VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01974 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01974 Petitioner: Karlee Sparkman Filed: 2024-12-02 Decided: 2025-07-28 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2023-10-06 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 56141 AI-assisted case summary: Karlee Sparkman filed a petition on December 2, 2024, alleging that she suffered a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration after receiving an influenza vaccine on October 6, 2023. She alleged residual effects for more than six months and no prior civil recovery. Respondent conceded entitlement in a Rule 4(c) report, stating that Ms. Sparkman's injury was consistent with Table SIRVA and that all legal requirements for compensation were met. Chief Special Master Corcoran granted entitlement on July 23, 2025. The public entitlement ruling does not set out a detailed treatment chronology. Damages were awarded on July 28, 2025. Ms. Sparkman received $52,500.00 for pain and suffering, $700.96 for past unreimbursed expenses, and $2,939.55 for a Kentucky Medicaid lien payable jointly to petitioner and Anthem Medicaid, for a total award of $56,140.51. A later fee decision concerned attorney compensation only. Ms. Sparkman was represented by Bridget Candace McCullough of Muller Brazil LLP in Dresher, Pennsylvania. Theory of causation field: Influenza vaccine on October 6, 2023 causing Table SIRVA. ENTITLEMENT CONCEDED; COMPENSATED. Respondent conceded injury consistent with Table SIRVA and residual effects more than six months. Petition filed December 2, 2024; entitlement July 23, 2025; damages July 28, 2025 by Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran. Award $56,140.51 total: $52,500 pain and suffering, $700.96 unreimbursed expenses, $2,939.55 Kentucky Medicaid lien to Anthem Medicaid. Later fee award was attorney compensation only. Attorney: Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil LLP. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01974-0 Date issued/filed: 2025-08-26 Pages: 2 Docket text: PUBLIC ORDER/RULING (Originally filed: 07/23/2025) regarding 16 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:24-vv-01974-UNJ Document 24 Filed 08/26/25 Page 1 of 2 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1974V KARLEE SPARKMAN Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: July 23, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Jay Travis Williamson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT1 On December 2, 2024, Karlee Sparkman 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 “Table Injury” of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as the result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccination received on October 6, 2023. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, that the vaccine was administered within the United States, and that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action on her behalf as a result of her injury. Id. at 1, 4. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. 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-01974-UNJ Document 24 Filed 08/26/25 Page 2 of 2 On July 14, 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 Conceding Entitlement to Compensation at 5. Specifically, Respondent has concluded that Petitioner’s injury is consistent with a SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury table. Id. Respondent further agrees that Petitioner has suffered the sequela of her injury for more than six months and all other legal requirements have been met for compensation under the Act. Id. 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-01974-cl-extra-11127487 Date issued/filed: 2025-08-26 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10660900 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1974V KARLEE SPARKMAN Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: July 23, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Jay Travis Williamson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. RULING ON ENTITLEMENT 1 On December 2, 2024, Karlee Sparkman 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 “Table Injury” of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as the result of an influenza (“flu”) vaccination received on October 6, 2023. Petition at 1. Petitioner further alleges that she suffered the residual effects of her injury for more than six months, that the vaccine was administered within the United States, and that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action on her behalf as a result of her injury. Id. at 1, 4. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. 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). On July 14, 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 Conceding Entitlement to Compensation at 5. Specifically, Respondent has concluded that Petitioner’s injury is consistent with a SIRVA as defined by the Vaccine Injury table. Id. Respondent further agrees that Petitioner has suffered the sequela of her injury for more than six months and all other legal requirements have been met for compensation under the Act. Id. 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-01974-1 Date issued/filed: 2025-09-09 Pages: 5 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 07/28/2025) regarding 19 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (ppa) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:24-vv-01974-UNJ Document 25 Filed 09/09/25 Page 1 of 5 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1974V KARLEE SPARKMAN Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: July 28, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Jay Travis Williamson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1 On July 14, 2025, Karlee Sparkman 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 a result of an influenza vaccine administered on October 6, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On July 23, 2025, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for a SIRVA. On July 24, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation indicating Petitioner should be awarded $53,200.96 (comprised of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering and $700.96 for unreimbursed expenses) and $2,939.55 to satisfy a State of Kentucky Medicaid Lien. Respondent’s Proffer on Award of Compensation (“Proffer”) at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner 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-01974-UNJ Document 25 Filed 09/09/25 Page 2 of 5 agrees 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 Proffer, I award Petitioner A. A lump sum payment of $53,200.96 (comprised of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering, and $700.96 for past unreimbursed expenses) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner; and B. A lump sum payment of $2,939.55 representing compensation for satisfaction of the State of Kentucky Medicaid Lien lien in the form of a check payable jointly to Petitioner and Anthem Medicaid, and mailed to: Carelon ATTN: Patricia Wyland, Subrogation Analyst P.O. Box 659940 San Antonio, TX 78265-9939 Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to Anthem for satisfaction of the Medicaid lien. 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-01974-UNJ Document 25 Filed 09/09/25 Page 3 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS KARLEE SPARKMAN, Petitioner, No. 24-1974V Chief Special Master Corcoran v. ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On July 14, 2025, respondent filed a Vaccine Rule 4(c) report concluding that petitioner suffered an injury that is compensable under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34, that is, a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table. Accordingly, on July 23, 2025, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement. I. Compensation for Vaccine Injury-Related Items A. Pain and Suffering Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded a lump sum of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering, in the form of a check payable to petitioner. Petitioner agrees. B. Medicaid Lien Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded funds to satisfy the State of Kentucky Medicaid lien in the amount of $2,939.55, which represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the State of Kentucky may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid payments the State of Kentucky has made to or on behalf of petitioner from the date of her eligibility for benefits through the date of Case 1:24-vv-01974-UNJ Document 25 Filed 09/09/25 Page 4 of 5 judgment in this case as a result of her alleged vaccine-related injury suffered on or about November 6, 2023, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The above amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. C. 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 $700.96. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(a)(1)(B). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner should be made through two lump sum payments described below, and request that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following: 1 A. A lump sum payment of $53,200.96 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner; and B. A lump sum payment of $2,939.55, representing compensation for satisfaction of the State of Kentucky Medicaid lien, in the form of a check payable jointly to Anthem Medicaid and petitioner, and mailed to: Carelon ATTN: Patricia Wyland, Subrogation Analyst P.O. Box 659940 San Antonio, TX 78265-9939 Petitioner agrees to endorse the check to Anthem for satisfaction of the Medicaid lien. 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 medical expenses, future pain and suffering, and future lost wages. 2 Case 1:24-vv-01974-UNJ Document 25 Filed 09/09/25 Page 5 of 5 Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General Civil Division C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division ALEXIS BABCOCK Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ J. Travis Williamson J. TRAVIS WILLIAMSON 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) 598-1099 Jay.T.Williamson@usdoj.gov DATED: July 24, 2025 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 4: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01974-cl-extra-11135098 Date issued/filed: 2025-09-09 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10668511 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1974V KARLEE SPARKMAN Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: July 28, 2025 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Jay Travis Williamson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES 1 On July 14, 2025, Karlee Sparkman 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 a result of an influenza vaccine administered on October 6, 2023. Petition at 1. The case was assigned to the Special Processing Unit of the Office of Special Masters. On July 23, 2025, a ruling on entitlement was issued, finding Petitioner entitled to compensation for a SIRVA. On July 24, 2025, Respondent filed a proffer on award of compensation indicating Petitioner should be awarded $53,200.96 (comprised of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering and $700.96 for unreimbursed expenses) and $2,939.55 to satisfy a State of Kentucky Medicaid Lien. Respondent’s Proffer on Award of Compensation (“Proffer”) at 1-2. In the Proffer, Respondent represented that Petitioner 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). agrees 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 Proffer, I award Petitioner A. A lump sum payment of $53,200.96 (comprised of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering, and $700.96 for past unreimbursed expenses) to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner; and B. A lump sum payment of $2,939.55 representing compensation for satisfaction of the State of Kentucky Medicaid Lien lien in the form of a check payable jointly to Petitioner and Anthem Medicaid, and mailed to: Carelon ATTN: Patricia Wyland, Subrogation Analyst P.O. Box 659940 San Antonio, TX 78265-9939 Petitioner agrees to endorse this check to Anthem for satisfaction of the Medicaid lien. 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 KARLEE SPARKMAN, Petitioner, No. 24-1974V Chief Special Master Corcoran v. ECF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION On July 14, 2025, respondent filed a Vaccine Rule 4(c) report concluding that petitioner suffered an injury that is compensable under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 to -34, that is, a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”), as defined in the Vaccine Injury Table. Accordingly, on July 23, 2025, the Chief Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement. I. Compensation for Vaccine Injury-Related Items A. Pain and Suffering Based upon the evidence of record, respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded a lump sum of $52,500.00 for pain and suffering, in the form of a check payable to petitioner. Petitioner agrees. B. Medicaid Lien Respondent proffers that petitioner should be awarded funds to satisfy the State of Kentucky Medicaid lien in the amount of $2,939.55, which represents full satisfaction of any right of subrogation, assignment, claim, lien, or cause of action the State of Kentucky may have against any individual as a result of any Medicaid payments the State of Kentucky has made to or on behalf of petitioner from the date of her eligibility for benefits through the date of judgment in this case as a result of her alleged vaccine-related injury suffered on or about November 6, 2023, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The above amounts represent all elements of compensation to which petitioner would be entitled under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(a). Petitioner agrees. C. 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 $700.96. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- 15(a)(1)(B). Petitioner agrees. II. Form of the Award Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case. The parties recommend that compensation provided to petitioner should be made through two lump sum payments described below, and request that the Chief Special Master’s decision and the Court’s judgment award the following: 1 A. A lump sum payment of $53,200.96 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner; and B. A lump sum payment of $2,939.55, representing compensation for satisfaction of the State of Kentucky Medicaid lien, in the form of a check payable jointly to Anthem Medicaid and petitioner, and mailed to: Carelon ATTN: Patricia Wyland, Subrogation Analyst P.O. Box 659940 San Antonio, TX 78265-9939 Petitioner agrees to endorse the check to Anthem for satisfaction of the Medicaid lien. 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 medical expenses, future pain and suffering, and future lost wages. 2 Respectfully submitted, BRETT A. SHUMATE Assistant Attorney General Civil Division C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO Director Torts Branch, Civil Division HEATHER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director Torts Branch, Civil Division ALEXIS BABCOCK Assistant Director Torts Branch, Civil Division /s/ J. Travis Williamson J. TRAVIS WILLIAMSON 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) 598-1099 Jay.T.Williamson@usdoj.gov DATED: July 24, 2025 3 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 5: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01974-cl-extra-11309342 Date issued/filed: 2026-04-10 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10841989 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1974V KARLEE SPARKMAN, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, Filed: March 10, 2026 v. SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. Bridget Candace McCullough, Muller Brazil, LLP, Dresher, PA, for Petitioner. Jay Travis Williamson, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS 1 On July 14, 2025, Karlee Sparkman 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 following an influenza vaccine she received on October 6, 2023. Petition, ECF No. 1. On July 23, 2025, I issued a ruling on entitlement finding Petitioner entitled to compensation. ECF No. 16. On July 28, 2025, I issued a decision awarding compensation to Petitioner based on the Respondent’s proffer. ECF No. 19. 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. 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). Petitioner has now filed a motion for attorney’s fees and costs, requesting an award of $14,344.00 (representing $13,920.70 in fees plus $423.30 in costs). Application for Attorneys’ Fees and Costs (“Motion”) filed December 27, 2025. ECF No. 27. Furthermore, Petitioner filed a signed statement representing that no personal out-of-pocket expenses were incurred. ECF No. 26. Respondent reacted to the motion on December 30, 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. 28. Petitioner filed no reply thereafter. I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s request and find a reduction in the amount of fees to be awarded appropriate, for the reason listed below. ANALYSIS The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successful claimants. Section 15(e). Counsel must submit fee requests that include contemporaneous and specific billing records indicating the service performed, the number of hours expended on the service, and the name of the person performing the service. See Savin v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 85 Fed. Cl. 313, 316-18 (2008). Counsel should not include in their fee requests hours that are “excessive, redundant, or otherwise unnecessary.” Saxton v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 3 F.3d 1517, 1521 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (quoting Hensley v. Eckerhart, 461 U.S. 424, 434 (1983)). It is “well within the special master’s discretion to reduce the hours to a number that, in [her] experience and judgment, [is] reasonable for the work done.” Id. at 1522. Furthermore, the special master may reduce a fee request sua sponte, apart from objections raised by respondent and without providing a petitioner notice and opportunity to respond. See Sabella v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 86 Fed. Cl. 201, 209 (2009). A special master need not engage in a line-by-line analysis of petitioner’s fee application when reducing fees. Broekelschen v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 102 Fed. Cl. 719, 729 (2011). The petitioner “bears the burden of establishing the hours expended, the rates charged, and the expenses incurred.” Wasson v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 24 Cl. Ct. 482, 484 (1991). The Petitioner “should present adequate proof [of the attorney’s fees and costs sought] at the time of the submission.” Wasson, 24 Cl. Ct. at 484 n.1. Petitioner’s counsel “should make a good faith effort to exclude from a fee request hours that are excessive, redundant, or otherwise unnecessary, just as a lawyer in private 2 practice ethically is obligated to exclude such hours from his fee submission.” Hensley, 461 U.S. at 434. ATTORNEY FEES I have reviewed the billing records submitted with Petitioner’s request. The rates requested for work performed through 2025 are reasonable and consistent with our prior determinations and are hereby awarded herein. However, a few of the tasks performed by attorney Bridget McCullough in this matter are more properly billed using a paralegal rate. 3 “Tasks that can be completed by a paralegal or a legal assistant should not be billed at an attorney’s rate.” Riggins v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. 99-382V, 2009 WL 3319818, at *21 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. June 15, 2009). “[T]he rate at which such work is compensated turns not on who ultimately performed the task but instead turns on the nature of the task performed.” Doe/11 v. Sec’y of Health & Hum. Servs., No. XX-XXXXV, 2010 WL 529425, at *9 (Fed. Cl. Spec. Mstr. Jan. 29, 2010). Although these billing entries reflect reasonably performed tasks, they must be charged at a reduced rate comparable to that of a paralegal. Application of the foregoing reduces the amount of fees to be awarded by $270.60. 4 ATTORNEY COSTS Petitioner has provided supporting documentation for all claimed costs. ECF No. 27 at 10-11. Respondent offered no specific objection to the rates or amounts sought. I find the requested costs reasonable and hereby award them in full. CONCLUSION The Vaccine Act permits an award of reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for successful claimants. Section 15(e). Accordingly, I hereby GRANT, in part, Petitioner’s Motion for attorney’s fees and costs. Petitioner is awarded attorneys’ fees and costs in the total amount of $14,073.40 (representing $13,650.10 in fees plus $423.30 in 3 Entries considered paralegal in nature include drafting requests for medical records, following up on medical records requests and drafting basic documents such as an exhibit list, PAR questionnaire, notice of filing, notice of intent, statement of completion, cover sheet, joint notice not to seek review. See billing entries dated: 12/2/2024 (3 entries), 12/27/2024, 7/28/2025, 7/30/2025 (2 entries). ECF No. 27 at 6-8. 4 This amount is calculated as follows: ($375.00 - $177.00 = $198.00 x 0.70 hrs.) + ($400.00 - $180.00 = $220.00 x 0.60 hrs.) = $270.60. 3 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. 5 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 5 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by filing a joint notice renouncing their right to seek review. 4