. Connor Daughton J. CONNOR DAUGHTON Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel.: (202) 305-3907 Email: james.c.daughton@usdoj.gov Dated: July 14, 2025 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 4: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01797-cl-extra-11124067 Date issued/filed: 2025-08-20 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10657480 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1797V LAUREN BELANGER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: July 14, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. James Connor Daughton, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON DAMAGES1 On November 1, 2024, Lauren Belanger 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”) as the result of a Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus or “HPV”) vaccine that she received on October 24, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On April 17, 2025, a Ruling on Entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for a SIRVA. On July 14, 2025, Respondent filed a Proffer on award of compensation (“Proffer”). Respondent represented that Petitioner agrees with the 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). proffered award. Id. at 1 – 2. 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, Petitioner is awarded a lump sum of $42,594.45 (representing $42,500.00 for pain and suffering, and $94.45 for past unreimbursable expenses) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. Proffer at 1 – 2. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. 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 ) LAUREN BELANGER, ) ) Petitioner, ) ) No. 24-1797V v. ) Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran ) ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH ) AND HUMAN SERVICES, ) ) Respondent. ) ) RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On November 1, 2024, Lauren Belanger (“petitioner”) filed a filed a petition for compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”), alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table, 42 C.F.R. § 100.3, as the result of a Gardasil 9 (“HPV”) vaccination received on October 24, 2023. Petition at 1. On April 17, 2025, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed a Rule 4(c) Report indicating that this case is appropriate for compensation under the terms of the Act for a SIRVA Table injury, and the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF Nos. 14 & 15. I. ITEMS OF COMPENSATION A. Pain and Suffering Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded $42,500.00 in pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees. B. Past Unreimbursable Expenses Evidence supplied by petitioner documents that she incurred past unreimbursable expenses related to her vaccine-related injury. Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded past unreimbursable expenses in the amount of $94.45. 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 $42,594.45 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. 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 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 TRACI R. PATTON Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division s/ J. Connor Daughton J. CONNOR DAUGHTON Trial Attorney Torts Branch, Civil Division U.S. Department of Justice P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, D.C. 20044-0146 Tel.: (202) 305-3907 Email: james.c.daughton@usdoj.gov Dated: July 14, 2025 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 5: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01797-cl-extra-11201551 Date issued/filed: 2025-11-12 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10734966 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1797V LAUREN BELANGER, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: October 10, 2025 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Leigh Finfer, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. James Connor Daughton, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1 On November 1, 2024, Lauren Belanger 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 alleged that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration as the result of a Gardasil 9 vaccine that she received on October 24, 2023. Petition, ECF No. 1. On July 14, 2025, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the Respondent’s proffer. ECF No. 23. 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 inf ormation, 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 f rom 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 ref erences to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Petitioner has now filed a motion for attorney’s fees and costs, requesting an award of $11,578.40 (representing $11,173.40 in fees plus $405.00 in costs). Application for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (“Motion”) filed August 20, 2025, ECF No. 28. Furthermore, Petitioner filed a signed statement representing that no personal out-of-pocket expenses were incurred. ECF No. 28 at 2. Respondent reacted to the motion on September 2, 2025, indicating that he is satisfied the statutory requirements for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs are met in this case but deferring resolution of the amount to be awarded to my discretion. Motion at 2-4, ECF No. 29. Petitioner filed no reply thereafter. I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s request. In my experience, the request appears reasonable, and I find no cause to reduce the requested hours or rates. Furthermore, Petitioner has provided supporting documentation for all claimed costs. ECF No. 28 at 12. Respondent offered no specific objection to the rates or amounts sought. I find the requested costs reasonable and hereby award them in full. The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successful claimants. Section 15(e). Accordingly, I hereby GRANT Petitioner’s Motion for attorney’s fees and costs. Petitioner is awarded attorneys’ fees and costs in the total amount of $11,578.40 (representing $11,173.40 in fees plus $405.00 in costs) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement. In the absence of a timely-filed motion for review (see Appendix B to the Rules of the Court), the Clerk of Court shall 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), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by f iling a joint notice renouncing their right to seek review. 2